In a few minutes, the boys were crossing the field, headed for a fringe of woods.
As they were about to enter, Dick Travers happened to turn his head. He stopped abruptly, and uttered an exclamation.
"What's the matter, Dick?" asked Bob.
"Some fellows going out on our wharf," was the answer.
"I'll bet it's 'Little Bill' after the 'Spray' again," cried Tom, excitedly.
"Let's watch 'em a bit," counseled Bob.
"Now's the time to put a stop to their funny business," said Bob. "Come ahead, fellows. Guess Mr. Bill Dugan won't take the boat out to-day."
"He has awful nerve," said Dick, angrily.
"Perhaps he won't have so much when the Ramblers get through with him."
The boys, fully aroused, broke into a run, and presently recognized "Little Bill." But Dugan and his companion, busily engaged in casting off the ropes, did not look around until the indignant boys were almost upon the wharf.