The Sprite resembled a black blot on the water. The bank was rather high, at that point, and its shadow covered the boat.
"Hello, Pete!" called Matt.
There was no answer to the call, and Matt began to think that Pete had vanished, as well as George and McGlory.
"Pete!" Matt cried in a louder tone.
"Yassuh, yassuh," came the answer from below, and Matt's apprehension suddenly subsided.
"Come up here, Pete," Matt went on. "We're going to spend the night up the creek. I guess the Sprite will be safe enough. There's a lantern in the port locker, amidships. Bring it up with you."
Matt could see only the blurred outline of a human form moving around in the boat. He heard the lid of the locker as it was lifted.
"Ah kain't find dat lantern," came from the boat.
"I'll get it," said Matt.
The next moment he had climbed into the launch. Hardly had his feet found firm foothold when he was seized and flung roughly backward. Two pairs of hands held him, and a hoarse, mocking laugh echoed in his ears.