“I don’t know what to make of this,” Clay whispered. “Shall we turn on the light, or shall we begin shooting right now?”
“If we turn on the light,” Jule whispered back, “they’ll see us. At present, they undoubtedly believe the boat to be deserted.”
“I think they’ll run if we turn on the lights,” Clay suggested, softly. “They’re probably river thieves looking for plunder.”
The men on the deck now grouped together, evidently whispering, and trying to decide upon some course of action. In the faint light, they seemed to be hulking, heavily-built men, and the boys were not anxious to come into close contact with them.
“It may be just as well,” Clay finally decided, “to remain quiet for a short time and see what they intend to do.”
“That’s easy,” Jule whispered, “they intend to steal the boat.”
“A good many other people have tried to steal this boat,” Clay responded, “but we still seem to be in possession of it!”
After standing for a minute or two near the prow, the intruders moved stealthily toward the cabin. The door was open, but all was dark inside. As they slouched forward, their footsteps made no sound upon the deck.
“Shall we shoot to kill?” whispered Jule. “I’m tired of having the scum of the earth always attempting to rob us.”
“I’d never get over it if I should kill some one,” Clay replied. “We’d better frighten them away and see that no more get on board to-night.”