“Are you there, Charley?”
There was no answer, and the question was repeated. Still there was no answer. There was another movement in the bushes, and then a figure showed dimly in the starlight.
Presently the man who had given the signal was joined by two other men. They talked in low tones for a time, but gradually their voices grew louder and Alex was able to hear what was being said.
“I don’t think they succeeded in getting the motor boat,” the first speaker said.
“Wonder they wouldn’t show a signal,” commented another.
“It’s a sure thing they didn’t get the boat,” a third man said. “If they had, you needn’t be guessing.”
“No, they would be holding a celebration now. Wonder why they failed? The job seemed an easy one to me—just to take a boat away from four boys.”
There was further talk that Alex could not hear, then the men passed out of hearing.
“The Rambler seems to be in good demand,” was the boy’s comment. “If Captain Joe would show up now, I’d go on board and put the boys on their guard. Somehow that dog always runs away at the wrong time! Perhaps I’d better take another look for him. It doesn’t seem as if he could be very far away. He needs a thumping!”
Alex made another trip through the underbrush, but no Captain Joe rewarded his search. At last the boy abandoned the quest and started for the Rambler.