"And it's a bad thing for a lad of your years. Hurry up with the light."
"Give me time to get out of this mackintosh and then I'll hunt for matches."
There followed the slap of a wet garment on the floor. The next moment a match was struck, and young Merton could be seen making for the lamp. The moment he touched the chimney he jumped back with a cry and the match dropped from his fingers.
"What ails you?" demanded Big John.
"Why, the chimney's hot!" exclaimed Merton. "Somebody's been here, and they haven't been gone very long, either."
"Thunder! It must have been Ross and Kinky. They were to meet us here, you know, and Ross had a key to the boathouse."
"If they were here a few minutes ago," went on Merton, "why aren't they here now?"
"I'll have to pass that. But if any one was here, it was those pals of mine. Go on and light the lamp. Use your handkerchief for taking off the chimney."
Matt, under the overturned boat, drew a breath of relief. But it was only a temporary relief. Already he was wondering what would happen when Ross and Kinky arrived at the rendezvous. Ross had told Matt that he and Kinky were to meet Big John that night, but had carried the impression that the meeting was to take place in town.
Merton's fears were apparently relieved, and he soon had the lamp lighted.