At that instant a pistol shot rang out. The tramp, after a hasty glance around, started on the run for the house. The man in the doorway sprang out. Soon two others joined him.
"Who fired that shot?" cried Morse.
"Come on, Tom!" cried Mr. Damon, grabbing up his club and springing from the bushes. "Our friends have arrived!" The young inventor and Mr. Benson followed him.
No sooner had they come into the open space in front of the house than they were seen. At the same instant, from the rear, in the direction of the lake, came Mr. Munson and Mr. Dwight.
"We're caught!" cried Happy Harry.
He made a dash for the house, just as a man, carrying a box, rushed out.
"There it is! The model and papers are in that box!" cried Tom. "Don't let them get away with it!"
The criminals were taken by surprise. With leveled weapons the attacking party closed in on them. Mr. Damon raised his club threateningly.
"Surrender! Surrender!" he cried. "We have you! Bless my stars, but you're captured! Surrender!"
"It certainly looks so," admitted Anson Morse. "I guess they have us, boys."