“What’s that fool dog up to?” asked Case.
There was quite a commotion on shore, and the boys did not wait to see that the Esmeralda was anchored, but sprang into the river and swam ashore. When they reached solid ground neither Alex nor the dog was in sight. And neither were the clothes!
“Well, of all the——”
Clay stopped right there. All he could say did not half express the situation.
A few articles of clothing were scattered about, but they did not represent the five suits which had been left there only a short time before. In fact, a good share of the clothes had disappeared.
The shivering lads gathered on the river bank and pondered over the new turn of affairs until joined by Rube and Buck.
“Where’s your boy who was watching the clothes?” asked Buck. “I don’t seem to see him anywhere about!”
“And where’s your dog?” demanded Rube.
“Blessed if I know what’s been going on here!” exclaimed Case, his teeth rattling as with the ague.
“Oh, this is a bad dream,” declared Jule. “Turn over and get off your back! You’ll be dreaming of pie in a minute!”