frightened; while the others tugged at the oars desperately, in the
endeavor to turn the boat, so as to head downstream.

And when they did finally get started, the way they tugged at those
ashen blades was enough to win almost any race.

"Good-by, Ted and Company!" said Max, not out loud, but to himself in a
low tone; for he did not want to lessen the fear that had gripped those
three fellows.

He could hear the sound of the oars working furiously in the rowlocks
long after the fugitives must have passed the lower end of the island.
Of course the rest of the campers would catch the sounds that had welled
forth, and feel curious about them; but between the four they ought to
be able to figure out what it meant. And as the fact of his possessing
the flashlight powders was known, they must realize that he, Max, was at
the bottom of the whole affair.

As Max continued his forward progress he was trying to understand what
Ted and his friends had meant to do. They knew, of course, how the
campers expected to stay there on Catamount Island for a whole week; and
the temptation to try and play a mean trick on Max and his chums had
finally moved them to get a boat, and row all the way up here.

No doubt they had arrived in the vicinity of the island at some time
during the afternoon; but unwilling to show themselves, lest their
intentions be thwarted, they had waited down around the next bend until
darkness came along to conceal their movements.

Just what they expected to do no one ever knew; but such mean tricks