"Of course--impossible," agreed Mark.

"But, there's one thing, though," continued Jack.

"What's that?" asked Mark.

"I don't like the idea of you going off alone in the dark, to meet a
man who doesn't sign his name to the note he wrote. So, if you have no
objections, I'll go with you. No use taking any chances."

"I don't believe I run any risk," said Mark, "but I'll be glad of your
company. Come along. Maybe it's only a joke." And the two lads started
off together in the darkness toward the white bridge.




CHAPTER III

PREPARING FOR A VOYAGE


"Seems like rather an odd thing; doesn't it?" remarked Jack, as he and
his chum walked along.

"What?"

"This note."

"Oh, yes. But what made you think the writing looked like that of the