Alex had remained silent under all the chaffing to which he had been subjected. Now, however, with an exclamation of dismay he started away after Rube.
“What’s coming off?” asked Buck.
“Blessed if I know,” answered Clay.
“I’ll bet that Rube has lost his money!”
It was Clay who made the remark, and it served to set both boys and Buck in motion.
“This a fine trip, I don’t think!” grumbled Case, as they ran for the spot where the clothing had been left.
When the party gained the spot they had so recently left, neither Jule nor the Esmeralda was in sight!
“Where’s the boat, and where’s Jule?” demanded Buck. “We appear to be having the time of our lives!”
“Well,” said Clay, “the boat got away, not being anchored, and Jule set out to catch it. The time of our lives, well, I should say so! Did you find the roll. Rube?”
Rube, who was down on the ground turning over everything in sight, looked up with a comical grin on his face.