In response to the suggestion the boys stealthily crept along the dock and then one after another cautiously peered through the window. Not one of them stood in full view of the man within, for they were aware of the peril that might follow such an action.
"He's still there," whispered Fred, "and I don't believe he has moved once since we came back."
"He's scared," suggested John. "He doesn't know which way to turn."
The suggestion that the intruder might be alarmed was new to the Go Ahead boys and did much to revive their courage.
John and George each had secured a bat when they had left the house. And now they were prepared to defend the motor-boat and themselves also if the need arose.
"Knock on the window," suggested Grant. "Let the fellow know we're here."
"He may get away," warned George, who still was the most excited of all.
"If he tries to, we'll get him then anyway," said Grant. "Go around and look on the other side of the boat-house," he directed Fred and John. "We'll wait here. I'll rap on the window and we'll see what he does."
Grant waited until sufficient time had elapsed to enable his friends to take their position in front of the entrance on the opposite side and then rapped lightly upon the window. No response was made to his summons.
"He couldn't hear you," whispered George. "You'll have to make more noise than that."