“If you expect to capture him, you’ll have to take me, Dad. They’ll probably follow the main channel to Black Island and beyond. You’ll be lost before you’ve covered half the distance.”
“All right, come along,” Mr. Parker agreed unwillingly.
The boat shoved off into the cool night.
Fairly certain the Hawkins’ boat would pass Lookout Point, Penny directed her father and Jerry to row toward it. Soon she caught a glimpse of a moving light through the trees.
“That’s their boat!” she exclaimed. “Ezekiel must have lighted his lantern again!”
Scarcely had she spoken than those in the Parker craft were startled to hear a metallic pounding sound from the direction of the Hawkins’ farmhouse.
“The dishpan signal!” Penny cried in dismay. “We forgot about Mrs. Hawkins! Evidently she saw us leave the dock and is warning her menfolks! Now they’ll know someone is following them!”
Mr. Parker’s face became very grave as the girl revealed the significance of the signal. Penny also told him what she and Mrs. Jones had learned on Black Island.
“Unarmed, we’ve no chance to capture those men,” he commented. “Our best bet is to keep them in sight, marking the trail well for police to follow.”
“And hope they do,” Jerry added grimly.