"Hullo, what's that?" cried Dick suddenly, as he pointed toward the village. "See the heavy smoke."
"It's some place on fire!" burst out Bob. "I wonder what place it can be?"
All three boys ran toward the river road, putting on the last of their garments on the way.
"It's Mrs. Barlow's boarding house!" ejaculated Dick Martin. "Say, fellows, this wind is going to sweep the house to the ground!"
"Mrs. Barlow's?" repeated Harry Larkly. "Why, that is where that American boy and his lady companion board."
"That's so, Harry," said Bob. "And that is where Norah Gump, Sammy's sister, works, too," he added. "I hope none of those people are in danger of being burnt up."
CHAPTER XVI.
ROBERT SHOWS HIS BRAVERY.
Robert was hardly in a fit mental condition to enjoy his row, and his face was very serious as he drew away from the crowd that had molested him.
"I don't see what they want to act so for?" he mused, as he pulled up the broad stream. "I never tried to harm any of them, or interfered with their amusements."