“I mustn’t let him see that I suspect or know anything,” thought Tom. “I mustn’t scare Dixon away from this party until I’m able to place Officer Randolph’s story right under Henry Tremaine’s nose.”
“I’m very glad to see that you’re so nice with young Halstead,” Ida Silsbee found chance to remark to Oliver Dixon.
“Why shouldn’t I be pleasant with him?” asked Dixon, pretending surprise.
“I was afraid you had taken an unaccountable dislike to the boy.”
“Much to the contrary,” remarked the young man, smiling. “I always admire great pluck and an uncommon amount of brains.”
“All aboard for the alligator hunt! We haven’t any time to lose in making the start,” called Henry Tremaine, hurrying through the house.
CHAPTER XVII
IN THE CIRCLE OF ’GATORS!
AGAIN the December day was warm and bright, as the little launch glided over Lake Okeechobee.
The boat that had lately been used by Sim and his crew was now being towed astern. In it were four of the Florida men, the other two being in the launch itself. All of these Florida men were armed with their own rifles. Thus, with the Tremaine party itself, the host considered the expedition too strong to be in danger from any lurking criminals who led a fugitive existence in the Everglades.