The other two were just as they had been left.
“Let’s put one of them jest where the runaway was and then watch it.”
The idea was acted upon, and the entire party withdrew into the cover of the growth to await the result.
A long, tedious watch followed, but to the disappointment of all, as well as the chagrin of Jarius, the boat remained as motionless as a rock. Not a first move was noticed.
“Wait a leetle longer,” whispered the puzzled Jarius; “I thought I seed it wink jest a bit then.”
Half an hour passed, and still the object of their vain watch had not been seen to stir.
“It’s cur’us,” muttered the leader; “but that other took an orful long time to start. Why I was here nigh ’bout six hours all told.”
“Mebbe it has to be night for it to move,” suggested one.
Be that the case or not, they watched until noon, when they abandoned the fruitless task, and the mystery of the missing boats was more unfathomable than ever.
Some vented their disappointment upon Jarius Bede, and others were silent, not knowing what to say.