The man in the other dory was evidently not an expert with the oars, for he was splashing badly as he urged his boat forward.
“We’ve got him!” said Cap’n Crumbie. “He can’t get away now!”
At that instant the splashing ceased, and the pursuers began to gain on their quarry more rapidly. They were overhauling the dory at top speed. Cap’n Crumbie stopped rowing.
“Easy there, lad!” he cautioned breathlessly. “Maybe that feller has a gun, and there’s no need for us to get shot.”
Only a dozen yards of still water separated the two craft now, but there was no sound or movement in the other dory, and the pursuers were drifting nearer all the time.
“Why—why, it’s empty!” cried Jack, disgustedly, as the boat became more distinct.
Two or three more strokes brought them alongside. It was, as the boy had surmised, without an occupant—just an empty old dory, floating idly on the water.
“He must have gone over the side and swum ashore,” said Jack, chagrined. “We should have had him in another few minutes. Let’s pull in closer to the wharves and see if there’s any sign of him there.”
They searched accordingly, but without success. Evidently the fugitive had slipped quietly into the water and escaped.