"If I should say that the police actually tried to make it appear that Nat knew something about the destruction of your motor boat, what would you think?"
"By George!" exclaimed Bob, in amazement. "Surely, Mr. Wingate, they were not arrested for that?"
"Not altogether. An ignorant boatman got in their way, somewhere, then, stupidly, had to fall overboard. The fellow makes a ridiculous claim, but, of course, a few dollars will settle that."
"I told the officer at the police station, yesterday, that Nat couldn't possibly know anything about the blowing up of the 'Rambler.'"
"Sure you did," chimed in Sam.
"There is no reason why Nat and his friends should not be discharged from custody at once," went on Mr. Wingate; "but, to clear away every shadow of doubt from the minds of these blundering police, I should be glad to have you go with me to the police station."
"Of course we will," chorused the Ramblers.
"And now," continued Mr. Wingate, with a smile, "I'm glad to hear that you have accepted Nat's offer. A couple of weeks' fun with the boys, will, I hope, make you partially forget your loss. You have agreed to join Nat, haven't you?"
"No, sir, we are going to visit my father's land."
"Your father's land?" questioned Mr. Wingate. "Your trip was undertaken with that object in view?"