For a time John rowed forward in silence. Both boys were keenly observant, but they were unable to discover any trace of the shore, nor were any lights of passing vessels seen on the water.
“I think we have gone about far enough,” suggested Fred, when a half-hour or more had elapsed.
“So do I,” answered John.
“Better let me row back,” said Fred.
“That’s all right, too,” responded John.
The boys exchanged places and Fred rowed more rapidly on their return than his companion had done on their advance.
Several minutes elapsed and then John said in a low voice, “It’s strange we don’t see anything of the Gadabout. I thought that we were headed right for it.”
“So did I,” answered Fred. “We had better call.”
John placed his hands about his mouth and shouted: “Ahoy, there! Is this the Gadabout?”
He repeated his hail several times, but as no answering shout was heard, he again hailed the invisible motor-boat.