Before long they emerged from the vegetation and found themselves once more on the lake shore.
Captain Akers gave a groan as he looked about him.
No boat was to be seen.
"We're done for," he gasped desperately.
"Look, what is that dark object up the beach there!" exclaimed Nat.
"Good for you, lad, I believe that is the boat!" exclaimed the captain. "I miscalculated our whereabouts and gave her up for lost. Come on! Sharp's the word."
At top speed they fled along the sandy shore.
But an appalling din behind them told them better than words that they had been seen.
A few minutes now would decide all.
Wh-i-z-z-z-z-z-z!