“And your searchlight?”
“You know it!”
“So have I,” Alex. went on. “Now, if they try to board the Rambler, we’ll lie low until they begin to climb over the rail. Then we’ll turn on our electrics. If they are strangers, and look like river pirates, we’ll shoot them up! What?”
“But why not turn on the prow light?” asked Case.
“Because we can handle the electric flashlights quicker. If we have to show the light and shoot, be quick to change your position after the light is switched off. Then, if they shoot back, they won’t hit you.”
There was a boat approaching. There was no doubt about that. And the people on board of her were doing their best to keep their movements from being known by those of the Rambler. Case and Alex. could hear the dash of oars, and now and then a rough command. The two boys sat in silence and waited.
Then, as Case and Alex. afterward complained, something happened which “spoilt all the fun!” Captain Joe came out of the cabin and gave forth a series of threatening growls, and Teddy added to the warning by saying things in bear talk!
The mysterious boat came on no longer. There were still sounds of the working of a heavy craft in a strong current, but these gradually died out.
“I’d like to throw you both into the river after them!” Alex. scolded at the animals, as they came around him, asking to be congratulated on their success in driving off the visitors! “Now we’ll be haunted by those fellows for a week, while if you had kept quiet we’d have settled with them right here!”
“Suppose we turn on the power and chase ’em up?” asked Case.