“Two,” came back the answer.
“Then we’re one short again,” Brad declared grimly.
“Think it was stolen?” Dan asked, instantly recalling the moccasin track in the woods.
“No-o.” Brad spoke thoughtfully. “I remember when Chips, Red and I came in from our practice session on the river, that paddle was laid down—”
“Right here where we’re standing,” Chips interposed. “It was fairly close to the river.”
“I should have picked it up myself,” Brad said. “I guess I just didn’t notice, that’s all. I’m as much to blame as anyone else.”
“The paddle should be here,” Red said doggedly. “How’d it get away?”
“It probably floated off,” Brad answered. “The waves pound up here whenever a big cruiser passes.”
“Well, if the paddle floated off, it can’t be far away,” Red declared.
“That’s so,” agreed Brad. He turned to Dan. “Let’s go after it!”