“Here it is! I’ve found it!”
Penny and Louise slid down the bank to the water’s edge. Behind a dense thicket, a motorboat had been pulled out on the sand. The engine remained attached, covered by a piece of canvas.
“Is it your boat, Sara?” Penny asked eagerly.
“It certainly is!” She spoke with emphasis. “The hull has been repainted, but it takes more than that to fool me.”
“Any positive way to identify it?”
“By the engine number. Ours was 985-877 unless I’m mistaken. I have it written down at home.”
“What’s the number of this engine?”
“The same!” Sara cried triumphantly after she had removed the canvas covering and examined it. “This is my property all right, and I shall take it back with me.”
“Old Noah spoke of two strangers who came here last night by boat,” Penny said thoughtfully.
“The fellow who stopped at the dock probably picked up a pal later on,” Sara commented, trying to shove the boat into the water. “My, this old tub is heavy! Want to help?”