"And—and when the police-boat is past, will you then come and take me off again?"
"That's awkward," said the old man.
"We will, if we can," said the young one; "but don't depend upon us. We don't know, as yet, what the police may say to us. For all we know, they know more than we would wish them, of your being in our boat; and all we can say, then, is, that we put you ashore; but they may keep a watch upon us after that, and if they do, it will be only to give you up to them that we could push off to you."
"Yes—yes, I understand," said Todd. "I thank you, and will take my chance of all that may happen."
"You must."
"There's something a-head," said the old man. "What is it?"
"It's the pile-driving barge. They are mending up the bank of the river. I know that the men leave that all night, as there is nothing to take from it that any one can lift. Will you go on board that, sir?"
"Yes, yes," said Todd, "That will do."
"Be quick, then, about it," said the old man, "for they gain upon us."
"Boat a-hoi!" cried a voice over the river.