As the motor boat put in toward the shore, Jo waded out to meet it. Nan and Sadie followed.
"We're soaked anyway," said the former philosophically. "And at least the water is clean. It will even wash off some of the mud."
"Goodness, look at Jo!" gasped Sadie. "She's getting into the boat."
"Well, what did you think she was going to do—sink it?" queried Nan. "Come on, Sade, we've got to see her through this!"
The occupants of the second motor boat were three young men. Though scarcely more than boys in years, they seemed very old and experienced to the three girl chums of Laurel Hall.
One of these strangers reached out a hand to Jo as she unceremoniously scrambled over the side of the boat. Nan and Sadie followed, each helped in turn.
"That boat!" cried Jo, pointing to the first launch, which was already some distance up the lake. "Catch it! Please catch it! There's a criminal in that boat! I've got to deliver him to justice! Can your launch make it?"
"Young lady, my boat can do anything," said the boy who held the steering wheel. "If you want to overhaul that boat, why, we'll overhaul that boat."
"Oh, please, please do!" cried Jo, almost beside herself with excitement. "Everything depends upon it! Everything!"