“He’s right, too,” Case agreed, “but listen, aren’t those more foot-steps on the dock close to the boat?”
Clay reached over and snapped on the prow light. Instantly there was a scamper of foot-steps up the wharf.
Clay laughed and shut off the light. “We seem to be having our share of visitors tonight,” he remarked, “but I am not anxious to make another capture tonight. I am going to bed and trust to Captain Joe to wake us up if any one tries to get in.”
The boys were all ready for bed and they were soon all asleep, leaving Captain Joe on guard.
CHAPTER III
THE MYSTERY DEEPENS
When Alex and Case awoke next morning it was to the savory odor of browned pancakes, fried bacon, and steaming coffee. Clay was just lifting the last pancake from the frying pan to the plate when the two jumped out of their bunks.
“Gee, that breakfast smells good. I really believe I can eat a bit this morning,” Alex announced.
“I never saw the time that you couldn’t,” retorted Clay. “But hurry up you fellows, if you don’t want to eat a cold breakfast. It won’t keep warm forever.”
This announcement brought great haste in the pulling on of clothes and the washing of hands and faces. Breakfast was dispatched amid a chatter of conversation concerning the purchases to be made.