"Hot chance of that," scoffed Billy. "Those fellows that 'burgled' the store got away weeks ago and have probably spent the money by this time."
The discovery of the sealed can on the island did not banish from the minds of the girls of Central High, however, the mystery of the stolen shell. This was a tragedy that loomed bigger and bigger as the day of the races approached. And it was very near now.
The twins were delighted to be able to row with their mates on the eight-oared crew; but like the other members, they were quite hopeless of winning the race if they had to use the old boat.
"Somebody who owed us a big grudge turned that trick of stealing the shell," Bobby Hargrew declared, again and again.
"But we never did anything to the crews of the other schools to make them hate us so," cried the doctor's daughter.
"Only threatening to beat them in the race," said Laura, doubtfully.
"That shouldn't be a sufficient reason for them to hate us," one of the Lockwood twins declared. "It does just seem as though it was done out of spite."
"And who's so spiteful toward the Central High eight?" demanded Bobby, keenly.
"Now, Bobby!" cautioned Laura.
"That's all right, Mother Wit. You see the point just as clearly as I do," declared Bobby. "You know who's been 'knocking' our crew all the time——"