This logic was decidedly startling to the intended thief-takers; and Dory broke into a run on the instant, and dashed through the woods towards the beach. The machinist followed him. If they had been astonished at any time during the morning at what they saw, they were infinitely more so when they came out of the woods where they could see the schooner.
On the beach abreast of the vessel they discovered, not only the two persons they were searching for, but what looked like a crowd of people to Dory's excited imagination.
He counted not less than seven men. They were in the act of putting the tender into the water, and evidently intended to go on board of the La Motte. They no longer hesitated to show themselves to the party, whoever they were.
"I don't understand this at all," said the perplexed leader of the enterprise.
"I am no better informed," replied the machinist. "But I think we had better return to the woods, and keep out of sight until we know more about this party."
"Perhaps you are right," replied Dory, adopting the suggestion.
Returning to the shelter of the trees, they moved forward till they came to a place where they could obtain a better view of the party.
"I want to know whether Mack and Chuck are in this party," said Dory in a whisper. "Yes, there they are. But who are the other fellows?"
"I shall have to give it up. They all seem to be on good terms. I thought it might be a party from the Marian, but I saw her running for Thompson's Point a few minutes ago. Whoever they are, they don't belong to the school."
"Certainly not."