retreat to the tents.




CHAPTER IV

THE BOAT AFFAIR UNSETTLED


The conspirators had not mistaken the boat, and got hold of young
J.W.'s by mischance, but had really begun operations on Jack's boat
when surprised by the boy who they supposed to be fast asleep.

It had happened that the little fellow had wanted to know some
particular point about the engine, and had asked Jack's permission
to look at his, which was simple and easily understood.

Jack had told him he could do what he liked, and the boy was under
the cover with his electric light turned on the engine when the
evildoers came up and got to work. The first turn of the auger
startled him, and he called out sharply wanting to know what they
were doing.

Then he suspected mischief, and immediately threw aside the cover,
and turned his light upon the fleeing rascals.

He was unable to identify them, because there were several of the boys
of the same build, but he was satisfied that they would not return.