A close examination of the mass of impressions at the water's edge proved fruitless. The Ramblers had tramped about so much that nothing could be made out.
"Well, there's no use in wasting any more time, fellows," protested Dick Travers; "let's get to work. Hello—the Trailers are coming."
"Say! What are you little Ancient Mariners looking for?" began Nat, as he came up. "Has anybody dropped a penny?"
"We're in the detective business now," replied Bob.
"Why—has anything happened?"
"Well!—Some fellow played a mean trick on us."
"A mean trick on you?" echoed John Hackett, in surprise.
Bob stepped on board the "Rambler," and held up the severed wires.
John Hackett whistled.
"That's funny!" he exclaimed. "I wonder who could have done that."