Accordingly the man again bent to his oars, bringing the boat in a short time to its landing place. The boys were immediately presented before a sergeant, who took their story in detail, making suitable entries in a book before him. Francois acted as interpreter.
Only a glance at the badly soiled condition of the boys' uniforms was necessary to convince the police of the veracity of their story.
Before the lads had succeeded in making themselves presentable, an officer who had been detailed for the purpose returned and reported that although he had thoroughly searched the spot, no injured man could be discovered. It was, therefore, decided that if Jimmie's parting shot had found lodgment, his target had been carried away by confederates.
"What shall we do now?" questioned Harry, as the boys again entered the office with brushed uniforms and washed faces.
"Go to a hotel and get some sleep!" suggested Jack. "We've had about enough excitement for one night according to my notion!"
"Object, Your Honor!" put in Jimmie. "Suggestion of counsel is immaterial and irrelevant! We ought to get back to the Gray Eagle!"
"Why so?" inquired Harry. "The police left a guard there!"
"Suppose they did!" persisted Jimmie. "Is that a guarantee that the machine is safe? I'm going back, anyhow! You can sleep!"
"Can't we telephone out there and learn if everything is all right?" put in Jack. "The officers would be glad to report."
"How would you get them on the 'phone?" scorned Jimmie. "Did you see any linemen stringing wires to the middle of the street?"