“I hope the Coast Guard gives Carl Oaks a good lecture,” Penny remarked, turning to gaze back at the slowly drifting barge. “Why, he wasn’t one bit concerned what might happen to other vessels!”
“I never did like him,” said Louise with feeling. “He complains too much. Was it his fault that the barge was cut adrift?”
“Not according to his story. Three men attacked him while he was in the deck house. Of course, he couldn’t have been too alert.”
“Carl Oaks wouldn’t be!”
“There was one rather peculiar thing,” Penny said slowly. “It never occurred to me until now.”
“What’s that?”
“Why, Mr. Oaks’ bonds were very loose. If he had tried, I believe he could have freed himself.”
“That does seem strange,” agreed Louise. “You don’t think he allowed those saboteurs to board the barge?”
Penny brought the dinghy around, steering to avoid a floating log.
“I wouldn’t know,” she replied soberly. “But I’m glad we forced Mr. Oaks to wait for the Coast Guard. I hope they question him until they get to the bottom of this affair.”