“Yes, there were three of ’em. I was in the cabin at the time, reading my newspaper. Before I knew what was happening, they were on top of me.”
“Did you recognize any of the men, Mr. Oaks?”
“No.”
“What did they look like?”
“It was dark and I didn’t see their faces.”
“How were they dressed?”
“Didn’t notice that either,” Mr. Oaks returned grumpily. “I was too busy tryin’ to fight ’em off. They trussed me up and then cut the barge loose.”
“Saboteurs!”
“Reckon so,” the old watchman nodded.
“Well, what will we do?” Penny asked, scarcely able to hide her growing irritation. “It’s still foggy on the river. I’ve put up signal lights, but an approaching freighter might not see them in time to change her course.”