Clay mounted the fallen stones and tried to work his way through, but found that he could not do so. When he stepped down and took up the shovel again he found himself standing in water!
The excavation he had made had connected with the river, and the cellar was being flooded!
CHAPTER XI.—ALEX GETS HIS RECEIPT.
When Alex and Case awoke at daylight and discovered Clay’s absence, they began a search of the shore with their glass, supposing that he had gone into the city for supplies. Then Alex discovered the remains of Tom’s supper, and Case came across the clothing taken off by the lad. The clothes were still wet.
“There’s something queer been going on here!” Case exclaimed. “Clay had a visitor who swam out to the boat last night!”
“And the guest had supper here!” Alex contributed. “And Clay must have gone away with him. Wonder he wouldn’t have awakened us before leaving the boat!”
While the boys cooked breakfast, discussing the remarkable disappearance of Clay as they did so, a boat bumped against the prow of the Rambler and a voice called out:
“Hello, there! Where’s my rowboat?”
Alex, leaning over the railing, saw a swarthy face looking up at him. The fellow seemed to be angry for he was swearing and gesticulating wildly.
“If you think I’ve got your boat you may search me!” the boy said.