"I s-should think it would feel more like a s-squash," commented
Pepper.
"That is going altogether too far," asserted the colonel indignantly. "It might have had a very serious ending. I think that there is a bad quarter-of-an-hour in store for that Rae boy if I can get hold of him in the morning."
As there was no likelihood that Monkey Rae would return to renew his attempt to injure the boat the house was locked and the boys went back to the town discussing, as they went, the events of the evening. The colonel was very indignant.
When they came near to the top of the hill they were met by Jack, who was running at full speed down the road.
"Hello!" called Rand when he came near. "Where are you going in such a hurry?"
"Hello," returned Jack, slowing up and joining the others. "Where have you been? I have been looking all over for you."
"Down to the boathouse," replied Rand.
"Down to the boathouse!" exclaimed Jack. "What took you down there tonight?"
"Why, we heard that Monkey was g-going to s-smash the boat," answered
Pepper.
"Monkey!" cried Jack. "I wish I had been there——"