When Colonel Ellison was seated safely, he turned toward the boys from Ripley.
“Young men,” he said, “your conduct will be reported to the proper authorities.”
But when, a moment later, the “Reindeer” was set in motion, the “Dart” immediately followed.
A chorus of cheery “good-nights” floated over the air, and the house-boat was again alone.
“Talk about a racket,” laughed Jack, as they watched the rapidly receding boats. “It was pretty lively, eh? Now, Bob Somers, what’s all this mystery? Where are Aleck and George?”
Bob Somers’ story produced a great sensation.
Jack whistled and thrust his hands deep in his pockets, and whistled again, while Joe burst out laughing.
Redfern looked very grave indeed.
“Things are getting worse and worse,” he said. “Bob, don’t you think you should have told all this to Colonel Ellison?”
“I didn’t care to act in too great a rush,” answered Bob, calmly. “It’s easy to see that George’s guardian is in a very unreasonable frame of mind.”