"Nor would we, either," added Hal. "Especially, as we've helped in the work on her. And, gracious, what time is it?"
"Just about eight o'clock," replied Somers, consulting his watch.
"And the launching is at ten o'clock. Come; we must hustle along. What will Mr. Farnum be thinking of us?"
"He probably believes we stole the money, and he must have officers out looking for us by this time," hinted Jack; with a wry face.
Jack thought, to be sure, of Josh Owen, back there in the woods, but clearly it would be out of place to ask Eph Somers to go back and attend to the ex-foreman. Besides, they could all soon be in Dunhaven, and then a constable or two could be sent out to search.
At first, Dan tried his old tactics of balking, but a few energetic, rough-and-ready punches from Eph caused the bully to change his mind. After that he went along in sullen silence. It was not long before the quartette turned down into the shore road that led up to the boatyard.
As they came near the big gate, still closed to the public, the boys beheld a crowd of several Hundred people. There were many vehicles and automobiles there, also.
"Here come those boys! Hey, young fellows, the officers are looking for you!" shouted someone.
"I guess so," admitted Jack, dryly. "However, they won't want us. Let us through this crowd, please. We want to find Mr. Farnum without delay."
The new watchman, at the gate, admitted them without question. Eph Somers, being of the party, got into the yard also, without any difficulty.