Ten o’clock struck over in Johnstown long before the Head was reached, and it was fully a quarter past before the Frolic pointed her bow around the point and chugged past Arnold’s residence on her way up the shore. “Give them your whistle,” said Toby as they ran cautiously toward the darkened houseboat. Arnold obeyed and the echoes threw back the alarming screech. “Once more,” Toby called, and again the shrill sound went forth. Then a dim light showed aboard the shadowy hulk and, as the Frolic slowed down, a voice hailed them.
“What do you want?” inquired a sleepy voice.
“We’ve got your things,” answered Arnold.
“Got what? Oh! Well, all right! Come on!” Voices sounded aboard, a light glimmered from a window, a lantern appeared on deck, and the houseboat awoke to activity as the launch sidled up to her. Two men, hastily attired, deluged the boys with questions.
“We caught them over near North Sea Harbor. They ran out of gas. We made them leave the launch and I guess everything’s in there. We’ll pull her up and you can have a look. If you don’t mind, we’ll leave her here until morning. Did they steal much?”
“Not a great deal; just some blankets and a lot of provisions,” answered one of the men as Toby pulled the smaller launch up and handed the painter over. “At least, that’s all we’ve missed. We were on shore and got back before they’d had much of a chance, I suppose. My brother fired three shots at them, but it was too dark to see much.”
“Just blankets and grub!” said Arnold disappointedly. “Gee, I thought they’d got away with your solid silver and jewels! Well, anyway, I guess you’ll find the stuff there all right. We’ll call for the launch in the morning.”
“We’re very much obliged to you,” replied one of the men, raising the lantern and peering at the boys. “Who was with you?”
“With us? No one.”