"I'll just drop my letter to my friends in New York while I'm in town," observed Pat.
"I wouldn't do that if I were you, Mr. Stoodles," advised Dave.
"Eh, why not, lad?" asked Pat.
"Just a few steps further and I will tell you," answered Dave.
He led his companions to a spot where there were some low rocks and motioned them to be seated.
"No one can overhear us at this lonely spot, that is sure," said Dave. "Now then, my friends, I want to have a serious confidential talk with you."
Bob looked curious and Stoodles important.
"Captain Broadbeam is worried and undecided," went on Dave, "my father is slightly discouraged, the crew sullen and discontented over losing that treasure. If no one stirs up something, as we must do--then things will drop, and we will go back home poorer than when we started out. Now, I don't give up so easily."
"Good boy!" nodded Stoodles approvingly.
"I shall make an effort to trace our stolen fortune if I have to do it all alone in a canoe."