"Well, you haven't nor have I. The governor has no patience with this fashion among boys of carrying deadly weapons. The temptation to use them when there is no need is too great."
Chester shook his head in dissent, and as they resumed their walk discussed the near future, for it was prudent to do so. After they had crossed the second bridge at the northern end of Hodgdon Island, he said:
"It can't be much farther to that inlet where we may or may not find the Deerfoot. It is time we made up our minds what to do. Suppose we come upon your boat with the thieves in charge, shall we tell them they have been very naughty and must go away and let us have the property without making any fuss?"
Alvin laughed.
"Maybe that's as good a plan as any. I believe I can convince them that the wisest thing for them to do is to turn the boat over to us and clear out."
"If they are desperate enough to rob post offices and steal a motor launch, they are not the ones to give it up for the asking. There!" exclaimed Chester stopping short, "we forgot something."
"What is it?"
"We meant to have telegrams sent out to different points from Boothbay Harbor, asking lots of persons to keep a lookout for the Deerfoot."
"What's the need of that when we have found her?"
"It isn't certain we have found her, but it can't be helped now."