“There’s the first signal!” Thede exclaimed, turning the prow of the boat toward the south shore. “And the dog seems to be in trouble. He seems to be wounded and is just about all in.”
“It strikes me that we had better get to the shore just as soon as possible.”
As Case spoke Alex came out to the river bank alone. Jule was nowhere in sight, and Alex’s clothing was so torn that he looked like a ragman.
“Alex has been up against something pretty strong to give that tired look to his face,” Thede exclaimed as he turned the boat toward the south shore. “Did you ever see a more disreputable human being?”
“Never!” was the reply.
The old tub of a boat struck the beach at last, and was promptly boarded by Alex, who was gasping for breath.
“Did you bring your automatics?” was the first question.
“Sure!” was Case’s answer.
As the boy spoke he took a weapon from his pocket and handed it to the lad.
“What’s doing?” he asked as he did so. “And where is Jule?”