Harris drew erect. "Speakin' of whence and whither, what's your destination?"
"We're visiting a friend," Rick answered. "He lives on Martins Creek on the south side of the river. Name is Ames."
Harris nodded. "I know who he is. Washington man. Has a summer place."
"You've met him?" Scotty inquired.
"So to speak. We've howdy'd, but we haven't shook."
Rick smothered a grin at the picturesque phrase.
"I'd better get back to crabs," Harris said. "I'm mighty grateful for the hospitality. You get to town, look me up, and give me a chance to return it." He shook hands with both boys, pulled his boat alongside, and stepped aboard. In a short time, he was running the crab lines again.
"Interesting," Rick said noncommittally.
Scotty chuckled. "Here we go again. Sherlock Brant's got his teeth into a nice fat mystery. Good-by vacation."
Rick had to grin. "It's not that bad," he said defensively. "I just thought we might sniff around a little."