“What’s to be done about Raymond Curry?” asked Mrs. Williams.
She told the captain she felt that even if it could not be proven he had stolen anything, he should be severely punished for setting the Adventurer adrift.
“Aye, and he shall be,” promised the captain grimly. “It’s plain he figured by untying the boat, he’d gain time enough to get out of town.”
In the glare of sunlight, the old seaman studied his watch.
“It’s only 7:35,” he announced. “That gives him roughly forty-five minutes start.”
Now both Vevi and Connie were amazed to learn that so little time had elapsed. They were certain they had spent hours in the drifting boat. “Curry couldn’t catch a train out of Silver Beach at this hour,” went on the captain. “He has no car. My guess is he’d head for the airport. A westbound plane is due out at 7:55.”
“Then we’ll never stop him!” gasped Mrs. Williams.
“Maybe we can if we move fast,” replied the captain. “I’ll take this little boat in and call police. The rest of you follow in Mrs. Allison’s cruiser.”
This plan suited everyone except Vevi and Connie. After their unpleasant experience, they would have felt safer in the captain’s boat.
The old seaman waited only long enough to make sure Mrs. Allison could start the Adventurer’s powerful motor. Then he headed for shore in the smaller boat, traveling at top speed.