"It is nothing," he said after examining Paul. "He exerted himself a little too much to-day. He must be quiet for a couple of weeks yet and he'll be all right."
"Then that means no trip for you to-morrow," said Mrs. Racer kindly. "Never mind, I'll amuse you while the boys are away pretending they are detectives," and she smiled at Paul.
It was about nine o'clock when Frank happened to remember that he had left aboard their sloop Gull a book of adventures in which he was much interested.
"I'm going down and get it," he announced. "I won't be long."
"I'll go with you," offered Andy, and the two started off toward the mooring place, which was near the big public pier. The boys kept a light skiff tied to the float and in this way they used to row out to the sailboat.
As they approached the pier they heard confused shouts and cries coming from the direction of the bay.
"Something's going on!" cried Frank, breaking into a run.
"Yes. Sounds like someone in trouble," added Andy as he hollowed.
Once more came the cry, and this time the brothers could make it out:
"Fire! Fire! Fire!"