Four Afloat Part 41

"Sorry to queer your little yarn, Tommy," said Bob, "but you're letting your imagination run away with you. Dan wore those trousers to New York yesterday."

"Du-du-du-did he, Nel?" appealed Tom. Nelson nodded.

"Well, they look like those. Anyway, I'll bet he's got all our money and things in that su-su-su-su-su--"

"Suit case, Tommy," said Nelson. "You're welcome."

"Well, it won't do him any good now," said Bob. "He won't get it off this boat except over my dead body."

"What became of that cheese and the crackers and things?" asked Tom suddenly.

"By Jove, that's so!" exclaimed Bob. "We haven't fed!"

"Well, we don't need to eat crackers and cheese unless we want to," said Nelson. "There's real grub in the ice box. What do you say, _Chef_? Do we get anything cooked?"

"I don't mind cooking if you'll stay there and see that he doesn't jump out and scalp me," answered Tom.

Nelson promised faithfully and presently there was a subdued bustle in the "galley." Beyond the bolted door all remained as silent as a tomb.

The _Vagabond_ and her tows were by this time within sight of the bridge.

"Coffee or tea?" asked Tom softly.

The verdict was coffee and Tom's fork got busy in the bottom of a cup with half an egg.

"Don't make such a silly lot of noise," whispered Nelson.

"It isn't me," replied Tom, "it's the egg cackling."

"Where are we, Bob?" asked Nelson.

"Just pa.s.sed the Navy Yard," was the answer. "Hadn't you better slow her down a bit?" Nelson followed the suggestion.

"We'll be at the wharf before you get that luncheon ready, Tommy, if you don't hurry," said Nelson. Whereupon Tom flew around quite fast for him and the cheering aroma of coffee began to pervade the launch. And with it presently mingled the agreeable odor of corned-beef hash.

Suddenly from the other side of the door came the sound of a loud yawn and Tom dropped the spoon from his hand. Nelson got up from the step and stood ready. They listened intently. For a moment silence held. Then came the thud of boots on the floor and the creak of the berth as its occupant sat up. Nelson pointed over his shoulder and Tom streaked to the stairs and warned Bob, returning to take his place at Nelson's side.

Another yawn followed. Then the door was tried. There was a muttered word from beyond it and it creaked as the person in the stateroom put his shoulder against it. Nelson reached down and possessed himself of the biggest wrench in the tool kit. Then--

"That door's bolted," he called. "You stay where you are. If you make trouble it'll be bad for you. We're three to one and you'd better give up!" There was a long silence. Evidently the fellow in the stateroom was pondering the advice. At last, however--

"What yer goin' ter do with me?" asked a deep, gruff voice in which Nelson thought he caught a tremor.

"We're almost at New London and when we get there we're going to give you up to the police and let you explain, if you can, why you ran off with our boat."

"Did yer say there was three of yer?" asked the other.

"Yes."

"I give up then. Lemme out."

"No, you'll stay where you are," answered Nelson.

"I give yer my word I won't do nothin' if yer'll lemme out," pleaded the prisoner. "Hope ter die!"

"Will you hand over your revolver?"

There was just a moment of hesitation.

"Yes," was the answer.

"Very well," said Nelson. "Reach it through the nearest port and lay it on the deck. Understand?"

"Yes."

"You go and fetch it, Tommy." Nelson whispered. In a moment Tom was back with the revolver in his hand.

"It isn't loaded," he whispered, "and it lu-lu-lu-looks like Bob's."

"It is Bob's," said Nelson, examining it.

"Bob su-su-says to stop the engine so as he cu-cu-can leave the wheel."

Nelson obeyed and Bob tumbled impatiently down into the engine room.

"Are you going to let him out?" he asked.

"I don't know. Would you?"

"Yes, we can manage him. And he can't get away unless he swims. First, though, tell him to hand out the cartridges."

Nelson followed the suggestion and Tom brought down Bob's box of cartridges. Bob grimly loaded the revolver. When he was through he nodded to Nelson. The latter went to the door.

"I'm going to let you out on the understanding that you give yourself up and make no attempt to escape. Understand that?"

"Yes," growled the prisoner.

"All right," said Nelson. "Get out of the way, Barry." The terrier for several minutes had been sniffing at the door and wagging his stump of a tail. Nelson shot back the bolt and stepped aside.

"Come out," he commanded sternly.

Slowly the door opened, and then three jaws dropped simultaneously and three faces were overspread with amazement.

Out walked Dan!

CHAPTER XXIII-TELLS HOW THE FOUR ENCOUNTERED OLD ACQUAINTANCES