But a close search of the shack failed to reveal the missing lights.
"They have been stolen," Charley said, quietly. "We had better look and see if anything else has been taken."
But Walter was already looking over his purchases. "Nearly all our groceries are gone," he cried.
The band of chums gazed at each other in dismay.
"It must have been done while we were working with the launch," Charley said. "Chris, did you see any one go into the shack?"
"No, Massa Chas," the little negro confessed. "De fish was jes' naturally biting so fast dat I doan look around much."
"What shall we do about it?" Walter inquired.
"I don't see as we can do anything," said Charley, thoughtfully. "We will just have to grin and bear it and be more careful in the future. Of course, it was one of those fishermen who did it, there was no one else on the dock,—but we have no clue as to which was the guilty one and we can not accuse all of them."
"Wisely said, my lad," approved Captain Westfield, "all we can do is to keep quiet and watch out in the future. We evidently have some tough characters for neighbors. Let's not mourn and get downhearted, that won't bring the things back. Here Chris has got a good supper ready. Let's get at it and be cheerful."