He shook his head, but did not speak further.
After another study of his own boat through the glass, Alvin remarked uneasily:
"I don't see anything of Mike. George, did you notice him?"
George shook his head without looking round.
"What do you think, Chester?" asked his friend.
"Probably he has been up all night and has fallen asleep," was the reply of Chester, spoken with so much confidence that for the moment it quieted the alarm of the other.
"That would be just like Mike. Something has gone wrong with the engine and he hasn't the first idea of what he should do to repair it; so when worn out, he has lain down and gone to sleep. We shall have the joke on Mike when we see him."
George's lips were compressed and he remained silent until half the intervening distance was passed; then he looked over his shoulder.
"Young men, the reason you don't see Mike is because he isn't on that boat!"