A hasty inspection of the auto showed that though the bandits had used it roughly, no material damage was done. A thorough cleaning would put it in shape again. There was considerable mud about, showing that it had been run in the rain after Tom and Ned had fled from it.
A bath, a change to fresh clothes, bought as soon as the stores were opened, and a rest soon repaired some of the ravages of the imprisonment that showed on the two young men. Then they took their ease in the House on Wheels while waiting for the boat to come back with the merry party of young folks. It seemed a long while, but it was scarcely noon when a whistle was heard and Ned, looking out, announced:
"Here she comes!"
Tom roused himself, squared his shoulders, and began to walk toward the dock where some hands were making ready to moor the pleasure craft.
Ned followed. He wanted to see all that should take place.
"Wonder if the State Police will get Cunningham and his gang," mused Ned, as they stood on the dock waiting for the boat to be made fast.
"They will, sooner or later," said Tom. "Just now I'm more interested in the nephew than I am in that beefy Englishman."
The houseboat came to a squeaking stop at the end of the dock, and when the gangplank was in place several laughing, and evidently happy, young men and women began to disembark. Tom watched closely but did not see Mary and Barton. A frown came over his face as he moved quickly down the dock, followed by Ned.
Then Grace Winthrop, surrounded by a group of admirers, came off.
"It was a wonderful party!" said one girl.