He jumped to his feet. The next instant he threw himself just as hastily down again.
He was not alone on the Neck. Not far off was a figure intently watching the tug as it slowly steamed out from the dock.
[CHAPTER XIV.]
NED AT A DISADVANTAGE.
Reconnoitering cautiously from his point of vantage behind the bush, Ned could not suppress a start of surprise.
There was something familiar about the figure of the fellow he was watching. Could it be——? Ned rubbed his eyes and looked again. Then his lips came together in a firm, thin line. His eyes hardened and his hands clenched.
"The infernal rascal!" he muttered.
He had not been mistaken when he thought he recognized the figure that was watching the tug as, with its crane stretched out like a long pointing finger, it steamed out into the center of the bay.