"If we only had ours," Henry mourned.
But it was vain wishing. The Pocohontas was docked some distance away, and by the time the boys could reach her, and start an engine that was never noted for going without considerable "tinkering," it would be too late.
For the men had luck on their side. They fairly tumbled into a swift looking craft that was near shore, in charge of some one evidently waiting for them. In another instant the chug of the motor told that it had started. Then the boys had the dissatisfaction of standing on the sand, panting after their run, and seeing the men gradually draw out into the bay.
The sky had clouded over and the moon, that might have been a help, was not now of any service.
"Well, there they go," said Allen, in exasperated tones. "I'd give a good deal to know who they were, and what they were after."
"Let's go back to the house and see if we can find out," suggested Roy. "The fuss started there, you know."
"In the cellar—where the diamonds are," added Henry.
"That's so!" cried Allen. "For the moment I had forgotten them! Come on back. Maybe the rascals got the stones!"
The boys went back the same route they had so recently and so uselessly traveled. As they neared the cottage a voice hailed them.
"I say. Hold on! Who are you? What do you want? Remember there are ladies here!"