“You’re welcome to go with us,” Clay answered, “but we’re not going on until we find Alex. And if he gets tangled up with the Greasers on shore we’re going after him. We won’t go on without him!”
“Of course not,” agreed the deputy. “Well, I’ll remain here as long as you do. I may still stand a chance of getting that reward. Suppose you put more pancakes and honey on the table back of the electric stove!” he added with a sly wink. “He may come on board right away, then!”
“Pancakes will also bring Alex on board,” laughed Clay. “He’s got the appetite when it comes to pancakes and honey! Never saw a kid eat so many cakes as Alex can stow away! He’s almost as empty as Teddy Bear.”
“That the cub yonder?” asked King, pointing to the prow, where Teddy and Captain Joe lay asleep in the sunshine, apparently beyond all the cares and worries of a wicked world. “Clever dog, that!”
Captain Joe, as if conscious that he was under observation, arose, stretched himself, and walked over to the rail, where he stood sniffing at the air. Then, with his nose pointing straight toward the shore, he uttered a series of excited growls.
“He knows that Alex is there,” Case cried. “Go and get him, Captain Joe!” he added, and the next instant the dog was in the water.
“You’ve done a nice thing now!” Clay exclaimed, gazing angrily at Case. “The dog will be shot before he gets within a rod of the shore.”
“I never thought of that!” Case replied, regretfully.
The boys tried to call the dog back to the boat, but he swam on, paying no attention whatever to their threats and promises! Clay turned to the rail where the little rowboat had been tied, thinking to follow him in that, but it was gone! Before setting out for the shore, the Mexicans who had deserted King had cut it loose, and it could now be seen a long distance down the river, bobbing about on the twisting currents.
“I’m going after him anyway!” Clay shouted, rushing to the silent motors.