"Well, we needn't hold that against him," suggested Donald. "It was no altogether his fault."
"Then there's Dick Wilson," proposed Jack. "He was in our class, too."
"All right," agreed the others, "it's Gerald and Dick."
"Very well, then," observed the colonel, "we will consider that settled. When you are ready let me know and I will swear you in. You know what you have to do?"
"Yes, sir," the boys answered.
By this time they came within sight of the landing where they had left the boat, and Pepper, who had run on ahead, suddenly raised such an outcry that the others rushed forward in alarm.
"What is the matter?" shouted Rand.
"The b-boat," stammered Pepper.
"What is the matter with it?" asked Donald.
"It's g-g-gone!"