After that they drew up on the crippled boat and were close behind when she dashed in behind the big rock that marks the entrance to this blind harbour on North Haven.
Then the thieves beached their launch and took to the woods. When the Sunset Islanders landed and examined the deserted launch, they found she was nearly out of gasoline as well as having had one of her spark plugs shot away.
“Guess she just had to put in here—she couldn’t go much further,” said Fred.
“I don’t believe they’re any Pulpit Rock fellers—I know all the folks ’round here ’cause my wife’s a North Haven woman, you know,” remarked the Captain.
“Oh, joy! Here’s our lobsters!” shouted Dudley, with great relief.
“And what’s this?” cried Paul, holding up the cushions and steamer-rugs from Uncle Billy’s launch.
“Well, I swan!” breathed the Captain amazed. “Lobsters is one thing, but when it comes to taking chattels—that’s another!”
“What’re we going to do now, Cap’n?” asked Billy.
“I’m awful hungry!” hinted Paul.
“Guess it must be most noon,” ventured Dudley.