"I should rather go in the Goldwing," said Thad, looking at his companions.
"You must be in a hurry about it, for she will be off in a few minutes," added Corny. "We won't get home to-day if we don't take this chance."
"When are you going, Dory?" asked Nat Long.
"I don't know when I shall go. If you have a chance to go, you had better use it," replied Dory.
After a little discussion, the four members of the Goldwing Club decided to improve the opportunity to get home; for Dory could not say that he should go to Burlington that day. All of them but Corny took occasion to say that they believed Dory was all right, so far as the money was concerned; for the detective did not seem inclined to say any thing about the matter beyond the rather encouraging statement he had already made. A few minutes later the skipper saw a small steamer leave another part of the town, and he was again alone so far as friends were concerned.
"I think we had better go up to the Witherill House, and look the case over," said Peppers, after the boys had gone.
"Why do you say there will not be much music for me to face, Mr. Peppers?" asked Dory, as they walked up the wharf. "I am accused of stealing the money, and I don't understand the matter."
"I am sorry Hawlinshed did not come back with you," replied the detective, without answering the question. "In fact, we want him more than we want you."
"Do you want him as evidence against me?" inquired Dory very anxiously.
"We are looking into the case, and finding out all we can. We have some ideas, but we don't say much about them," said the detective.