“I’m not used to having my house suspected, but I’m glad to give the law’s officer any privileges he may want here.”
The search was unavailing. Jennison and his young companions hastened back to the automobile where they stood deliberating.
“That sloop has come in since dark,” observed Halstead. “That old man looks as though he could be thoroughly believed. Yet that’s the very sloop. I’m positive about that. So the rascals can’t have had much the start of us.”
“They’re a needle in the haystack, now, anyway,” sighed Constable Jennison. “We’re at the end of the water trail and we know where they landed.”
“But we also know that they’re on the mainland; at least it looks mighty certain,” suggested Tom Halstead.
“That’s true,” nodded the officer. “Well, Mr. Musgrave must know of this at once. The next village is less than three miles away. I’m going there in the auto as fast as I can and telephone him.”
“You’ll come back this way?” hinted Tom.
“Yes, without a doubt.”
“Then leave us here. We’ll hunt for any signs we can find of them while you’re gone.”
“But how’ll I find you on my return?”