These two motor boat boys had put off from shore some time in advance of the rest of the Tremaine party.
It had taken them the better part of two days, by carriage, to make the journey down to Tres Arbores, and Tom and Joe had put off at once, leaving Jeff to come out with the Tremaines, Miss Silsbee and Oliver Dixon.
Tom’s astonishment at meeting this stranger, instead of Officer Randolph, showed in his face.
“I’m Bill Dunlow,” volunteered the lanky stranger, thrusting a hand into one of his pockets. “Yo’ see, it was like this: Clayton Randolph had to go up into the interior after a prisoner——”
“Oh!”
“So he done put me abo’d this boat. Told me jest what yo’ wanted in the way of a watchman, and he lef’ this note fo’ yo’.”
Tom looked over the note, in which Clayton Randolph informed the young captain of his protracted call to police duty, adding that Bill Dunlow was a “right proper man” to take his place.
“It’s all right,” nodded Tom. “I hope, Mr. Dunlow, you haven’t been too lonely out here on this boat.”
Halstead settled with the stranger, who then went ashore in the boat that was returning for the others of the party.
“What are you scowling at?” demanded Joe Dawson, looking keenly at his chum after the boat had left the side.