"Yes, it is, sir," Dave volunteered.
"Where does Mr. Atwater live?"
"On Benson Avenue," Tom Reade replied.
"Boys, I'm going over and see if I can induce Mr. Atwater to take us up the river to-night."
"May we go, too, sir?" begged Dick anxiously.
"Yes; if you get your parents' permission. We may be up the river late to-night."
Mr. Holmes turned on his heel, going away at a walk that was close to a run.
The five members of Dick & Co. scurried homeward. Every one of them secured permission to go with Mr. Holmes, and to be out as late as necessary. Dan Dalzell, the last of the five to get back to the boathouse, was there for some minutes ere Mr. Holmes turned up with Mr. Atwater.
The owner of the roomy launch speedily had things in running order. The "Napoleon," with the reflector light going brightly, turned out of the berth and headed up the river.
"My notion, Mr. Holmes," called the owner, sitting over the steering gear, "is that we had better go rather slowly. If you'll turn that light from side to side we ought to be able to scan the whole river as we move."