“That’s the ticket!” rasped George, trying to seem very formidable, in order to hide the fact that his knees were knocking together just a trifle, with excitement of course, not fear!
[CHAPTER X.]
ABOARD THE STRANGE POWER BOAT.
“Well, this is a rich joke!” laughed the man. “Just keep your fingers from pressing those triggers, please, boys. No danger of my trying the disappearing act. Fact is, we’ve been expecting you to come along for some time now.”
Jack was not going to allow himself to be deceived. “Soft words buttered no parsnips,” he had often heard his mother say; and because this unknown fellow chose to talk smoothly, was no sign that he should be trusted.
And so he continued to keep his gun raised, seeing which the others did likewise.
“That’s nice, to hear you say such fine things; but what we want to know is, what have you done with our chum?” he demanded.
“Yes, tell us that!” said George, menacingly.
“Sure, we want to know, by the same token!” observed the Irish lad.