The suspicious steamer checked her speed as the boys slowed down on the Rambler, and it was soon evident that those in charge of the whiskey boat were desirous of speaking with the boys.
“Hello, boys!” called a voice from the cabin deck of the steamer.
“Hello, yourself!” Alex called back.
“How’s the bear?” asked the voice.
“Fine!” Alex answered.
“What do you know about our bear?” Case demanded.
“I was on the Hawk last night,” was the reply.
“Did you see those two men head for the water?” Jule asked with a snicker.
“Funniest thing I ever saw!” the other answered.
There was a short silence and then another voice called out from the steamer: