"I believe you are right. I wish we could hear the rest of what
is going on."

"Can't we get close to the yacht?" suggested Sam. "See, the sky
is clouding over. I don't believe they will see us going down
the stairs."

They talked the plan over for a moment, then began to descend the
steps, keeping as low down as possible and close to some brush
which grew up in the crevices of the stones. Soon the river bank
was gained at a point not over fifty feet from where the yacht
lay.

They halted behind a large stone close to the water's edge. By
straining their eyes in the darkness they saw Mumps, Crabtree,
and Bill Goss in earnest conversation in the stern of the vessel.
A low murmur came to their ears, but not a word could be
understood.

"We must get closer," was Dick's comment, when to the surprise of
all they saw the sailor hoist the mainsail of the Falcon. A
gentle breeze was blowing, and soon the yacht was leaving the
shore. They watched the craft until the gathering darkness hid
her entirely from view.