"There does not seem to, be any one in it," declared Bess, who also looked over the edge of the smaller boat.
Ben did not reply. He had recognized the other craft as that belonging to Jim Peters, and guessed that the man might be up to some trick. When he had almost stopped his motor he jumped up and peered into the rowboat.
"'Low there!" he called "Sleepin—?"
There was no answer.
"Hum," he sniffed, "thought so. It's Jim. Say there Jim, you're not over friendly."
Thus taunted the man in the other boat moved to the low seat. He growled rather than spoke, but Ben was not the sort to take offence at a fellow like Jim.
"Joy riding?" persisted Ben.
"Say, you smart 'un," spoke Peters, "when you want to be funny better try it on some 'un else. Leave me alone," and he picked up the oars and sculled off.
"What do you suppose he was hiding for?" asked Belle.
"Oh he always has somethin' up his sleeve," replied Ben with a light laugh, "and the best we can do is to follow him."