“You are taking it for granted that the Rambler has been passed,” laughed Buck.
“Well, has she?” questioned Alex.
“Yes, she has, and under the most peculiar circumstances,” was Buck’s reply. “She had another visit from the man who left the ‘To the Death’ written on her rowboat.”
“But I don’t understand,” exclaimed Jule. “How did he overtake us, and why did he run away?”
“Perhaps your curiosity will be satisfied before the end of the trip,” Buck replied, significantly. “By the way, here comes the motor boat we were speaking of.”
As he spoke he pointed to the Rambler, already drawing up to the Esmeralda.
“Do they know about our crossing the point to come out ahead of them?” asked Alex. “If they don’t I’ll give them a surprise.”
“Go to it, then,” laughed Buck.
Both boys hid under the rail of the boat and waited for the crew of the Rambler to speak. Both boys were giggling at the thought of the joke they had on the other boys.
“Boat ahoy!” came the call.