Frequently they glanced behind them, but it was manifest that the dog was not pursuing them.
“He’s got a backache,” suggested Fred, “or else he’s homesick. He doesn’t want to leave the house.”
“I hope he doesn’t,” said John heartily. “I didn’t know there was any dog around there.”
“Nor I. I don’t know where they kept him.”
“If they will only keep him now that’s all I want.”
Nothing more was said until at last the boys arrived at the shore. Both looked keenly out over the waters hoping to discover some trace of their friends. In the dim light, however, they were unable to discover the presence of any boat on the waters or of any parties on the bluff. The night air was becoming cooler, although the breeze which had arisen at sunset had now died away.
For several minutes the boys stood waiting and listening upon the shore and then Fred in a loud whisper said hastily, “Listen, Jack. Do you hear anything?”
“On the water?” inquired John.
“Yes.”
Both boys listened intently and in a brief time John said eagerly, “I do hear something. To me it is like the sound of oars in oarlocks.”