The Project Gutenberg EBook of The Launch Boys' Cruise in the Deerfoot, by
Edward S. Ellis
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Title: The Launch Boys' Cruise in the Deerfoot
Author: Edward S. Ellis
Illustrator: Burton Donnel Hughes
Release Date: November 21, 2012 [EBook #41434]
Language: English
*** START OF THIS PROJECT GUTENBERG EBOOK LAUNCH BOYS' CRUISE IN THE DEERFOOT ***
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THE LAUNCH BOYS SERIES
The Launch Boys' Cruise In the Deerfoot
BY EDWARD S. ELLIS
Author of "The Flying Boys Series," "Deerfoot Series," etc., etc.
ILLUSTRATED BY
BURTON DONNEL HUGHES
THE JOHN C. WINSTON COMPANY
PHILADELPHIA
Copyright, 1912, by
THE JOHN C. WINSTON COMPANY
PRINTED IN U. S. A.
[Illustration: THE BIG SHIP WAS STILL COMING TOWARD HIM]
CONTENTS
CHAPTER PAGE
I. BETWEEN TWO FIRES 9
II. LIVELY TIMES 19
III. MIKE MURPHY 29
IV. A LOAN TO CAPTAIN LANDON 39
V. A MOTOR BOAT 50
VI. CAPTAIN AND CREW 58
VII. ONE AUGUST DAY 69
VIII. A PASSING GLIMPSE 81
IX. NO MAN'S LAND 92
X. THE LURE OF GOLD 104
XI. A MISSING MOTOR BOAT 114
XII. IN THE TELEGRAPH OFFICE 125
XIII. A SLIGHT MISTAKE 136
XIV. A FRIEND IN NEED 145
XV. A GLIMPSE OF SOMETHING 156
XVI. ON BARTER ISLAND 166
XVII. THE MAN IN GRAY 176
XVIII. AT THE INLET 186
XIX. NOT NEAR EITHER BANK 196
XX. A DISAPPOINTMENT 206
XXI. A TELEGRAM 216
XXII. FOUND 226
XXIII. CAPTAIN AND MATE 236
XXIV. "THIS IS WHERE I STOP" 247
XXV. GOOD NEWS 257
XXVI. DISQUIETING NEWS 267
XXVII. AN ALARMING FACT 277
XXVIII. THE CRY ACROSS THE WATERS 287
XXIX. MAROONED 296
XXX. A NEW ENGLAND HOME COMING 308
XXXI. THE MAN IN GRAY 319
The Launch Boys' Cruise in the Deerfoot
CHAPTER I
BETWEEN TWO FIRES
I once heard the bravest officer I ever knew declare that the height of
absurdity was for a person to boast that he did not know the meaning of
fear. "Such a man is either a fool or the truth is not in him," was the
terse expression of the gallant soldier.
Now it would have been hard to find a more courageous youth than Alvin
Landon, who had just entered his seventeenth year, and yet he admits
that on a certain soft moonlit night in summer he felt decidedly
"creepy," and I believe you and I would have felt the same in his
situation. He was walking homeward and had come to a stretch of pine
forest that was no more than an eighth of a mile in length. The road was
so direct that when you entered the wood you could see the opening at
the farther side, where you came again upon meadows and cultivated
fields. The highway was so broad that only a portion of it was shaded
and there was no excuse for one losing his way even when the moon and
stars failed to give light. All you had to do was to "keep in the middle
of the road" and plod straight on.
But when the orb of night rode high in the sky and the course was marked
as plainly as at midday, there was always the deep gloom on the right
and left, into which the keenest eye could not penetrate. A boy's
imagination was apt to people the obscurity with frightful creatures
crouching and waiting for a chance to pounce upon him.
Alvin was a student in a preparatory school on the Hudson, where he was
making ready for his admission to the United States Military Academy at
West Point. The appointment had been guaranteed his father, a wealthy
capitalist, by one of the Congressmen of his district, but nearly two
years had to pass before the lad would be old enough to become a cadet,
and pass the rigid mental and physical examination required of every one
enrolled in the most admirable military institution in the world.
On this mild August night he was going home from the little cove where
his motor boat nestled under the shed built for its protection. His chum
Chester Haynes, about his own age, lived within a hundred yards of the
shelter of the craft, so that it was always under his eye, when not
dashing up the Kennebec or some of its tributaries, or cruising over the
broad waters of Casco Bay. On their return from an all-day excursion,
they reached Chester's home so late that Alvin stayed to supper. It was
dark when he set out for his own home, a good half mile north, the last
part of the walk leading through the odorous pines of which I have made
mention.
The lad had no weapon, for he needed none. His father was opposed to
the too free use of firearms by boys and insisted that when a lad found
it necessary to carry a pistol for protection it was time for him to
stay within doors where no one could harm him.
The youth was impatient because of a certain nervousness which came to
him when he stepped into the pulseless gloom and saw far ahead the broad
silvery door opening into the open country beyond.
"About all the Indians in this part of the world," he mused, yielding to
a whimsical fancy, "are at Oldtown; the others are making baskets, bows
and arrows, moccasins and trinkets to sell to summer visitors. There
used to be bears and panthers and wolves and deer in Maine, but most of
them are in the upper part. I shouldn't dare to shoot a buck or moose if
he came plunging at me with antlers lowered, for it is the close season
and a fellow can't satisfy the wardens by saying he had to shoot in
self-defence. As for other kinds of wild animals, there's no use of
thinking of them.
"I should be ashamed to let Chester know I felt creepy to-night, when I
have been through these woods so often without a thought of anything
wrong. But it does seem to me that some sort of mischief is brooding in
the air----"
"_Tu-whit-tu-whoo-oo!_"
Alvin must have leaped a foot from the ground. He was sure he felt his
cap rise several inches above his crown, with still an upward tendency.
Then he softly laughed.
"Only a screech owl, but that hoot when you are not expecting it is
startling enough to make a fellow jump. It seems to me nature might have
given that bird a more cheerful voice, say like the thrush or
nightingale. Then it would be pleasant to listen to his music after
dark. I remember when I was a little codger and was coming home late one
night, near Crow's Nest, one of those things began hooting right over my
head and I didn't stop running till I tumbled through the gate. I think
I have a little more sense now than in those days."
It did not add to his peace of mind when he glanced behind him to see a
shadowy form coming toward him from the rear and keeping so close to the
line of obscurity on his right that only a flitting glimpse of him was
caught. Few situations are more nerve-racking than the discovery at
night of an unknown person dogging your footsteps. He may be a friend or
an enemy--more likely the latter--and you see only evil intent in his
stealthy pursuit.
But Alvin's good sense quieted his fears and he resumed his course,
still holding the middle of the road, alert and watchful.
"He can't mean any harm," he thought, "for every one in this part of the
country is a neighbor of the others. I shall be glad to have his company
and will lag so that he will soon overtake me--hello!"
It was at this juncture that two ghost-like figures suddenly whisked
across the road in front. They seemed to be in a hurry and acted as if
they wished to escape observation--though why they should feel thus was
more than Alvin could guess. It dawned upon him that he was between two
fires.
"It's queer that so many strangers are abroad to-night, though they have
as much right to tramp through the country as I."
At the time of learning the rather disquieting fact, young Landon had
gone two-thirds of the way through the wood, so that the couple in front
were near the open country. Striving to convince himself that he had no
cause for misgiving, he still felt uneasy as he moved stealthily
forward. He gave no thought to the one behind, for it was easy to avoid
him. His interest centered upon the two in front, with whom he was quite
sure to come in contact. They were no longer in sight, but whether they
were walking in the broad ribbon of shadow at the side of the highway,
or awaiting his approach, was impossible to tell.
He stopped and listened. The one dismal hoot of the owl seemed to have
satisfied the bird, which remained silent. The straining ear failed to
catch the slightest footfall. Recalling the feathery dust upon which he
was stepping, Alvin knew that no one could hear his footfalls.
For the first time, he now left the band of illumination, moving into
the darkness on his left. There he could be invisible to every one not
less than four or five paces away.
"If they don't wish me to see them, there's no reason why they should
see me," was the thought which impelled him. Gradually he slackened his
pace until he stood still. Then with all his senses keyed to a high
tension he did some hard thinking. Despite his ridicule of his own
fears, he could not shake off the suspicion that mischief was brooding
over him. The two men in front and the third at the rear belonged to the
same party.
"They mean to rob me," muttered Alvin, compressing his lips.
The belief seemed reasonable, for he was worthy of the attention of one
or more yeggmen. He carried a gold watch, the gift of his father, a
valuable pin in his scarf, a present from his mother, and always had a
generous amount of money with him. Many a youth in his situation would
have meekly surrendered his property upon the demand of a company of
criminals against whom it was impossible to prevail, but our young
friend was made of sterner stuff. He would not yield so long as he could
fight, and his bosom burned with righteous anger at the thought that
such an outrage was possible in these later days.
All the same, he was too sensible to invite a physical encounter so long
as there was a good chance of avoiding it. The wisest thing to do was to
step noiselessly in among the pines at his side, pick his way for a few
rods, and then wait for the danger to pass; or he could continue to
steal forward, shaping his course so as to reach the open country, so
far to one side of the highway that no one would see him.
You will smile when I tell you why Alvin Landon did not follow this
plan.
"They may suspect what I'm doing and sneak along the edge of the wood to
catch me as I come out. Then I'll have to run for it, and I'll be hanged
if I'll run from all the yeggmen in the State of Maine!"
He listened intensely, not stirring a muscle for several minutes. Once
he fancied he heard a faint rustling a little way behind him, but it
might have been a falling leaf. At the front the silence was like that
of the tomb.
"They're waiting for me. Very well!"
Instead of keeping within the darkness, he stepped back into the middle
of the road and strode forward with his usual pace. He did not carry so
much as a cane or broken limb with which to defend himself. All at once
he began whistling that popular college air, "When I saw Sweet Nellie
Home." He would not admit to himself that it was because he felt the
slightest fear, but somehow or other, the music seemed to take the place
of a companion. He began to suspect that it might not be so bad after
all for a frightened lad thus to cheer himself when picking his course
through a dark reach of woods.
"At any rate it can't tell them where I am, for all of them already know
it," was his conclusion.
CHAPTER II
LIVELY TIMES
As Alvin Landon drew near the open country he gave his thoughts wholly
to the two strangers in front, ceasing to look back or listen for the
one at the rear. The keen eyes strove to penetrate the silent gloom on
his right and left, but they saw nothing. Probably fifty feet intervened
between him and the full flood of moonlight, when, with more startling
effect than that caused by the hooting of the owl, a sepulchral voice
sounded through the stillness:
"_Hold on there, pard!_"
It was purely instinctive on the part of the youth that he made a bound
forward and dashed off on a dead run. Not until he burst into the bright
illumination did he awaken to the fact that he was doing the very
opposite of what he intended and actually playing the coward. The fact
that his natural courage had come back was proved at the same moment of
his abrupt stoppage, for the sharp report of a pistol rang out from
directly behind him. The space was so short that it was evident the shot
had been fired not to harm him, but to check his flight.
At the moment of halting, he whirled around and saw a youth who could
have been no older than himself charging impetuously upon him. Alvin's
halt was so instant and so unexpected on the part of his pursuer that
they would have collided but for the fugitive's fist, which shot out and
landed with full force upon the face of the other. Alvin knew how to
strike hard, and the energy which he threw into the effort was
intensified by the swift approach of his assailant.
No blow could have been more effective. With a grunt, his foe tumbled
headlong, flapped over on his back and lay as if dead. Had he been the
only enemy, the combat would have ended then and there, for never was an
antagonist knocked out more emphatically, but his companion now dashed
into the fray.
He was somewhat older than the one who had come to grief, but still
lacked full maturity. Too cautious to make the mistake of the other, he
checked himself while just beyond the fist that had done such admirable
work. With an oath he shouted:
"I'll teach you how to kill my pal."
"I don't need any teaching; come on and I'll serve you the same way,"
replied Alvin, eager for the attack to be made.
His opponent came on. He had learned from the rashness of his partner,
for after putting up his hands, like a professional pugilist, he began
feinting and circling about Alvin, in the search for an inviting
opening. The latter did not forget the instruction he had received from
Professor Donovan and stood on his guard, equally vigilant for an
advantage.
The elder had made a complete circle about Alvin, who turned as on a
pivot to meet his attack, and was just quick enough to parry the vicious
blow launched at him, but not quick enough to counter effectively. The
next instant the fist of the taller fellow came in contact with the
chest of Alvin, who was driven back several paces. His foe attempted to
follow it up, but was staggered by a facer delivered straight and true.
Then our young friend in turn pressed the other, who, bewildered by the
rapidity and fierceness of the assault, made a rush to clinch.
Nothing could have suited Alvin better and he met the effort with a
storm of furious blows. The chief one was aimed at the chin, and had it
landed the result would have been a knockout, but it was a trifle short.
Determined not to be denied, Alvin pressed on with all the power at his
command. "Keep cool and strike straight," was the motto of his
instructor at the gymnasium, and though he was enraged he heeded the
wise advice.
Nearly a score of blows were exchanged with such rapidity that a
spectator could not have kept track of them, and then Alvin "got there."
The thud was followed by an almost complete somersault of the victim.
The master was prompted to push his success by attacking his enemy
before he could rise, but another law flashed upon Alvin. "Never strike
a man when he is down," a chivalrous policy when the rules of the game
govern both contestants. It was doubtful whether Alvin would have
received similar consideration had the situation been reversed, but he
could not feel sure of that until the proof was given. He therefore
calmly waited for the other to rise, when he would be upon him like a
tiger.
A minute or two passed before the fallen one recovered enough to begin
climbing to his feet. He could have risen sooner, but deceived his
conqueror by feigning weakness and fumbled aimlessly about as if too
groggy to get his bearings. But he was helping in a treacherous trick.
As Alvin stood, his back was toward the first miscreant, who recovered
from his stupor while his companion still lay on the ground. Our young
friend gave no thought to the one, whom he believed to be out of the
affair altogether.
The same young man, however, gave quick thought to him. Bounding to his
feet he sneaked up unseen and struck a blow that drove Alvin forward so
violently that he had to make a leap over the second assailant to avoid
falling upon him. It was a wonder that he was not struck down senseless.
As it was, he was partially stunned, but rallied in a flash.
Now it would have been sensible and no disgrace to the heroic lad, when
he found himself confronted by two muscular and enraged youths, to dash
at full speed for home. But he did nothing of the kind.
"Come on, both of you!" he called out. "I'm not afraid and you haven't
got me yet!"
It would be a pleasure to record that our young friend defeated the
couple, but such a triumph in the nature of things was impossible.
Either of them would have given him all he could do, and the two united
were sure to overcome him. With his stubborn resolve to have it out with
them he must have suffered but for an unexpected turn of events.
You remember that a third stranger was approaching from the other
direction. In the hurricane rush of the fight, Alvin forgot about him,
but he now arrived and threw himself with a vengeance into the affray.
His bursting upon the scene convinced the lone defender that the time
had come to show his ability as a sprinter. While quite ready to oppose
two, he knew he could not stand up against three. Before he started,
however, he saw with a thrill that the new arrival had attacked with
unrestrainable fierceness the one who had just struck Alvin. In other
words, instead of being an enemy he was a much-needed ally.
This stranger did not utter a word at first, but attended strictly to
business, and that he was a master of it was proved by his first blow,
which sent the fellow staggering backward finally falling with his heels
kicking toward the orb of night. There was no thought of chivalry on the
part of the conquerer, who landed again as he was climbing to his feet.
"Let up!" protested the victim. "Do you want to kill a fellow?"
"Begorrah, ye guessed it right the fust time!" was the reply of the
friend, who turned to Alvin:
"If ye'll smash that spalpeen I'll be attending to the same wid this
one."
The slight diversion was enough to give the dazed victim on the ground
time to come to his feet, when he turned and was off like a deer in the
direction whence had come his conqueror. Determined not to be despoiled
of his victory, the Irish lad--as his accent showed him to be--pursued
at the highest bent of speed. But his short legs were not equal to the
task, and the terrified assailant made such excellent time that a few
minutes sufficed to carry him beyond all danger. The "broth of a boy"
would not give up at first. The two held their places in the middle of
the highway, so that both were in plain sight, with the fugitive
steadily drawing away.
"Howld on, ye spalpeen!" shouted the pursuer. "I'm not through wid ye!"
But he who fled was glad enough to be through with the business, and
kept up his desperate flight until the other ceased and turned back to
learn how matters were going with the friend to whose aid he had
rushed.
A somewhat similar story was to be told of the second miscreant, who had
seized the chance to take to flight in the opposite direction. In this
case, the fleet footed Alvin proved the superior in speed and within a
hundred yards overtook him. The moment he was within reach he let drive
and his fist landed in the back of the other's neck. Inasmuch as he was
going at his highest speed and the blow sent his head and shoulders
forward with additional swiftness, the inevitable result was that he
fell, his face plowing the dirt and his hat flying a dozen feet from
him.
Before he could rise, Alvin was upon him. The fellow threw up his hands
to protect his countenance and whined:
"Please don't hit me again! I'm half killed now!"
The cringing appeal changed Alvin's indignation to disgusted pity. He
unclenched his fingers and dropped his hands.
"Get up! I won't hit you, though you deserve it."
His victim seemed to be in doubt and slowly came to his feet still
whining:
"We didn't know it was you; it was a mistake."
"It does look that way," was the grim comment of Alvin. "Get up, I say;
you have nothing to fear from me."
The fellow was in doubt. He slowly rose, but the instant he stood erect,
he was off again as if propelled from a catapult. Alvin, instead of
pursuing and overtaking him, stood still and laughed.
"Come back and get your hat!" he shouted, but the fugitive did not abate
his speed and made the dust fly until he vanished in the moonlight.
Yielding to an impulse, Alvin walked to where the headgear lay and
picked it up. It was a valuable chip hat, such as is fashionable in
summer in all parts of the country. The captor was wondering whether it
contained the fellow's name. The moonlight was not strong enough for him
to see distinctly, and, bringing out his rubber safe from his hip
pocket, he struck a match to aid in the scrutiny.
CHAPTER III
MIKE MURPHY
Holding the tiny flicker of flame in the hollow of the hat, Alvin saw in
fancy gilt letters, pasted on the silk lining, the following:
"NOXON O"
"That's a queer name," he reflected. "I never heard anything like it."
"Do ye know ye're holding the same upside down?"
The Irish lad, panting from his exertion in running, stood grinning at
Alvin's elbow. "'Spose ye turns the hat round so as to revarse the
same."
Alvin did so and then read "O NOXON."
"It's the oddest name I ever saw, for 'NOXON' reads the same upside down
and backwards--Ugh!"
Seized with a sudden loathing, he sent the hat skimming a dozen feet
away. His feeling was as if he had grasped a serpent. Then he turned
and impulsively offered his hand to the Irish lad.
"Shake! You were a friend in need."
"It's mesilf that's under deep obligations to yersilf."
"How do you make that out?"
"Didn't ye give me the finest chance for a shindy that I've had since I
lift Tipperary? I haven't had so much fun since Pat Geoghaghan almost
whaled the life out of me at home."
"Who are you?"
"Mike Murphy, at your sarvice."
And the grinning lad lifted his straw hat and bowed with the grace of a
crusader.
"Where do you live?"
"Up the road a wee bit, wid me father and mither."
"Are you the son of Pat Murphy?" asked the astonished Alvin.
"He has the honor, according to his own story, of being me dad."
"Why, he's father's caretaker. I remember he told me some time ago that
he had a boy seventeen years old that he had sent word to in Ireland to
come over and join him. And you are he! Why, I'm so glad I should like
to shake hands with you again."
"I'm nothing loath, but I say that hat ye threw away is more of the
fashion in this part of the wurruld than in Tipperary, and if ye have no
objections I'll make a trade."
And the Irish lad walked to where the headgear lay, picked it up and
pulled it on his crown.
"It's a parfect fit--as the tramp said when he bounced around the kind
leddy's yard--don't I look swaat in the same?"
Alvin could not help laughing outright, for the hat was at least a size
too small for the proud new owner, and perched on his crown made his
appearance more comical than it had been formed by nature.
"I knew ye would be plased, as me uncle said when the docther towld him
he would be able to handle his shillaleh inside of a waak and meet his
engagement with Dennis O'Shaugnessey at Donnybrook fair. Me dad tached
me always to be honest."
To prove which Mike laid down his battered straw hat beside the road,
where the seeker of the better headgear would have no trouble in
finding it. "And if it's all the same, Alvin, we'll adjourn to our home,
for I'm so hungry I could ate me own grandmither."
"How did you know my name?" asked the surprised Alvin.
"Arrah, now, hasn't me dad and mither been writing me since they moved
into this part of the wurruld and spaking of yersilf? It was yer telling
me that me dad was your dad's caretaker that towld the rist. Ef I had
known it was yersilf I would have hit that spalpeen harder."
"You did well as it was. But I say, Mike, when did you arrive in Maine?"
"Only three days since. Having had directions from me dad, as soon as I
got ashore in New York I made fur the railway station, where I wint to
slaap in the cars and woke up in Portland. Thar I had time to ate
breakfast and ride in the train to Bath, where I meant to board the
steamboat _Gardiner_. I had half a minute to sprint down the hill to the
wharf, but the time was up before I got there and the men pulled in the
plank when I was twinty faat away. I'm told the Captain niver tarries
ten seconds for anybody."
"That's true," replied Alvin, "for I have seen him steam away when by
waiting half a minute he would have gained five or six passengers."
"So I had to tarry for the other steamer, which lift me off at
Southport, and I walked the rist of the way to the home of me parents. I
mind dad towld me the same was four or five miles, but I think it was
six hundred full. I found me parents yesterday."
"I remember now that your father said he expected you about this time,
but it had slipped my mind, and having been away all day I had no chance
to learn of your coming. But I can tell you, Mike, I'm mighty glad to
know you."
"The same to yersilf," was the hearty response of the Irish lad. In
fact, considering the circumstances in which the two met, to say nothing
of their congenial dispositions, nothing was more natural than that they
should form a strong liking for each other. They walked side by side,
sometimes in the dusty road or over the well-marked path on the right or
left, and talking of everything that came into their minds.
"How was it you happened to be passing over this road to-night when I
found myself in so great need of you?" asked Alvin.
"Me dad sint me this noon down to Cape Newagen to inquire for some
letters he didn't ixpect, and then to keep on to Squirrel Island and buy
him a pound of 'bacca and to be sure to walk all the way and be back in
time for supper, which I much fear me I sha'n't be able to do."
"How did you make out?" asked the amused Alvin.
"As well as might be ixpected," gravely replied Mike, "being there ain't
any store at Cape Newagen and I should have to walk under water for near
two miles or swim to Squirrel Island, barring the fact that I can't swim
a stroke to save me life."
"What did your father mean by sending you on such a fool errand?"
Mike chuckled.
"It was a joke on me. I've tried to break him of the habit, but he can't
help indulging in the same whin he gits the chance. He was so glad to
have me wid him that he found an excuse for whaling me afore last night
and then played this trick on me."
"Didn't your mother tell you better?"
"Arrah, but she's worse nor him; she said I would enj'y the walk and I
may say I did though I couldn't extind the same as far as they had
planned for me. Can you suggist something I kin do, Alvin, by the which
I can git aven wid the owld folks fur the fun they've had wid me?"
"I am not able to think of anything just now."
"Ah, I have it!" broke in the Irish youth, snapping his fingers. "It has
been the rule all me life that whin I got into a fight I must report the
whole sarcumstances of the same to dad. If I licked the other chap, it
was all right and he or mither give me an extra pratie at dinner, but if
I was bested, then dad made himself tired using his strap over me back
and legs. He's in high favor of me exercising my fists on others, but
never will agraa that I don't do a hanus wrong when I git licked. 'It's
such a bad habit,' he explains, that it's his dooty to whale it out of
me."
"What has your fight to-night to do with playing a joke on him?"
"Why, don't you see that I'll make him think fur a time that it was
mesilf that was knocked skyhigh, and after he's lambasted me till he
can't do so any more, and I kin hardly stand, you and me will tell him
the truth."
"Where will be the joke in that? It seems to me it will be wholly on
you."
"Don't ye observe that he and mither will feel so bad whin they find how
they have aboosed me that they'll give me two praties instid of one and
then I'll have the laugh on them."
"It takes an Irishman or Irish boy to think up such a joke as that," was
the comment of Alvin, as the two just then came in sight of the small
log structure in which Pat Murphy and his wife made their home, while a
light twinkled beyond from the windows of the larger building, where
Alvin lived with his parents during the summer. A half mile to the south
toward Cape Newagen was the more moderate dwelling, during the sultry
season, of Chester Haynes, his chum from whom he had parted an hour or
two previous to making the acquaintance of Mike Murphy. As they drew
near the structure, Mike stepped in front and opened the door, with
Alvin at his heels. Within, sat the father calmly smoking his pipe,
while his tall, muscular but pleasant-faced wife by the table in the
middle of the room with spectacles on her nose was busily sewing. The
light was acetylene, furnished from the same source that supplied the
large bungalow only a few paces distant.
"Good evening, Pat, and the top of the evening to you, Mrs. Murphy. You
see I have brought Mike safely home to you."
Alvin was a favorite with the couple, who warmly greeted him. The boy
was fond of calling at the humble dwelling and chatting with the two.
Sometimes he took a meal with them, insisting that the food was much
better than was provided by the professional chef in his own home. No
surer means of reaching the heart of the honest woman could have been
thought of, and though she insisted that the lad had kissed the blarney
stone, she was none the less pleased by his kind words.
"Mither, I'm that near starved," said Mike, dropping into the nearest
chair, "that I should perish if I had a dozen more paces to walk."
"Yer supper has been waiting for more than an hour, and if ye'll pass
into the kitchen ye may eat your fill."
Mike took a step in the direction, but was halted by his father.
"Where is the 'bacca I ordered ye to bring from Squirrel Island?"
"They're out of the kind ye smoke, dad, and that which the storekeeper
showed me was that poor I wouldn't have anything to do wid the same."
"And the litters at Cape Newagen?"
"They're expicting the one from King George that ye were looking fur,
but it won't be in until the next steamer."
CHAPTER IV
A LOAN TO CAPTAIN LANDON
The elder Murphy looked at his son with a quizzical expression and then
glanced at the hat which had been hung on a peg behind the door.
"And where did ye get that?"
"Traded me owld one for it, but I had to go through a foight before the
ither chap would give his consint."
The father's face brightened.
"So ye've been in anither foight, have ye, and only well landed in
Ameriky."
"I niver had a foiner one," replied the son, still standing in the open
door which led to the kitchen; "it makes me heart glad when I think of
the same."
"And which licked?"
Mike was quick to seize the opportunity for which he was waiting. With a
downcast expression, he humbly asked:
"Do ye expict me to win _ivery_ time, dad?"
"Av coorse I do; haven't I trained ye up to that shtyle of fightin'?"
"Suppose, dad, the ither chap is bigger and stronger--what do ye ixpict
of me?"
"Ye know yoursilf what to expict when ye disgraces the name of Murphy."
Laying his pipe on the table beside which his wife was sitting, the
parent grimly rose and moved toward the door on the other side of the
room that opened into the small apartment where the firewood was stored
from wetting by rain. The three knew the meaning of the movement: he was
seeking the heavy strap that was looped over a big spike. He had brought
it from Tipperary two years before and must have kept it against the
coming of his heir, knowing he would have use for it.
"Have done wid yer supper," he said to Mike, "and after the same, I'll
do me dooty by ye."
The grinning lad was still standing in the kitchen door. The action of
his father turned his back toward the youth, who winked at Alvin,
stepped across the threshold and sat down at the end of the table where
he was in sight, but the greater portion of the table itself was hidden.
Although the moonlight had given the visitor a good view of his young
friend, the glow of the lamp now showed his face and features with the
distinctness of midday. Alvin was sure he had never seen so homely a
youth. The countenance was broad and covered with so many freckles that
they showed on the tips of his large ears. The nose was an emphatic pug,
and the mouth wide and filled with large white teeth, upon which no
dentist could have found a pin speck. His short hair was the color of a
well burned brick, stood straight up from the crown and projected like
quills from the sides of his head, his complexion being of the same hue
as the hair.
Although of stocky build, being hardly as tall as Alvin, the frame of
the Irish youth was a model of strength and grace. There were few of his
age who in a rough and tumble bout could hold their own with him. The
night being sultry, he wore no coat or waistcoat, but the shirt,
guiltless of tie, was clean, as were the trousers supported by a belt
encircling the sturdy waist. His dusty tan shoes were neatly tied and
the yellow socks which matched them could not have been less soiled.
The best "feature" about Mike Murphy was his good nature. His spirits
were irrepressible, and he was always ready with quip and wit. Looking
into the broad shining face one was reminded of the remark made about
Abraham Lincoln: he was so homely that he crossed the line and became
handsome.
Alvin's chair being near the front door with Mike in plain sight, he
kept his eyes upon him for a minute or two. He saw him reach his fork
across the table and bring a huge baked potato to his plate. He twisted
it apart in the middle so as to expose the flaky whiteness and then
snapped the fingers of both hands at his sides. With a grin he looked at
Alvin and asked:
"Do ye know what's the hottest thing in the wurruld?"
"How about a live coal of fire?"
"Arrah, now, it's the inside of a baked pratie; a coal of fire is a
cooling breeze alongside the same. Be the same towken, can ye tell me
the cowldest thing on airth?"
"A piece of ice will do very well."
"Ye're off: it's the handle of a pitchfork on a frosty mornin'; if ye
don't belave it try the expirimint for yersilf. But I must attind to
plaisure, as me cousin said whin he grabbed his shillaleh and attacked
his loved brother."
Mike now gave his whole attention to the meal. When it is remembered
that he was ravenously hungry and the provision bountiful, enough is
said. His father came back into the sitting room, tossed the heavy strap
on the stand, beside which his wife was still serenely sewing, picked up
his pipe and by sucking vigorously upon it renewed the fire that had
nearly gone out. He crossed his legs and slowly rocked to and fro,
glancing hospitably at Alvin.
While the latter was greatly amused by what he had seen and heard, he
was also distressed for his friend Mike, whose idea of a joke was
unique. There could be no mistaking the meaning of his father's
actions. The son was due for a sharp castigation and was certain to
receive it unless the caller interposed with a truthful statement of the
recent occurrence.
Alvin rose from his chair and stepping to the kitchen door, gently
closed it. Mrs. Murphy looked up through her spectacles.
"I don't wonder that ye wants to shet out the noise Mike makes whin
aiting, fur the same is scand'lous."
"It isn't that, but I don't wish him to hear what I say to you."
"Shall I tell him to hold a finger of aich hand in his ears while he's
aiting?" asked the mother without a smile.
"He might find that inconvenient. Mike told you the truth when he said
he was in a fight to-night."
"I don't doubt the same, but I demands to know why he 'lowed himself to
git licked?" said the father, with no little heat.
"He wasn't licked: it was the other fellow who got the worst of it."
"Why, thin, did the spalpeen say it was himself that was bested?"
"Begging your pardon, Pat, he did not. He stated a general truth, which
no one can deny, to the effect that a fellow like him takes a chance of
being defeated now and then. Listen to my story."
Thereupon Alvin related the incidents with which you are familiar,
adding:
"If it hadn't been for Mike's arrival and his brave fight in my behalf,
I should have been badly beaten and robbed. The first wretch even fired
a pistol during the rumpus."
"Did he kill aither of ye?" asked the startled father.
"The shot was not aimed at me or him, but was meant to scare me into
stopping and giving up. If I had thought of it I should have taken the
weapon from him and given it to Mike. Let me tell you," added Alvin
impressively, "both of you ought to be proud of such a son as Mike."
"So we are," quietly remarked the mother, without looking up or checking
her flying needle.
"There isn't a pluckier lad in the world. He came to my help like a
whirlwind, and the way he sailed into the fellow who struck me from
behind showed Mike to be a hero."
The father reached out and grasped the loop of leather lying on the
stand. Rising to his feet he passed into the small room where the stove
wood was piled and hung the strap again upon the metal peg. As he came
back and resumed his seat he sighed. It looked as if he was
disappointed.
"What do you intend to do with him, Pat?"
"Train him up in the way he should go. Whin the school opens at
Southport he will attind there, and whin he's at home I'll find enough
to kaap him out of mischief."
"School will not open until September, which is several weeks away. I
want you to lend Mike to me until then."
Mrs. Murphy stopped her sewing for the moment and looked at their
visitor. Her husband removed the pipe from his mouth and also stared at
him.
"Lind him to ye!" he repeated. "And phwat would you do wid him?"
"You know father bought me a motor boat, which arrived a few days ago.
Chester Haynes and I have had great fun cruising up the Kennebec and
different bays and streams, and we are going to keep at it until we have
to go home. We want Mike to join us and share our sport, just as long as
Chester and I are in this part of the world. You won't refuse me the
favor?"
It was evident that the parents were pleased with the request. The proud
mother said:
"Mike is so gintle that he'll be a good companion for anyone."
"Yis; because of his gintleness," repeated the father grimly. "But it
saams to me ye're too kind, Alvin; he won't be able to airn his kaap and
the indulgence ye'll give him."
"Won't earn them! Why, we don't intend to hire him; it's the pleasure we
shall have in the company of such a good fellow as Mike. Besides," added
Alvin, lowering his voice, "I have a feeling that we're not through with
those two fellows who attacked me to-night. Mike won't be satisfied
until he has paid the one who ran away from him and left his hat
behind."
"Ye're wilcome to the lad," assented his father, "and I take it as very
good on yer part, which is what ivery one has a right to ixpict from
yersilf and father."
"No blarneying, Pat," protested their caller. "I am obliged to you for
granting my request, for the favor will be wholly given to us."
"Now it's yersilf that's blarneying," said Pat.
The kitchen door softly opened and the grinning, red-faced Mike came
into the room and sat down near his young friend.
"I overheerd ivery word that was said, Captain, and it's Mike Murphy
that's thankful for yer kindness. I'm wid ye to the ind."
The others laughed at the use of the title by the Irish youth, who
explained:
"Av coorse it's 'Captain Landon,' being that ye're the owner of the
motor boat, as ye calls the same."
"And you shall be my first mate," said Alvin.
"Won't Chister, as ye name him, be jealous and indulge in mootiny?"
"No fear of that; we'll satisfy him by making him second mate, while all
three will form the crew. And now I must bid you good night. I shall
call for you as soon as we are through breakfast to-morrow morning."
With which our young friend went to his own home.
CHAPTER V
A MOTOR BOAT
The first time you stepped aboard a motor boat you were impressed by the
looks of the engine and the numerous appliances which when rightly
handled drive the craft through the water at the rate of ten, fifteen,
twenty and sometimes more miles an hour. You thought it would be hard to
learn to manage the boat and know how to overcome the different kinds of
trouble that are almost certain to arise. But the task, after all, is
simple and with patience you can soon master it.
In the first place let us find out the principle which governs the
smooth, swift progress of the structure. I shall be as brief and pointed
as possible.
As a foundation, we need a good supply of clean, strained gasoline in
the tank. Unless the fluid is free from all impurities it is likely to
clog and interfere with the working of the machinery. The tank is so
placed that its elevation is sufficient to cause the gasoline to flow by
gravity through the pipe, which is connected by an automatic valve with
the carburettor, admitting just enough to answer the purpose desired. As
the gasoline is sprayed into the carburettor a quantity of air is drawn
in from the outside. The two mingle and form a highly explosive gas. To
start, you give the fly-wheel a rapid swing, which causes the piston to
move downward. This action sucks the gaseous mixture into the cylinder
through the inlet valve. The further movement of the fly-wheel causes
the piston to move upward, compressing the gas into small volume. While
the gas is thus compressed it is exploded by means of an electric spark.
The violent expansion of the burning gas drives the piston downward with
great force. The movement opens the exhaust valve, the burnt gases
escape through the exhaust pipe and the fresh mixture is drawn in again
to be compressed and exploded as before. If the engine has more than one
cylinder the same process is repeated in each one. This is the
operation which is continued so long as the supply of gasoline holds
out.
In the steam engine the vapor acts alternately on each side of the
piston head, but in motor boats and automobiles it acts only on one
side. The speed with which this is done is amazing and the same may be
said of the steam engine.
The swift rise and fall of the piston acting through the connecting rod
turns the shaft directly below, which whirls the screw around at the
stern. The electric spark that explodes the vapor is generated by a dry
battery or by a magneto-electric machine driven by the motor itself.
There is also the "make and break" spark, to which we need give no
attention. The two ends of the wires in the spark plug which is screwed
into the cylinder are separated by a space barely the twentieth part of
an inch, across which the spark leaps, giving out an intensely hot
flash.
You understand, of course, that I have given simply the principle and
method of operation of the engine belonging to a motor boat. There are
many parts that must operate smoothly and with the minimum of friction.
Lubricating oil is as essential as gasoline; the ignition battery must
be kept dry; you must know how to operate the reversing lever, to shut
off, to start and to hold the desired speed. Except when racing or under
some pressing necessity, the swiftest progress is rarely attained, for
it is trying to all parts of the engine and consumes a good deal of
fuel, which cannot be bought for a trifling price.
You would be confused by any attempt on my part to give a technical
description of all the motor appliances, nor is there need to do so. If
you have just bought a motor boat, you will be taught how to control and
manage it by a practical instructor, and such instruction is better than
pages of directions. To show the truth of what I have just said, I will
quote a single paragraph from the description of the boat concerning
which I shall have a good deal to say in the course of my story.
"The keel is of white oak, with specially bent elm frames. Planking of
selected Laguna mahogany, finished thickness one-half inch, in narrow
strakes and uniform seams, secured to frames by copper boat nails,
riveted over copper washers, all fastenings being of bronze or copper to
withstand salt water. Seams of hull caulked with special cotton payed
and puttied. Outside of mahogany planking, finished in natural wood with
spar varnish. Watertight bulkheads fore and aft which assist in floating
the launch in case of accident. Decks and interior woodwork finished in
selected Laguna mahogany. Steam bent quartered oak or mahogany coaming
extending around cockpit."
Alvin Landon's launch was thirty-five feet long, with six-cylinder,
sixty-horse power motor and a guaranteed speed of twenty-four miles an
hour. The motor was placed under the forward deck, where it was fully
protected by a hinged metal deck. To become somewhat technical again let
me proceed:
All the valves were placed on the same side, the camshaft (operating
the valves) as well as the pump shaft being mounted on ball bearings.
The crankcase was of tough aluminum alloy, and lubrication was well
provided for, being kept at a constant level in the crankcase by a
geared oil pump. A gear-driven pump circulated the necessary cooling
water for the cylinders, which passed out through the copper exhaust
pipe at the stern. Only one operating lever was employed and that was
placed directly at the helmsman's left hand. The gasoline tank contained
fifty gallons and was under the after deck with a pan below it for
safety's sake, draining overboard. The propeller wheel and shaft were of
bronze.
Alvin's motor boat, thus partially described, included the necessary
deck hardware, "such as brass chocks and cleats, flag pole sockets and
flag poles, ventilators to engine compartment, rubber matting for floor,
cushions and upholstered backs for seats, three sailing lights, oars,
rowlocks and sockets, compressed air whistle with tank, two pairs of
cork fenders, bell, foghorn, boat hook and portable bilge pump, six
life preservers (as required by the U. S. Government), a twenty-pound
folding anchor and a hundred feet of strong manila rope."
We must not forget the glass wind-shield. Passengers and crew were
always guarded against flying spray and sweep of wind and rain. Nothing
that forethought could provide for the safety and comfort of all was
forgotten.
Suppose young Captain Landon stepped on board the _Deerfoot_ with the
intention of starting out on a cruise. He would first turn on the switch
which controls the electric current for the jump spark, open the valve
that allows the gasoline to flow from the tank into the carburettor,
swing around the fly-wheel and then assume charge of the lever and
steering gear. But lo! the engine refuses to respond. There is no
motion. What is the cause?
There may be a dozen of them. In the first place, the battery may be
worn out; there may be a lack of compression due to leaky valves;
perhaps, after all, he forgot to place the switch key in position; the
spark plugs may be fouled or cracked, the gasoline shut off, the gas
mixture imperfect, no gasoline in the tank, water in the cylinder caused
by a leak from the water jacket, or water in the gasoline.
It may be that when the launch has covered a good many miles the engine
suddenly stops. The cause may be faulty ignition, because of a
disconnected wire or a loose terminal, exhaustion of the gasoline, or
derangement of the magneto, or poor carburettor adjustment.
But I have said enough to give you an idea of what the expert handler of
a motor boat must understand. It may seem almost a hopeless task, but,
as I stated at the beginning of this chapter, patience and application
will enable you to overcome all difficulties and make the handling of
the craft an unalloyed pleasure.
CHAPTER VI
CAPTAIN AND CREW
When the elder Landon received a report from the principal of the
military school on the Hudson to the effect that Alvin led all his
classmates in their studies and had not once been brought under
discipline, he was glad to fulfil the promise made months before, and
bought him a handsome motor launch, the selection of which was left to
the youth himself. The craft was shipped to Portland, Maine, there set
afloat in the capacious bay and sped northeastward for forty miles or
so, to the bungalow which the banker had erected a year before on
Southport Island. The retreat was to be used by him and his family as a
restful refuge from the feverish work which kept him in New York most of
the year, with occasional flying trips to the great cities in the West
or as far as the Pacific coast.
One condition the parent insisted upon: Alvin was not to run the launch
alone until an expert pronounced him qualified to do so. Thus it was
that when the boat headed up Casco Bay, Captain Abe Daboll, from the
factory, was aboard and directed things. He had overseen the
construction of the launch and knew all about it from stem to stern. He
was there under engagement to deliver it to the bungalow, or rather as
near as he could approach the building, and to remain and instruct Alvin
in every point necessary for him to know.
Several facts joined to make the youth an apt pupil. He was naturally
bright and was intensely interested in all that related to motor boats.
While awaiting the completion of his launch, he read and studied many
catalogues, circulars and books relating to such craft, and rode in a
number. He asked questions and studied the working of the machinery and
handling of the launch until his instructor looked at him in wonderment.
"I never saw your equal," he said admiringly; "by and by you will be
answering _my_ questions and telling _me_ how to run things."
The smiling youth knew this was exaggeration, for something new seemed
to be turning up continually, and there were turns where he thought he
knew the way, only to find when put to the test that he was totally
ignorant. But as I said, he learned fast and after a week's stay at the
home of Mr. Landon, during every day of which--excepting Sunday--the two
went on a cruise with Alvin at the helm, the man said that nothing more
remained for him to show his pupil. This remark followed a stormy day
when the launch went far south beyond Damariscove Island and was caught
in a rough sea.
"It was the real test," said the expert to the banker. "I never raised
my hand or made a suggestion when we were plunging through the big seas,
for neither was necessary. You needn't be afraid to trust yourself with
him anywhere and in any weather."
Now that I am through with my rather lengthy, but perhaps necessary
introduction, let us proceed with the story I have set out to tell.
On the morning following the battle of Alvin with his assailants, and
his pleasing meeting with Mike Murphy, the youth called at the home of
the Irish lad, carrying in his hand a yachting cap in addition to the
one he wore on his own head. Across the front were the gilt letters
_Deerfoot_.
"I bought an extra one when I had my suit made," he explained, "and it
looks to me as if it will fit you. A straw hat isn't handy to wear when
sailing, even though you may loop the string around its band into your
button hole. If the season was not so far along, I should order a
yachting suit for you, Mike. You know a mate ought to be in uniform. But
we shall have to wait till next summer."
The grinning lad gingerly took the white cap in hand, turned it about
and then pulled it over his crown. He was in front of his own home, and
his father as he smoked his pipe looked on, the mother being out of
sight within the house. The headgear fitted perfectly.
"It's a pity to waste such fine wear on the hid of so ugly looking a
spalpeen," remarked the father; "in trooth it ill becomes him."
"How can ye have the heart to blame me, dad, that I was born wid such a
close resimblance to yersilf that if we was the same age mither couldn't
till us apart?"
The parent was about to reply to this personal remark, but ignored his
offspring and spoke to Alvin.
"Ye have a foine day for a sail, Captain."
"It is perfect."
"And Chister Haynes goes wid yes?"
"We are partners all the way through and he's expecting me."
"The sicond mate hasn't the honor of an acquaintance with the first
mate, but it won't take us long to larn aich ither's ways," said Mike,
bubbling over with high spirits and the promise of a day of rare
enjoyment. "The mate hasn't the right to make suggistions to the
captain, but if he had he would venture to obsarve that he is wasting
vallyble time talking wid a gentleman who can't tell a gasoline launch
from a lobster pot----"
"Be the same token he can till a lobster when he sees him," exclaimed
the parent in pretended wrath, making a dive for his son, who eluded him
by darting into the highway. Alvin waved a good-by to Pat and the youths
hurried away, anxious to be out on the water.
While following the road toward the home of Chester Haynes, Mike took
off his cap and admiringly surveyed it. He noted the patent leather
visor, the gilt buttons to which the chin strap was attached, and then
spelled out the name on the front.
"I 'spose that is what your boat is called, Captain?" he remarked
inquiringly.
"Yes; you know it's the fashion for sailors on a man-of-war thus to show
the name of the ship to which they belong."
"But why didn't the sign painter git the word roight?"
"What do you mean, Mike? Isn't that the correct way to spell
'_Deerfoot_'?"
"I 'spose the first part might go, as me uncle obsarved whin the front
of his shanty fell down, but the rear is wrong."
"You mean 'foot.' What is wrong about it?"
"The same should be 'fut': that's the way we spell it in Ireland."
"We have a different method here," gravely remarked Alvin.
"And if I may ask, Captain, where did you git the name from?"
"Have you ever read about Deerfoot the Shawanoe? He was such a wonderful
young Indian that I guess he never lived. But Chester and I became fond
of him, and when Chester thought it would be a good idea to name the
boat for him I was glad to do so."
"Deerfut the Shenanigan," repeated Mike. "Where can I maat the
gintleman?"
"Oh, he's been dead these many years,--long before you or I was born."
"Wurrah, wurrah, what a pity!" and Mike sighed as if from regret. "Are
you sure that isn't him that's coming up the road?"
A youth of about the age of Alvin, but of lighter build, and dressed
like him in yachting costume, came into sight around a slight bend in
the highway.
"That's Chester; he's so anxious to take advantage of this beautiful day
that he has come to meet us, though he might have used the boat for part
of the way since he is well able to handle it."
A few minutes later Chester and Mike were introduced. No one could help
being pleased with the good-natured Irish youth, and the two warmly
shook hands.
"Mike did me such a fine service last night that I must tell you about
it," remarked Alvin as the three walked southward.
"Arrah, now, ye make me blush," protested Mike, "as I said whin they
crowned me Queen of May in the owld counthry."
Alvin, however, related the whole story and you may be sure it lost none
in the narration. Mike insisted that the Captain had done a great deal
more than he to bring about a glorious victory.
"I believe every word Alvin has told me," was the comment of Chester;
"and I am proud to have you with us as a friend."
"Such being the case," added Alvin, "I have as a slight token of my
appreciation, made Mike my first mate, with you as second, and all three
as the crew of the _Deerfoot_."
"There couldn't be a finer appointment," assented Chester. "I suppose,
Mate Murphy, you know all about sailing a boat?"
"I larned the trade in the owld counthry, by sailing me mither's old
shoe in a tub of water; I 'spose the same is all that is nicessary."
"That is sufficient, but," and the manner of Chester was grave, "you two
make light of what is a pretty serious matter. That attack upon you was
a crime that ought to be punished."
"I'm thinking it _has_ been," said Mike; "I belave the rapscallions are
of the same mind."
"No doubt they meant to rob you."
"And would have succeeded but for Mike. We never saw them before, have
no idea who they are, or how they came to be in this part of Maine, nor
where they have gone."
"Would you know either if you met him by day?"
"I am not sure, though the moonlight gave me a pretty fair view. It
wasn't a time for a calm inspection."
"I'm sure I would know the chap that I had the run in wid," said Mike.
"How?"
"By his black eye and smashed nose."
"They might help. They were dressed well, but I can't understand what
caused them to visit Southport and to lie in wait for me."
"Have there been any burglaries or robberies in the neighborhood?"
"None, so far as I have heard. You know there have been a number of post
office robberies among the towns to the north, but it can't be that
those two fellows have had anything to do with them."
"Probably not, and yet it is not impossible. I often wonder why there
are not more crimes of that kind at the seaside and mountain resorts,
where there are so many opportunities offered. The couple you ran
against may belong to some gang who have decided to change their field
of operations."
"If so we shall soon hear of them again."
"Arrah, now, if we could only maat them agin!" sighed the wistful Mike.
"It would make me young once more."
CHAPTER VII
ONE AUGUST DAY
"Well, here we are!"
It was Captain Alvin Landon who uttered the exclamation as the three
came to a halt on the shore at the point nearest the moorings of the
gasoline launch _Deerfoot_, left there the night before.
She made a pretty picture, with her graceful lines, shining varnish,
polished brass work and cleanliness everywhere. The steersman in the
cockpit was guarded by a wind-shield of thick glass. At the stern
floated a flag displaying an anchor surrounded by a circle of stars with
the stripes as shown in our national emblem. At the bow flew a burgee or
small swallow-tailed flag of blue upon which was the word _Deerfoot_ in
gold. The bunting was always taken in when the boat lay up for the
night, but in daytime and in clear weather it was displayed on the
launch.
Not only could one sleep with some comfort on such a craft by using the
convertible seats, but food could be prepared on an oil stove. In
cruising, however, among the numerous islands and bays, it was so easy
to go ashore for an excellent meal that Captain Landon followed the
rule.
The water was so deep close to land that the three easily sprang aboard,
the Captain being last in order to cast off the line that held the boat
in place. It was the first time that Mike Murphy had ever placed foot on
a craft of that nature. While Chester hustled about, Alvin quickly
joining him, he gaped around in silent amazement. He felt that in his
ignorance of everything the best course for him was to do nothing
without the advice of his young friends. He sank down gingerly on one of
the seats and watched them.
He saw the Captain thrust the switch plug into place, though with no
idea of what he meant by doing so, while Chester took a peep into the
gasoline tank in the stern. Then Alvin opened the hinged deck which
covered the big six cylinder motor, climbed forward to the fly-wheel,
and swung it back and forth until it circled over. Instantly there
followed a smooth whirr, and he closed the forward deck over the motor
and took his seat behind the wind-shield where he grasped the wheel
which, as on an automobile, controlled the steering gear. The control
lever, as has been stated, was on his left. Alvin pushed this forward
until the clutch took hold, and with a churning of the screw at the
stern the boat moved ahead and quickly attained a good degree of speed.
The wind was so slight that the surface of the water was scarcely
rippled, and no motion could be felt except the vibration of the
powerful engine.
The bow and stern lines having been neatly coiled down and everything
being adjusted, with Captain Alvin seated and loosely grasping the
steering wheel, the two mates took their places behind him, prepared to
enjoy the outing to the full. Youth, high health, with every surrounding
circumstance favorable--what can bring more happiness to a human being?
They come to us only once and let us make the most of them.
"Is it permitted to spake to the man at the wheel?" called Mike to the
Captain, who, looking over his shoulder, nodded his head.
"So long as you speak good sense."
"Which the same is what I does always; why couldn't ye take a run over
to Ireland this morning, now that ye are headed that way?"
"It's worth thinking about, but we shall have to wait till another time.
Better become acquainted with a part of the Maine coast first."
The launch was speeding to the northeast in the direction of Squirrel
Island, which has long been one of the most popular of summer resorts.
This beautiful spot is not quite a mile long and has a varied scenery
that surprises every one who visits the place. The deep water around the
wharf is as clear as crystal, so that at high tide one can look down and
see clearly the rocky bottom twenty feet below. The coast abounds with
prodigious rocks tumbled together by some stupendous convulsion of
nature and against which the waves dash with amazing power during a
storm, and throw the spray high in air and far inland. There are shady
woods of balsam and fir where one may stroll in the cool twilight over
the velvet carpet, meandering along the bewitching "Lover's Walk," with
which nearly every section is provided, or threading his way through the
dense bushes which brush him lovingly as he follows the faintly marked
paths. Overhead, when the crow sentinels catch sight of him, they caw
their warnings to their comrades. There are shadowy glens, gaping
fissures, whose corresponding faces show that at some remote age they
were split apart by a terrific upheaval, a gray barn with its threshing
machine and air of quiet country life, rows of neat cottages, a little
white wooden church, perched like a rooster gathering himself and about
to crow and flap his wings, the Casino, smooth, grassy slopes, and at
the northern end of the island, the roomy Squirrel Inn, crowded with
visitors attracted by the cool and bracing air, from the opening to the
close of summer.
Our young friends had no intention of calling there, but, circling to
the westward of the island, headed for Boothbay Harbor nestling three
miles to the northward. A number of girls loitering on the broad porch
of the hotel and a group playing tennis waved their handkerchiefs; the
young Captain answered with a tooting of his whistle, and Mike Murphy
rising to his feet swung his cap over his head.
To the right stretched Linekin Bay, to the head of Linekin Neck, beyond
which courses the Damariscotta River, bristling with islets, picturesque
and beautiful beyond compare. Captain Landon turned slightly to the
left, still heading with unabated speed for Boothbay Harbor. He saw
coming toward him a little steamer from whose bow the water spread in a
foaming wake. It was the craft which makes regular trips between
Boothbay Harbor and Squirrel Island through the summer season, stopping
at other places when passengers wish it. One of these is Spruce Point,
where little parties often go ashore over the rickety dock, and,
striking into the shady woods, follow the winding path along the rocky
coast known as the "Indian Trail," for more than two miles, when, after
passing Mount Pisgah and crossing a long bridge, they find themselves in
the town of which I have spoken.
As the two boats rapidly approached, passing within a short distance of
each other, the head and shoulders of the captain of the _Nellie G._
showed in the pilot-house. He was a tall, handsome man with dark
whiskers, who, when saluted by the _Deerfoot_, reached up and pulled the
whistle cord of his own craft. Every one knows Captain Williams of
Bowdoinham and is glad to see him turn an honest penny each summer. His
boat, one of the prettiest in those waters, had been built wholly by
himself, and the name painted in big letters on the front of the
wheelhouse is that of his wife.
To the left and almost touching Southport is Capitol Island, a little
nearer, Burnt, and then Mouse, all as picturesque as they can be. The
pathway arched with trees completely shades the sloping walk that leads
to the hotel on Mouse Island. A government light on Burnt Island throws
out its warning rays at momentary intervals through the night. When fog
settles down, the light gives place to a tolling bell.
Entering the broad harbor, our friends saw a score or more of vessels
grouped around at anchor, or moored at the wharves. There was a
magnificent yacht, the property of a multimillionaire of national
reputation; another luxurious craft, the representative of a Boston
club, a five-masted schooner, veteran ships, two of which had voyaged
from the other side of the world, a decayed and rotting hull near the
long bridge, where it tipped a little to one side in the mud, and was
wholly under water when the tide was in, as it had been for years. An
excursion steamer from Bath was just arriving, while others were taking
on passengers for some of the towns not far off.
Alvin, having slowed down by lessening the amount of gas admitted to
the cylinders with the throttle lever on the wheel, rounded to at one of
the floats, where a man who had noted his approach caught the loop of
rope tossed to him and slipped it over the mooring pile set in place for
that purpose. The steersman pulled the control lever back to the
vertical position, releasing the propeller shaft from connection with
the motor. A further pull backward threw in the reverse gear, and the
launch came to rest beside the float and the lever was returned to the
vertical position.
"I'll look after it while you are gone," he said and Alvin nodded.
Captain and crew then attended to stopping the motor by turning the
switch to the "off" position, putting out fenders to avoid scratching,
making bow and stern lines fast to deck cleats and putting everything in
shipshape order.
The three then climbed the steps to the upper level, passed the
storehouses and ascended the moderate hill to the principal street of
the well-known town of Boothbay Harbor. There was little that was
noteworthy in the rather long avenue, lined with the usual stores, a
bank and amusement hall and a number of pretty residences, and I should
make no reference to it except for an incident that befell the visitors.
Having gone to the end of the street, that is, until the eastern
terminal gave way to the open country, they turned about to retrace
their steps to the boat, for it was much more pleasant to be skimming
over the water. The temperature at Boothbay Harbor is generally five or
ten degrees higher than at Squirrel Island.
The three sauntered along, pausing now and then to look into the store
windows, admiring the displays of Indian trinkets offered for sale, and
approached the corner where they were to turn down the hill to the
wharf. At that moment they saw a man of dark complexion, with a big
mustache, and accompanied by a large lad, both in yachting costume, come
out of Hodgdon's store, which is devoted to the sale of hats, caps,
boots, shoes, clothing and other necessities. The two took the opposite
course, following the main street in the direction of the ball grounds.
Neither Alvin nor Chester did more than glance at the couple, for there
was nothing unusual in their appearance, but Mike started.
"Did ye obsarve thim?" he asked, lowering his voice.
"Yes; but there are plenty others on the street that are as
interesting."
"Come wid me," whispered Mike, "say nothing."
He whisked into the store, his wondering companions at his heels. They
left the situation to him.
"Will ye oblige me by saying whither the two that has just passed out
bought anything of ye?" asked Mike of the rotund, smiling clerk, who,
hesitating a moment, answered:
"The younger one bought a yachting cap, or rather traded one for his old
straw hat, for which I allowed him a nickel, which is all it's worth and
more too, I'm beginning to think."
He held up the dilapidated headgear which he caught up from under the
counter.
"Do ye recognize the same?" asked Mike, in a whisper of Alvin.
"Can it be possible!" exclaimed the young Captain.
"It's the identycal hat I wore last night whin we had our ilegant
shindy!"
CHAPTER VIII
A PASSING GLIMPSE
Mike Murphy, even in the flurry of the moment, could not forget his
innate courtesy. He handed back the old hat to the puzzled clerk and
bowed.
"I thank ye very much for yer kindness, and now, lads, come wid me."
He hurried out of the door, the two following closely.
"What do you mean to do?" asked Alvin.
"Folly the chap and finish the shindy I started wid him," replied the
Irish lad, staring in the direction taken by the couple. "Ye can luk on
and kaap back the man, so that I'll git fair play wid the ither."
"You are not on the Southport road, Mike," warned Alvin, "and you will
be arrested before you can land a blow and probably locked up."
"It'll be worth it," replied the other, scenting the battle like a war
horse. "Bad luck to it! where is the spalpeen?"
The three were looking keenly up the street, but, brief as was the
interval, the couple had vanished.
There are a number of lesser streets which lead inland at right angles
to the main avenue of Boothbay Harbor, and almost as many that are mere
alleys on the other side, through which one may pass to the different
wharves. It will be seen, therefore, that there was nothing strange in
the disappearance of the strangers in whom our friends were so much
interested.
"They can't have gone fur," exclaimed the impatient Mike, hesitating for
the moment as to what was best to do, and feeling the value of every
passing minute and fearing lest the opportunity be lost.
"They must have come in a boat," suggested Chester, "and have turned
down one of the by-streets to the water. But what is the purpose of
chasing them?"
"So we may catch 'em," was the reply of Mike, who feeling there was a
possibility that they might have turned the other way, addressed
Chester:
"Cross to the ither side of the main street and hurry by the corners,
looking up aich as ye do so; if they've turned that way, they're still
in sight."
There was sense in the plan. Chester ran across the avenue and walked
rapidly, glancing up each opening as he came to it. He meant merely to
keep the couple in sight until he could learn something more of them. At
the same time he was wise enough to avoid drawing attention to himself.
He passed well beyond the hotel without catching sight of the man and
boy and finally stopped, convinced that it was useless to go farther.
Alvin Landon was of the same mind with him. As matters stood, nothing
was to be gained by accusing the youth of assault and attempted robbery,
for no proof could be brought forward. Moreover, his companion at that
time was absent, the man now with him having been seen for the first
time by Alvin and Mike a few minutes before.
"It will be well to learn something of the two," the Captain thought to
himself, "but it will be a mistake to make them suspect us, as they are
sure to do if they find we are dogging them. As for Mike pitching in and
starting another fight, it will be the height of folly. I won't allow
it."
The two were walking side by side and going so fast that several persons
looked curiously at them.
"Take it easy," advised Alvin.
"The same is what I'll do whin I comes up wid the spalpeen, that stole
me hat where I'd flung it in the road."
"Keep cool and if you get sight of them, don't go nearer, but watch----"
"There they be now!" exclaimed Mike at the first glance down one of the
alleys on their left, and, before Alvin could check him, he dashed off
at his best speed. His progress might have been satisfactory, but when
half way down the hill some one pushed the front of a wheelbarrow
through a door and across the way. Its appearance was so unexpected and
close that Mike could not check himself nor had he time in which to
gather for the leap that would clear it. He struck the obstacle fairly
and went over, landing on his hands and knees, while the barrow in turn
toppled upon him. The urchin who had caused the mischief turned and fled
in a panic, before the indignant Mike could chastise him.
Alvin rested his hand against the nearest building and laughed until he
could hardly save himself from falling. Resuming his uncertain walk he
called:
"Are you hurt, Mike?"
"Oh, no," replied the lad, rubbing his shins and screwing up his face
with the smart of the bumps he had received; "as me second cousin said
whin he fell from the steeple, I've only broke both legs, one arm and
bent me head out of shape--nothin' worth the mintion. I come nigh
forgettin' my arrant."
And unmindful of the hurts, which were trifling, he dashed down the
slope, arriving a minute later at the wharf, where a dozen men and
several boys were loading or unloading craft, or boarding or coming
ashore from some boat. Although Mike would not admit it, he had fixed
his suspicion upon a man who when he turned his face proved to be fully
fifty years old, while his companion was a lusty colored youth. He
glanced here and there and at all the craft in sight. Possibly his eyes
rested upon the right one, but he saw neither of the persons whom he
sought, and faced about as Alvin joined him.
"They have give us the slip--bad cess to 'em, for I make nothing of the
spalpeens among them in sight."
The two scanned all the craft that suggested ownership by the strangers,
but it was in vain. Then they made their way along the wharves to where
they had left the _Deerfoot_. Chester was awaiting them and shook his
head as they approached. Alvin paid the man who had looked after the
boat in his absence, and after casting off and starting the motor, the
three headed for Christmas Cove, where the Captain said they would have
dinner, though they would arrive before the regular hour for that meal.
Progress was so easy that conversation kept up with the Captain while
he held the steering wheel.
"I suspect from what we saw awhile ago that the fellows whom Mike and I
met last night belong to a gang. One of them is a man and there may be
others."
"It is lucky the younger did not recognize either of you," said Chester.
"Do you think he would do so if you met face to face?"
"There is no reason why he should not, for Mike identified him with only
a passing glance. You must remember that the sky was clear and the moon
bright."
"It's mesilf that belaves we imprissed ourselves upon their memory,"
said Mike so gravely that the others knew he meant the words as a jest.
Alvin was silent for a moment and then turned his head, for the wheel
required little attention.
"Mike, you acknowledge me as Captain and that my mate must obey orders?"
The remark was a question. The youth rose promptly to his feet and
touched his forefinger to the front of his cap.
"I await yer orders, Captain."
"If we meet that fellow whose name we believe to be 'Noxon' you must not
show that you have any suspicion of his identity, nor must you make any
move against him without first consulting me."
Mike looked at the second mate.
"Isn't that enough to timpt one to mootiny? I obsarve that Mr. Noxon's
right eye was of a bootiful black and blue color and the ither should be
painted to match the same. It was him that was the thaif who stole me
hat."
"Didn't you take _his_ cap?"
"It was a fair prize of war--there's a moighty difference, as the lawyer
said whin he larned it was the ither man's ox that was gored. But as I
flung my tile away and he come back to git his own, I sha'n't lay it up
agin him."
As the _Deerfoot_ sped northeast again, the sharp cutwater splitting the
wavelets to the tune of the big motor's humming, and following the main
line of the Maine coast, the boys saw the small, low-lying Ram Island
and its light on their right, with Linekin Neck on the left, and Inner
Heron Island showing in front. Gliding between this and the ledges
known as the Thread of Life, they speedily rounded to at the wharf at
Christmas Cove. As elsewhere, there were yachts, sailboats and various
kinds of craft at anchor or secured to the floats. To one of the latter
the three friends made the launch fast and passed over the pier and by
the hall where entertainments and religious services are held. The water
so far north as Maine is as a rule too cold for popular bathing. At
Christmas Cove this difficulty is overcome by a goodly sized pool into
which the salt water is admitted at high tide, when the gates are closed
and it is held until the time comes for changing it.
The opportunity was too good to be lost, and the youngsters each rented
a suit and a bath house, from which they emerged and plunged delightedly
into the pool. It will be remembered that Mike Murphy could not swim a
stroke, but the pond is prepared for such persons, and all he had to do
was to keep away from the corner near the gates, which is the only place
where the water is beyond one's depth. Alvin and Chester were fine
swimmers and dived and frolicked until they were sated. They tried to
teach the rudiments of swimming to their comrade, but he made no
progress and they had to give over the attempt for the time.
It was but a short climb to the Hollywood Inn, where the genial Landlord
Thorpe gave them welcome and they wrote their names in the ledger. Then
they walked out on the rear porch to admire the romantic scenery, while
awaiting the dinner hour. On one side was the placid Cove, making up
from the Damariscotta River and dotted with pleasure craft; on the
other, John's Bay and the broad Atlantic. Pointing toward the historical
Pemaquid Point, on the opposite side of the Bay, Alvin said to his
companions:
"All looks calm and peaceful now, but how different it was on that
September day in 1813!"
They turned inquiringly toward him.
"Right off yonder the American brig _Enterprise_ of fourteen guns,
commanded by Captain Burrows, fought the British _Boxer_, also of
fourteen guns. It was a desperate battle in which both captains were
killed and the British vessel captured. The prize was taken into
Portland harbor, and the two commanders lie buried side by side in the
city."
CHAPTER IX
NO MAN'S LAND
Lying a short distance off the Maine coast is an island which belongs to
nobody and is therefore referred to as No Man's Land. If you look for it
on the map you will find it marked as Muscongus. It is also known as
Loud's Island, in honor of the first settler. The strange state of
affairs came about in this way:
The Lincolnshire or Muscongus Patent, granted in 1630 by the Council of
Plymouth to Beauchamp and Leverett, included the land from the seaboard,
between the Muscongus and Penobscot rivers, for a certain distance
inland, but made no mention of the island on the south. The grant passed
to General Samuel Waldo, and was the origin of most of the land titles
in that section of Maine.
One of the most honored names in colonial England is that of Samoset,
the Wampanoag Indian, who met the first Plymouth settlers with the
English greeting, "Welcome, Englishmen!" He had picked up a few words
from the fishermen who made their headquarters at Monhegan, an island
ten miles farther out to sea. Samoset was accustomed to spend his
summers on Muscongus. If you dig in the sand on the island you will be
pretty sure to find relics of the aboriginal occupation of the place.
Captain Loud commanded a privateer in the service of George III, and one
day lost his temper in a dispute over some prize money. The quarrel
waxed so hot that he declared in his rage he would never lift his hand
again in the service of the king, even to save the monarch's head. Such
_lese majesté_ was sure to bring serious consequences to the peppery old
salt, so he hurriedly sailed for Boston on his brig. While coasting the
province of Maine, he came upon Muscongus, and was so charmed that he
spent the remainder of his life there. In some way that no one can
explain, the United States surveyors overlooked this island, three miles
in length and a mile broad, and the mistake has never been corrected.
Muscongus therefore remains no man's land.
It is well wooded and watered and has a picturesque shore, with rocky
coves, white sandy beaches, and an attractive appearance from every
direction. No steamer ever stops there, and it is rather ticklish
business to pick your way over the crags to the dilapidated landing and
so on to the firm land beyond.
The unique condition of Muscongus causes some queer things. For a long
time, the people, who now number a hundred and twenty-five, paid taxes
to the township of Bristol on the mainland two miles away. Every year
the tax collector sailed or rowed over to Muscongus and marked in chalk
on each door the amount of taxes due from that family. He gave his
receipt for payment of the same by rubbing out the chalked figures.
This was a pleasing but one-sided arrangement. Bristol gained the sole
advantage and by and by the Muscongus folks awoke to the fact. Then they
refused to pay any taxes unless the collector showed legal authority
for his assessment. The chalk marks were rubbed off the doors and after
some spirited scenes the collector withdrew, since, as has been shown,
he had no legal means of enforcing his demands. Since then Muscongus has
been the only community in New England which is not taxed, except so far
as it chooses to impose the burden upon itself.
Among the islanders every man was a Democrat with a single exception. At
the Congressional election on the mainland the Republican candidate was
unpopular, but the vote of Muscongus was cast for and elected him. The
canvassers, however, threw out the vote because of the refusal to pay
taxes. This was just before the Civil War, and in the words of the
chronicler of Muscongus: "That was the end of all things here in
connection with the mainland."
You need not be reminded that as the great war went on the government
was forced to resort to drafting to obtain the soldiers it needed.
Muscongus was included in the Bristol district, but the inhabitants
warned the authorities that any attempt to enforce the draft would cause
bloodshed. Some of them, however, were alarmed at the thought of
fighting the national government. At a mass meeting the community voted
to donate nine hundred dollars toward the expense of the war, and a
number paid three hundred dollars apiece for substitutes, though none
volunteered. These contributions meant many sacrifices to the poor
fisher folk.
A man living on Muscongus had once served in the regular army, and a
certain major at Bristol determined to secure him for Uncle Sam. The
officer was taken over to the island in a small sailboat, and made his
way to the home of the veteran he wanted. He was absent, but his wife
was in the kitchen peeling potatoes. A few minutes later the major's
companions awaiting him at the shore saw him dash through the door and
run at his highest speed for the boat. A few paces behind him, holding
the pan of potatoes against her side with one hand, and snatching them
out with the other, she bombarded the terrified fugitive. She could
throw, too, with the force and accuracy of a short stop of the
professional league, and every missile landed. She kept up the
bombardment all the way to the waterside, by which time her ammunition
was used up. When the battered major stepped ashore at Bristol he
exclaimed:
"Thunderation! if I had a regiment of women like her I'd capture
Richmond in three days!"
The foregoing facts Captain Alvin Landon related to Chester Haynes and
Mike Murphy one sunshiny forenoon as the _Deerfoot_ swept past the
numerous islands between Cape Newagen and Pemaquid Point, and rounded to
at the rickety landing on the southern side of Muscongus. The boys
stepped out upon the rocks, leaping and climbing to the wabbling support
over which they picked their way to the solid earth. A few rods distant
a goodly sized sailboat was moored, the passengers having already gone
up the sloping bank and inland. Hardly a fair summer day goes by
without bringing visitors to one of the most interesting spots on the
coast of Maine.
Since the excursion was likely to take most of the afternoon, our young
friends brought their lunch with them. At the crest of the slope, they
sat down on the grass under a group of trees, and with keen appetites
ate the last morsel of their meal. Then followed a stroll, with ears and
eyes open. They found the islanders courteous, hospitable and ready to
answer all questions. One of the first interesting facts learned by the
youthful callers was that nearly all the people were blue-eyed, and the
men straight, tall, rugged and with a physique superior to that of their
neighbors on the mainland. Several descendants of the Loud and other
pioneers were met, one or two of whom were approaching the century mark.
Contentment was everywhere, and all were proud of their independent
lives with not the slightest wish to change it. Some of the men seek
their wives outside of the little model republic, and more than one
husband has been drawn to the island by the attraction of a pair of
violet eyes and the sweet disposition of a coy maiden. It has been
charged that there is a mental and physical deterioration because of
intermarriages between relatives, but nothing of the kind seems to have
occurred.
Muscongus knows little, except by hearsay, of crime and pauperism. All
the doors are left unlocked at night, and a drunken person is never
seen. Should any fall in need of charity it is given cheerfully. Years
ago there was an aged couple whose five sons were lost at sea, and who
were unable to provide for themselves. They were supported in comfort in
their own home as long as they lived.
Of course there has to be some form of government. It is of the simplest
nature. All general meetings are held in the little schoolhouse, the
only public building on the island. The presiding officer is chosen by
acclamation, and is always the school agent and superintendent of
business of the community. An open discussion follows of the measures
needed for the public welfare, and whatever rules are adopted are
obeyed without protest.
In former years the porgy industry was the chief support. But that
declined and was succeeded by lobster and mackerel fishing, which does
not pay so well. Every family owns a little farm, the soil is good, and
all live in modest comfort. The neat, tidy houses nestling among the
firs are surrounded by fruit trees trim and productive. The small
library in the schoolhouse is free to all.
As to religious services, a prayer meeting is held every Sunday evening
in the schoolhouse and Sunday School in the afternoon, but there is no
resident minister. Occasionally the clergyman at Friendship, near
Bristol, comes over to preach, and the faithful coast missionary who
works among remote islanders and lighthouse keepers brings reading
matter and ministers to the spiritual wants of the people. Among the
islanders are Free Masons, Odd Fellows, Knights of Pythias and Red Men,
who conduct the funeral services.
"It calls to mind the ould counthry," said Mike Murphy, when the
_Deerfoot_ had started homeward.
"How?" asked Chester at his side.
"It's so different; think if ye can of any part of Ireland living for a
waak, lit alone months and years, widout a shindy."
"There are few sections in our own country of which that can be said."
"It taxes me mind to thry to draw the painful picter; let us think of
something else."
Since the weather was favorable, Captain Landon made a circuit farther
south, leaving the small White Islands on his left, the Hypocrites on
his right, and so on into the broad bay, whose western boundary is
Southport.
"I say, Captain," suddenly called Mike.
"What is it?" asked Landon, looking partly round.
"If ye have no objiction I should like to take a thrick at the wheel."
"All right; come over here."
In a twinkling the two had changed places. As Mike assumed his duty, he
added:
"I've been obsarving ye so close that I belave I can run the battleship
as well as yersilf. I have noted that whin ye wish to turn to the right,
ye move the wheel around that way, sarving it according whin ye wish to
head t'other way. 'Spose now ye find it nicessary to go backward?"
"Pull over the reversing lever; the wheel has nothing to do with that."
"I'll remimber the same. Hullo!" added Mike in some excitement. "I
obsarve a ship ahead; do ye think it's a pirate?"
His companions laughed and Alvin answered:
"That is the steamer _Enterprise_, which runs from Portland to East
Boothbay and back on alternate days, calling at different points."
"I mustn't run her down," said Mike, swinging over the wheel so as to
pass her bow; "she's right in our path."
"Don't change your course; she has plenty of time to get out of your
way."
"Begorrah! do ye maan to say _she is moving_?"
His companions scrutinized the lumbering craft for a minute as if in
doubt. It was Chester who said:
"I think she is."
"Better make sure," remarked Mike heading the launch to the south, thus
contributing his part to a joke which has been fashionable for years in
that section of the Union over the sluggishness of the freight and
passenger steamer named.
CHAPTER X
THE LURE OF GOLD
It was borne in upon Gideon Landon when he rounded the half century mark
that he must let up in his intense application to his vast moneyed
interests or break down. He hated to think of stopping, even for a brief
season, but nature gave her unerring warning and the specialist whom he
consulted spoke tersely and to the point:
"Take a vacation every year or die."
The capitalist recalled the habit of Bismarck, the great German
Chancellor, who when worn out by the crushing cares of office hied away
to his cabin in the pine woods, and gave orders to the sentinels at the
gate to shoot all visitors unless they came directly from the King. So
Landon built him a palatial bungalow, as he called it, near the southern
end of Southport Island. The logs, all with their bark on, were a foot
in diameter. From the outside, the structure looked rough and rugged,
and little more than a good imitation of the dwellings of the New
England pioneers; but you had only to peep through the windows to note
its splendid furnishings. The finest of oriental rugs covered the floor;
chairs, tables and lounges were of the richest make, and the hundreds of
choice books in their mahogany cases cost twice as many dollars. A
modern machine furnished the acetylene light, the broad fireplace could
take in a half cord of wood when the weather was too cool for comfort
without it, and the beds on the upper floors were as soft and inviting
as those in the banker's city residence. In short, everything that
wealth could provide and for which there was a wish was at the service
of the inmates. He offered to send a Chickering piano, but his wife did
not think it worth while, as she had no daughter and neither she nor her
husband played. Alvin had been taking lessons, for several years, but he
objected to keeping up practice during vacation and his parents decided
that his views were well founded.
"Here I shall loaf and rest for six weeks!" exclaimed the owner, when
the chauffeur carried him, his wife and two servants from the town of
Southport to the new home.
Alvin had gone thither the week before, and was looked after by Pat
Murphy, the caretaker, and his wife, who had been long in the service of
the banker.
One cause of Landon taking this step was the example of his old friend
Franklin Haynes, who had only one child--Chester, with whom you have
become acquainted. His enthusiastic accounts of the tonic effect of the
air, confirmed by his own renewed vigor and tanned skin, decided the
elder in his course. The Haynes bungalow was smaller and more modest
than Landon's, the two being separated by a half mile of woods and open
country. This, however, was of no account, for the Landon auto skimmed
over the interval in a few minutes and the interchange of visits went on
day and night. The two families played bridge, dined, automobiled and
cruised with each other, while the boys were inseparable.
This went on for a fortnight, when a break came. Landon and Haynes were
interested in a large financial deal, in which the latter believed he
was wronged. There was a sharp quarrel and the friendly relations
between the two, including their wives, snapped apart. All bridge
playing ceased, and the long summer hours became so deadly dull for Mrs.
Landon that she gladly accepted the invitation of a friend, hurried to
New York and sailed with her for England and the continent. Haynes spent
his time mainly in fishing and reading, but kept away from the home of
his rich neighbor, who was equally careful not to approach the other's
residence.
Both men, however, were too sensible to let their quarrel affect their
sons. Not the slightest shadow could come between those chums, who
visited back and forth, just as they had always done, stopping over
night wherever convenient, and as happy as two clean-minded, healthy
youngsters ought to be. The Landon auto was at the disposal of the lads
whenever they cared for it, but the youths had become interested in
motor boating and gave little attention to the land vehicle.
The unpleasant break to which I have referred occurred about a fortnight
before my introduction of the two lads to you. Landon never had any
liking for athletics or sport. Every favorable morning his chauffeur
took him to the little cluster of houses called Southport, at the head
of the island, where he got his letters, New York newspapers and such
supplies as happened to be needed at the house. This used up most of the
first half of the day. After lunch he read, slept and loafed, never
using the auto and caring nothing for the motor launch which was
continually cruising over the water.
This went well enough for ten days or so, by which time the banker grew
restless. Sleeping so much robbed him of rest at night. Classic works
lost their charm and the "best sellers" bored him. He yawned, strolled
about his place, and pitied every man who was doomed to spend his life
in the Pine Tree State. True, he was gaining weight and his appetite
became keen, but he smoked too much and was discontented. The lure of
Wall Street was drawing him more powerfully every day. He longed to
plunge into the excitement with his old time zest, and to enjoy the
thrill that came when success ended a financial battle.
He was lolling in his hammock at the front of the bungalow one
afternoon, trying to read and to smoke one of his heavy black cigars,
and succeeding in neither task, when Davis Dunning, his chauffeur,
glummer than usual because there was no excuse for his taking any more
joy rides, halted the machine at the side of the roadway. Throwing out
the clutch, he hurried up the walk and handed his employer a telegram
that had been 'phoned over from Boothbay Harbor to Southport, where the
chauffeur found it awaiting him when he made his daily run thither, this
time unaccompanied by his employer.
No message could have been more welcome. It told the banker that the
recent stir in steel and other stocks made it necessary for him to
return to New York as soon as possible and to stay "a few days." He was
alert on the instant. If he could reach Portland that evening he would
board the express and be in New York the next morning.
"It must be done!" he exclaimed, aware that there was no necessity for
such haste. Consultation with Dunning, however, convinced him that the
course for an automobile was too roundabout and there was too much
ferrying to make the hurried journey feasible. He decided to go to Bath
by steamer, and then by rail on the morrow, easily reaching Portland in
time for the ride by night to the metropolis.
This gave him opportunity to explain matters to Alvin, who was told to
remain at Southport until the time came for him to re-enter school. The
son was sorry to lose the company of his father, whose affection he
returned, but it is not in boy nature to mourn for one from whom he did
not expect to be parted long. The only thing in creation in which he
felt pleasure and interest just then was in sailing his motor boat.
At the time of leaving Southport, Mr. Landon expected to return in the
course of a week and said so to his son, but the call of business was
stronger than that of the fine woods and salt water of Maine. He easily
found the necessity for staying in New York until the time remaining for
his vacation was so brief that he wrote Alvin it was not worth while to
rejoin him.
So it came about that his son remained in the big bungalow, looked after
by two servants, not to mention Pat Murphy the caretaker and his wife.
Chester Haynes stayed with his parents in their modest home a mile to
the southward, while the irrepressible Mike was at both homes more than
his own. He had become as fond of boating as his two friends and set out
to learn all about the craft. It did not take him long to become a good
steersman and by and by he could start and stop the _Deerfoot_, though
he shrank from attempting to bring her beside a wharf or float. In
threading through the shipping at the different harbors, either Alvin or
Chester took the wheel, one boy being almost equal in expertness to the
other, both in handling the launch and taking care of the machinery.
There seemed no end to the romantic excursions that tempted the young
navigators forth. Sometimes they fished, but preferred to glide through
the smooth inland waters, where every scene was new and seemingly more
romantic than the others. They landed at Pemaquid Beach and listened to
the story of the old fort as told by the local historian, who proved
that the date was correct which is painted on the stone wall and says a
settlement was made there before the one at Jamestown. They passed up
the short wide inlet known as John's River, and turning round cut across
to the Damariscotta, which they ascended to Newcastle, with picturesque
scenery all the way.
The boys were somewhat late in starting one morning and the sky was
threatening, but with the folding top as a protection if needed, and the
opportunity to halt when and wherever they choose, the agreement was
unanimous that they should go up the Sheepscot to Wiscasset, eat dinner
there and return at their leisure.
"It is well worth the trip," said Alvin, whose eyes sparkled with the
memory of the passage which he had made more than once. Chester was
equally enthusiastic.
"I'm riddy to sarve as a sacrifice," replied Mike, "as me friend Terry
McGarrity remarked whin he entered the strife that was to prove which
could ate the most mince pie inside of half an hour."
CHAPTER XI
A MISSING MOTOR BOAT
Swinging into the broad expanse of Sheepscot Bay, the _Deerfoot_ moved
smoothly up the river which bears the same name. Captain Landon held her
to the moderate speed of fifteen miles or so an hour. There was no call
for haste and he was wise not to strain the engine unnecessarily. To
increase the rate would be imitating the man who drives his automobile
at the highest clip, when he has to concentrate his attention upon the
machine, with no appreciation of the beauties of the country through
which he is plunging, and continually threatened by fatal accidents.
Alvin held the wheel, while Chester and Mike, seated behind him, kept
intelligent trace of their progress by means of the fine map of the
United States Geological Survey. The first point identified was Lower
Mark Island on the right and close to Southport, then came Cat Ledges,
Jold, Cedarbrush, the Hendrick Light, on the same side, while across
loomed the pretty station known as Five Islands, one of the regular
stopping places of the steamers going north or south. Omitting the
smaller places, the next point which interested our friends was the Isle
of Springs, one of the best known summer resorts in Sheepscot River. The
landing was crowded with passengers, waiting for the steamer _Gardiner_
from Augusta, the capital of the State, and on its way to rush through
the strait north of Southport to its destination, Ocean Point beyond
Squirrel Island.
The peculiarity about this plucky little steamer is that no craft that
ever plowed through those waters is so dependable. Again and again she
has made the long trip and not been out a single minute at any of the
numerous landings. She has been called the "Pony of the Kennebec," and
nothing less than an explosion of her boiler or a collision with another
craft would make her tardy anywhere.
"There are many persons along the river and on the islands who set
their watches and clocks by the _Gardiner_," said Alvin, speaking over
his shoulder.
He glanced at his watch.
"I don't know when she is due at the Isle of Springs, but as I figure it
she ought to be in sight now."
"And, begorrah! there she comes!" exclaimed Mike, pointing to the left
toward Goose Rock Passage, leading from Knubble Bay to Sheepscot. The
foaming billows tumbled away from the prow, as the boat drove
resistlessly forward, and the whistle sounded for the landing. Many a
time when rounding Capitol Island to the northwest of Squirrel, with a
storm raging, the spray and water have been flung clean over the pilot
house and slid over the upper deck and streamed away off the stern.
Chester Haynes saluted with the whistle, but the captain of the
_Gardiner_ gave no heed. His eye was upon the landing toward which he
was steaming. When the freight had been tumbled ashore and the waiting
cargo taken aboard, the gang planks were drawn in, lines cast off, and
though a dozen passengers might be pointing toward the pier, shouting
and waving hats or umbrellas, all would be left.
The resinous pine trees formerly including firs, larches and true cedars
so thick that no spaces showed between, grew all the way down the rocky
hills to the water's edge. The river, without a ripple except such as
was made by passing craft, was as crystalline as a mountain spring. Here
and there a rude drawing was scratched in the face of the cliffs, the
work of the Indians who lived in that part of Maine before the Pilgrims
landed at Plymouth. It was one continuous dream which never loses its
charm for those who make the trip, no matter how often.
The sky remained overcast, though no rain fell, when the _Deerfoot_
drove through the Eddy, where the current narrows and is very swift and
deep. A bridge connects the mainland with Davis Island. The launch sat
so low that there was no call to the bridge tender to open the draw. As
it shot under, the peaks of the flagstaffs showed a foot below the
planking.
They were now approaching the pretty town of Wiscasset, from which came
the faint thrill of a locomotive whistle, as notice that at that point a
traveler could change from boats to cars. The launch was sweeping round
a bend in the river when Mike pointed to the right with the question:
"Phwat's that?"
"It is the famous blockhouse, built in 1807 for the protection of
Wiscasset, four miles away, but it was never used because the town was
never in danger."
The interesting structure, which you may have seen when gliding past in
a boat, is octagonal in form, with one window on each face of the lower
story, except on the one containing a narrow door approached by a single
step of wood. As was the fashion in building blockhouses, the second
story overhangs the first and on each face of this upper story is a
square window with a long loop-hole placed horizontally on either side.
The flat roof is surmounted by a slender cupola, also octagonal, with a
window occupying nearly all the space of each face. The whole building
is covered with shingles and for a long time after its erection it was
surrounded by an elaborate system of earthworks.
The _Deerfoot_ slackened its speed as it came opposite. Mike Murphy
showed special interest in the old faded building.
"It suggists the palace of me grandfather, the Duke De Sassy," said he.
"If ye have no great objiction, Captain, I should be glad of a closer
look at it."
Since the day was at their disposal, the youthful captain was quite
willing to halt and inspect the historic structure. He turned the bow
toward the bank, and stopped in deep water a few feet from land. Mike
cleared the intervening distance in an easy jump, taking the end of the
bow line which he made fast to a convenient tree. Chester at the same
time had cast out the anchor from the stern and made fast the cable to a
cleat on the after or stern deck. The launch was thus held immovable and
safe from injury. In the meanwhile, Alvin had employed himself in
shutting down the motor, turning off the gasoline and air tank valves
and making ready to leave the launch in its usual good order.
Mike said:
"I have a brilliant suggistion to make to ye, as me uncle said when he
arranged to foight six men, by taking on one each day instead of
engaging them all at once. The same is that we indoolge in our noon
repast on shore."
The plans of the lads when they left home was to have dinner at the
hotel in Wiscasset, but they had been so delayed by their leisurely
ascent of the river that the meridian was past. A supply of sandwiches,
ginger ale and sarsaparilla was laid in so as to be prepared for
contingencies, and it need not be said that all had keen appetites.
Chester remarked that it was only a brief run to the little town ahead.
Moreover, it was more convenient to eat on the launch, where they could
spread the food on one of the seats or the cover of the cockpit. But
every boy would rather chew a venison or bear steak, though tough as
leather, in preference to a tender, juicy bit of beef, and eating in
the woods is tenfold more enticing than in a house or on a boat.
Besides, they had been sitting so long that the change would be a
relief. Accordingly, Chester and Mike gathered up the big paper bags
which held the lunch, and the bottles of soft stuff, and leaped lightly
ashore.
The little party walked the short distance to the primitive blockhouse,
and passing a little way beyond sat down on the pine burrs and grass and
tackled the food. The clear air, the odorous breath of the forest, and
the soft ripple of the stream flowing past, gave the repast a charm
beyond that which the Waldorf-Astoria can impart to its guests.
"It makes me sigh," said Mike when the last morsel of food had
disappeared and he drew the napkin across his lips, "to think that only
a few waaks are lift to us of this bliss of life."
"Yes," replied Captain Alvin; "the days fly fast; soon I shall have to
go back to school and study so hard there will be mighty little time
left for play."
"The same here," added Chester in a lugubrious voice. "I don't suppose
there would be half as much fun in this sport if we took it straight
along."
"I'm willing to try the same for tin or twinty years; it's mesilf that
doesn't belave I'd grow weary in less time than thot. Couldn't ye
persuade your dad, you j'ining company wid him, Chister, to give the
thing a thrial for that long?"
Alvin shook his head.
"Suppose our parents should be so foolish, do you think your father and
mother would allow you to squander your time like that?"
Mike removed his cap and scratched his head.
"I'm afeard there'd be objiction from that side of the house. Ye see
that twinty years from now dad, if he's alive, which God grant, will be
an old man; thrue I'd be in me prime, and if he was too overbearing wid
me, I could lay him over me knee and spank him, but I'd sorter hate to
do that, bekase of the kindness he had shown me in days gone by.
Besides," added Mike, with a big wink, "me mither would be sure to take
dad's part, and I'm convinced that twinty years from now she'll be
bigger and stronger than to-day. With the two united in battle array
agin me, I'd hev no ch'ice but to take to the woods. Yes; we'll have to
give up the idea which sthruck me so favorable at first. What do ye
intind to do with the _Deerfoot_, Captain, when the summer is gone?"
"Draw her out on land and cover her with canvas for the winter, so as to
keep her in condition for a bigger outing next year."
"That maans, I 'spose, ye'll carry her in the house and put her to bed
and kiver her up the same as a sick baby?"
"Hardly that, but she will need and will receive the best of
care--hark!"
The three were silent for a minute. Faintly but distinctly all caught
the distant whirr from the exhaust of a speed launch. They quickly noted
that the sound grew less audible--proof that the launch was speeding
away from them.
At first it seemed to be in the direction of Wiscasset, but when they
were barely able to hear the noise, they agreed that it was from down
the river. Inasmuch as they had not met any boat on their way to this
point, they were puzzled to understand how the craft could have passed
them without being seen. The only explanation was that it had come
nearly to the blockhouse from below, and then owing to some cause had
turned about and gone back.
"That's queer," remarked Alvin, as a sudden suspicion flashed over him.
He sprang to his feet and ran round the building, the others at his
heels, for the same dread was with them. In a moment Alvin halted with
the exclamation:
"Some one has run off with our launch!"
Such was the fact.
CHAPTER XII
IN THE TELEGRAPH OFFICE
"Maybe it slipped free and floated off," said Chester, who did not pause
until he reached the water's edge.
"Mebbe she climbed out of the river and wint round t'other side of the
blockhouse," suggested Mike, who regretted the next moment his ill-timed
jest and joined Chester, with Alvin only a pace or two behind them.
There was a brief hope that Chester was right and that the motor boat
had worked free and drifted down stream, but it was quickly evident that
that was impossible. The bow line and anchor would have held if not
disturbed by some one.
Then, too, what meant the muffled exhaust heard a few minutes before? It
could have been caused only by the starting of the motor. Alvin, who
showed quicker wit than his companions, examined the ground at the
water's edge. He quickly read the solution.
"There are the footprints of several people in the soft earth. All is as
plain as day."
"All what?" asked Chester.
"The manner of the _Deerfoot's_ going."
"Give us your explanation."
"While we sat behind the blockhouse eating lunch, two or three or
perhaps more persons came out of the woods and walked to this spot; they
cast off the bow line, sprang aboard; one of them drew the boat out over
the stern anchor and tripped it; they did not start the engine till they
had drifted round the bend below; then they headed for Sheepscot Bay and
are well on their way there, running at full speed as they do not need
to spare the launch."
"Bedad! I b'lave ye're right," said Mike, compressing his lips. "I'm
off!"
"What do you mean?" asked the astonished Captain.
"I'm going to run a race wid the same to Cape Newagen!"
"Why, you have no more chance of overtaking the boat than you have of
out-swimming the _Mauretania_."
But Mike made no reply. Spitting on his hands and rubbing them together,
he broke into a lope and quickly passed from sight in the woods.
Despite the alarming situation, Alvin and Chester looked in each other's
face and laughed.
"Did you ever know of anything so crazy?" asked the Captain.
"Never; the idea of putting his short legs against a boat that can run
twenty odd miles an hour and has a good start, is worthy of Mike Murphy
alone."
"But we must do something," said the puzzled Alvin; "some one has stolen
the launch and should be headed off."
"How shall we do it?"
"The easiest way is to cross the long bridge to Wiscasset on the other
side of the river and telegraph to different points down stream."
They were about to start when Alvin said:
"I ought not to have allowed Mike to go off as he did. He is so rash
and headlong that he will be sure to run into trouble. If we go to
Wiscasset, we shall be separated so long that we shall lose him
altogether. If I had only put the switch plug in my pocket they could
not have started the motor without a lot of time and trouble!"
"Why not follow him down stream?"
"That plan was in my mind. The boat hasn't had time to go far. Suppose
we try Point Quarry. That is the lowest village of Edgecomb township,
where Cross River turns off and runs into the Back River, which follows
the course of the Sheepscot and joins it lower down. At Point Quarry the
stream is so narrow that the _Deerfoot_ is sure to be seen."
"Provided some one happens to be looking."
"Many of these small places have telegraph lines open in the summer, but
are closed in winter. A road leads from Charmount to Point Quarry, which
isn't more than four or five miles away. Less than half of that distance
will take us to Charmount. Come on."
The boys lost no time. Both had studied their map so closely before
leaving home and on their way up the Sheepscot that they had no fear of
going astray. The surrounding country is sparsely settled, with
prosperous farms here and there lining the highway. The walking was good
and the sky had cleared within the last few hours. The lads were
athletic, and were impelled by impatience and resentment toward whoever
had taken such a liberty with another's property.
Two miles took them to a point where a branch road led off at right
angles in the direction of the Sheepscot and consequently to the meager
settlement of Charmount, below the eddy, where a wooden bridge joins the
mainland to Davis Island. They met no vehicles or footmen, though they
passed a number of tidy looking houses and saw men at work in the
fields. Their destination was less than a mile off and they reached it
in due time. They found a young woman in charge of the telegraph
instrument, who in answer to their inquiry said she could send a message
to Point Quarry, where the station would be closed in a few weeks.
The youths while on the road had formulated what to say by telegraph.
Since they had no acquaintance at either place, Alvin addressed his
inquiry to the operator, who happened also to be a young woman. This was
the message:
"Will you be good enough to tell me, if you can, whether a motor boat
has passed down the river within the last few minutes?"
In a brief while, an unexpectedly favorable reply was returned. It was
addressed, however, to the young woman herself, who after writing it
down rose to her feet and called to Alvin.
"Here is your answer. Miss Prentiss says that it isn't her business to
keep watch of boats passing up and down stream, her salary being so big
that she has no time to give attention to anything except the affairs of
her office."
"I suppose that is meant as sarcasm," commented Alvin.
"It does sound like it, but she adds that the fisherman, Pete Davis,
came into the office directly after your message reached her, and she
asked him your question. He told her that such a boat as you speak of
had gone past under full speed only a few minutes before and he read the
name _Deerfoot_ on her bow."
"That's it!" exclaimed Alvin. "Did the fisherman say anything more?"
"Probably he did, but Miss Prentiss hasn't reported it. Is there
anything further I can do for you?"
"Nothing--thank you."
As he spoke, he passed a half dollar tip to her, whereupon she beamingly
expressed her gratitude. In truth she was so pleased that she smiled
more broadly than ever into the handsome face of the youth before her.
Alvin suspected she was ready for a mild flirtation, but he was in no
mood for such frivolity and was about to turn away, when Chester spoke
in a low voice:
"She has something more to say to you."
"Well?" he remarked inquiringly, returning the sunny gaze of the young
woman.
"Do you know anyone by the name of Mike Murphy?"
Alvin laughed.
"I rather think we do; he came up on the boat with us, and is rushing
down the river in the hope of overtaking it."
"Well, he stopped in here and sent a telegram about it."
"Is it possible? Let me see it."
She shook her head.
"Not without an order from court; the rules do not permit anything of
that kind."
"We won't tell anybody."
"I know you won't, for you will never have anything to tell."
She turned and looked down at the last sheet of yellow paper on her
file. Then she grew red in the face and shook with mirth.
"To whom did Mike send his message?"
"I wish I dare tell you; it is the funniest thing that has ever happened
in the office since I have been here. You couldn't guess in ten years."
"We have hardly that much time to spend in trying, so we shall have to
give it up."
"When you see your friend say to him from me that his message was
forwarded just as he directed."
"Where did he tell you to deliver the reply?"
"He said nothing of that. I have a suspicion that there won't be any
reply to his telegram."
Alvin was turning away again, when the miss, leaning on her desk and
tapping her pretty white teeth with the end of her lead pencil smilingly
asked:
"Would you really like to see Mike Murphy's telegram?"
"It would be of great help to us in our search for the stolen boat,"
replied Alvin, stepping closer to her.
Chester remained standing by the outer door, with hands thrust in his
pockets. He read the signs aright.
"She has taken a fancy to him," he reflected, "and as there doesn't
happen to be much business on hand just now is disposed to flirt a
little, but Alvin isn't."
"How much will you pay for a sight of the message?"
"Anything in reason."
"And you will never, never, never tell?"
"I give you my pledge that I will not whisper it to any person."
"How about your friend back there? He has a hangdog look which I don't
like."
"I'll answer for him; there are worse fellows, though not many.
Chester!" commanded Alvin, turning abruptly upon him, "get out of sight
and wait for me."
"Yes, sir," meekly answered the youth, turning about and passing into
the open air, where he added to himself, with a broader grin than
before:
"He doesn't suspect she's kidding him, but that's what she's doing."
The young Captain beamed upon the miss.
"Now I'm ready to have a look at my friend's telegram."
"You haven't said how much you will pay," she replied, with a coquettish
glance at the expectant youth.
"How much do you ask?"
"Is it worth five dollars?"
"That's a pretty big price, but I'll give it."
"It isn't enough."
"Name your charge then."
"Fifty thousand dollars; I can't do it for a cent less."
Alvin read the pert miss aright. He soberly reached into his pocket and
drew out his wallet.
"I haven't that much with me; will you take my promissory note?"
"Nothing but cash goes here."
"Some other day--good day."
He lifted his cap and passed out doors to join his grinning friend. The
two started off at a brisk pace and had not taken a dozen steps when
they ran straight into trouble.
CHAPTER XIII
A SLIGHT MISTAKE
An automobile chugging along at the rate of thirty miles an hour whirled
around a bend in the road from the eastward and approached the youths,
who halted and looked wonderingly at it. The youthful chauffeur bent
over the steering wheel, and beside him sat a bearded, grim-looking man
in middle life, with a big brass badge on his breast. The two were the
only occupants of the car, the broad rear seat being unoccupied.
The moment the constable, as he was, caught sight of the lads, he raised
his hand to signify he had business with them. At the same time the
chauffeur slowed up in front of Alvin and Chester. The officer leaped
out before the car had hardly stopped and strode toward them.
"I want you!" was his crisp remark.
"What do you want of us?" asked the astonished Alvin.
"I'll blame soon show you. No shenanigan! Hand over your pistols."
"We haven't any; you are the only one hereabouts that's armed," said the
Captain, observing that the man had drawn a revolver.
"In here with you! I've no time to fool!"
The lads resented his peremptory manner. Chester asked:
"Why should we get into your auto? We prefer to choose our own company;
we don't like your looks."
"I know mighty well you don't, nor do I like _your_ looks, but that
makes no difference. In with you, I say, or I'll blow your heads off!"
The alarming words and action of the officer left no doubt of his
earnestness. Alvin replied:
"We have a right to know why you arrest us; we have done nothing
unlawful."
"I don't mind reminding you that the Rockledge post office was robbed
last night. Banet Raymond the postmaster said it was done by three
scoundrels--all wearing masks and dressed in yachting clothes. They
came this way; where's the other fellow?"
"We had a companion with us when we came up the Sheepscot, but he's gone
in search of our boat that some one stole from us a little while ago."
"You're the skeezicks I'm after; we'll soon have the third burglar."
"What do you mean to do with us?" asked Alvin. "Where is your warrant?"
"I don't need any."
Neither he nor Chester was alarmed. The arrest could have but one issue,
since sooner or later their identity would be proved; but the situation
was exasperating, for it promised to interfere with their capture of the
stolen boat or at least cause serious delay in making the search. It was
dangerous to trifle with an officer who was in no mood to accept any
excuse from the couple whom he believed to be criminals. He added:
"Robbing a post office is a crime against Uncle Sam, and he's a pretty
hard proposition to buck against. If you have a story to tell me, I'll
give you three minutes to do it in."
The two stepped beside the auto, the glum chauffeur silently watching
them.
"It's all well enough for you to be so bumptious in the performance of
what you may think is your duty," said Alvin, looking into the iron
countenance, "but I suppose you have made a mistake once or twice in
your lifetime."
"What's that got to do with this business? Who are you?"
"My name is Alvin Landon and my friend here is Chester Haynes. Our
parents each have a summer home on Southport, opposite Squirrel Island.
My father made me a present of a motor boat a short time ago; we have
been cruising about the bay and islands for several weeks; this morning
we left home with a companion, an Irish lad named Mike Murphy; we
stopped at the blockhouse up the river and went ashore to eat our lunch;
while we were doing so, some one ran off with the boat; Mike has gone on
a run down stream to see if he can overtake it; we walked to this place
and sent a telegram to Point Quarry, inquiring about the craft and
learned it had passed there a few minutes before, headed down stream.
There you have our story straight and true: what have you to say about
it?"
"I don't believe a word of it. Anyhow, you'll have the chance to tell it
in court, where you're certain to get justice done you."
The officer handed his weapon to the chauffeur.
"Keep your eye on 'em, Tim, and at the first move, shoot!"
"Yes, sir," responded the chauffeur, showing by his looks that he would
have been quite glad of an excuse for displaying his markmanship upon
one or both of the prisoners.
His hands thus freed, the officer ran them deftly over the clothing of
each lad from his shoulders to his knees, to assure himself they carried
no weapons. The search was satisfactory.
"Throwed your guns away, I 'spose. Now for the bracelets."
He whipped out a pair of handcuffs, at sight of which Alvin recoiled
with a flush of shame.
"Don't do that, please; we'll give our parole. With your pistol you are
not afraid of two unarmed boys."
The appeal touched the pride of the officer, who dropped the handcuffs
into the side pocket of his coat.
"Of course I'm not afeared of you, but you might try to give me the
slip, if a chance should happen to come your way."
"We will not, for we have nothing to fear."
"All right. You," addressing Alvin, "will sit in front while I take your
friend with me on the back seat."
Brief as was the conversation between the constable and his prisoners,
it attracted the attention of several men, women and young persons, who
gathered round the automobile, and catching the meaning of the incident
from the remarks of those concerned, naturally indulged in remarks.
"Seems to me that this part of Maine has become a favorite tramping
ground for yeggmen and post office robbers," said a man in white
flannels, with a tennis racquet in one hand and two tennis balls in the
other. "These gentlemen have begun young."
"Who would think it of them?" asked the sweet girl at his side.
"Can't judge a fellow by his looks."
"Which is fortunate for you, Algernon."
He lifted his hat in mock obeisance.
An older man, probably a member of the same party of players, spoke
oracularly:
"You needn't say that, Gwendolen; you _can_ judge a person by his looks.
Now just to look at the face of that chap on the front seat. He is
rather handsome, but it is easy to see that the stamp of crime is there,
as plain as the sun at noonday. Like enough he is a tough from the
Bowery of New York."
"And the one on the rear seat beside the officer isn't any better," said
a middle-aged woman, peering through her eyeglasses. "Just think of two
as young as they robbing a post office for a few paltry dollars, and
almost beating the life out of the old postmaster! Ugh! it would serve
them right if they were lynched."
Every word of this and many more were heard by Alvin and Chester during
their brief debate with the officer. It "added to the gayety of nations"
and caused Alvin to turn his head and say to his friend:
"Give a dog a bad name, Chester--you know the rest. We don't seem to
have made a very good impression in Charmount. I never knew I looked so
much like a double-dyed villain."
"I have noticed it many times and it has caused me much pain."
"It might distress me, if we both were not in the same boat."
"We have often been in the same boat, but I don't know that we ever
shall be again. Ah, you have one friend in Charmount."
"Who is he?" asked Alvin, with quick interest.
"It's a _she_; cast your eye toward the telegraph office."
As Alvin did so, he saw the sweet-looking telegraphist in the door and
watching proceedings. He could not resist the temptation to touch his
fingers to his lips and waft them toward her. Nothing daunted, she
replied similarly, whereat most of the spectators were shocked.
"I should hold her in tender regard," said Alvin, "if she didn't ask
such a big price for a look at Mike's telegram."
"How much does she want?"
"Fifty thousand dollars."
"Why didn't you give it her?"
"I didn't happen to have the change with me; can you help me out?"
"I should like to help us both out, but the officer might object."
The chauffeur was backing and turning, and now headed the machine over
the road by which he had brought his employer to this spot.
"Where to now?" asked Alvin of their gaoler.
"Augusta--as straight and fast as we can travel."
But Alvin Landon and Chester Haynes down to the present time have never
seen the capital of the State of Maine.
CHAPTER XIV
A FRIEND IN NEED
The automobile with the constable and two prisoners sped down the road,
aiming to stride the main highway leading northward to Augusta. It was a
good run, but the machine ought to make it before night closed in, for
the days were long and the course was favorable. The officer could have
boarded the _Gardiner_ at one of the stopping places and made the
journey by water, but nothing was to be gained by so doing.
The chauffeur slowed down and honked as he drew near the turn in the
roadway. Just then he saw another auto coming from the north and curving
about to enter the road leading to Charmount. It was similar to the car
in which our friends were riding and held only one passenger who sat
beside the chauffeur, the rear seat being empty.
Something in the appearance of the former struck Alvin as familiar. He
was middle-aged, neatly dressed, with sandy mustache and slightly
stooping shoulders. He looked sharply at the youth as the machines drew
nearer. A moment before they came opposite, he called out:
"Hello, Alvin! where are you going? Gabe, what's up?"
The latter query was addressed to the constable, the two being old
acquaintances. Each ordered his chauffeur to stop, and they obeyed, with
the machines side by side.
It was at this juncture that Chester, who was the first to recognize the
man, called to his companion:
"It's Mr. Keyes Richards from Boothbay Harbor. He used to own the
Squirrel Inn, but has shifted over to Mouse Island."
"How do you, do, Mr. Richards?" saluted Alvin. "We are glad to meet
you."
"But I say what are you doing in this part of the world?" continued the
puzzled Richards.
"Ask _him_," replied Alvin, jerking his head toward the officer behind
him.
"Where did you pick up your passengers, Gabe?" inquired the other of
the officer, who was somewhat puzzled by the turn matters were taking.
"Do you know them?" was his question.
"Well, rather; they're particular friends of mine; they are staying for
the summer on Southport. Are you kidnapping them?"
"That's what he is doing," Chester took upon himself to reply.
Alvin, feeling the humor of the scene, clasped his hands and rolled his
eyes toward heaven:
"Oh save us, kind sir! Save us, for he means to eat us up, and then hang
us and burn us at the stake. May I not rush to your loving arms, Mr.
Richards, before it is too late?"
Richards was more mystified than ever. He didn't know what to make of it
all. He kept his gaze upon his old friend the officer, and waited for
him to speak. The constable's face had turned crimson, for he was
beginning to suspect the truth.
"You have heard of the robbery of the post office at Rockledge, Keyes?"
"Yes; I look for news of something of the kind every few days. What has
that to do with my young friends being in a position that looks as if
they are your prisoners?"
"Banet Raymond tells me that that robbery was done by three men wearing
yachting suits. These two are dressed that way and they admit they had
another chap with them, but he's run off, so I arrested them on
suspicion--what in thunder are you laughing at?"
Keyes Richards had thrown back his head and his laughter might have been
heard half a mile away. As soon as he could speak, he said:
"So you took those two youngsters for burglars of the post office at
Rockledge! The joke is on you, Gabe, and I'll make sure all your friends
hear of it. Haw! haw! haw!"
The poor officer squirmed and asked sullenly:
"How should I know who they were? I never saw 'em before."
"You've had enough experience to judge a little by looks; your own small
amount of sense ought to tell you better than this."
"That's what I did go by. Don't you think that they look like a couple
of desperate criminals?"
And the officer turned his head, scrutinized the youth at his side and
then leaned over and squinted at Alvin, as if he saw both for the first
time. Chester felt sympathy for the man, and waiting for Richards to
recover from his renewed outburst said:
"We must be hard looking fellows, for every one in the crowd who saw us
leave Charmount agreed that we were a couple of villains."
"And one woman thought lynching wasn't too good for us."
"Well, Gabe, do you intend to carry them to Augusta?"
"Of course not, now that you vouch for them--unless they want to go
there," he added.
"Can you take us with you, Mr. Richards?"
"I am on my way to Charmount to board the boat for Boothbay. I shall be
glad to have your company."
"Have we your permission, officer?" asked Alvin, looking round at their
guardian, as he partly rose to his feet.
The constable was uneasy. Moving about in his seat, he asked:
"I say, young men, you haven't any hard feelings agin me?"
Keyes Richards overheard the question and his waggishness could not be
repressed.
"You boys have a clear case against Gabe; you ought to have no trouble
in soaking him for ten or twenty thousand dollars damages."
"Is that a fact?" asked Alvin, pausing in stepping from one car to
another, as if suddenly impressed by the idea.
"Gabe owns one of the finest farms in Lincoln county; you will have no
trouble at all to get it from him."
The officer would have been scared almost out of his wits had he not
caught the wink of Richards and the responsive smile of Alvin. The
sympathetic youth replied:
"It is all right, officer, though we should have felt different if you
had put those handcuffs on us. We have had a little fun and don't mind
it. Good-by."
Each boy shook hands with the grim fellow, who was vastly relieved by
their good will.
"You know we have to take chances now and then, but I always try to do
my duty regardless of consequences."
"You have a hard job before you, Gabe, but I hope you will win; no one
deserves it more," said Richards.
And the parties separated in the best of humor.
The run to Charmount was quickly made. Nearly all who saw the departure
of the officer with the prisoners witnessed their return in the company
of Keyes H. Richards, who was well known to nearly everybody from
Augusta to the mouth of the Kennebec. He saluted a number of persons and
the chauffeur who had brought him to that point circled his machine
about, and skimmed off after the fleeing constable, who must have been
many miles up the road by that time.
It was some minutes before the little group could understand the turn of
affairs. Alvin lifted his cap to the woman who had thought that he and
his companion deserved lynching and said:
"If you feel that we should be executed we are here to receive our
sentence."
She stared at the impudent youngster, sniffed and flirted away without
reply. The tennis player who insisted that the looks of the lads proved
their villainy did not at first quite grasp the situation. He aimlessly
patted his hip with his racquet and looked and wondered. Alvin with his
winsome grin addressed him:
"We are unlucky that our faces give us away, but it can't be helped. The
constable became so disgusted with us that he turned his prisoners over
to Mr. Richards."
"Does he know you?" asked the other unabashed.
"It looks that way, doesn't it?"
"I have no doubt he was the third burglar who stuck up the Rockledge
post office. You are all tarred with the same stick. However, I'll
promise to drop in on you if they send you to Atlanta to keep company
with Uncle Sam's guests--for I intend to make a business trip South next
month."
"Are you sure it is solely on _business_?" was the pointed inquiry of
Chester.
"That is the present outlook, but if this post office robbing industry
picks up a little more, you and I might join hands and whack up."
"Chester, we aren't making much here," said Alvin. "Suppose we pay our
respects to the pert young lady who rattles the telegraph key."
They walked into the little building, while Richards stayed outside and
explained that the fathers of the boys owned about half the city of New
York and most of the railway lines westward to the Rocky Mountains; that
they would probably buy Southport, Squirrel, Outer Heron and a number of
other islands by the close of next season; that their sons were two of
the finest-grained young gentlemen that had ever honored Maine with a
visit; that young Landon was the owner of the prettiest motor boat ever
seen in those waters, and that it was stolen exactly as they had
described, and he was going to give them all the help he could in
recovering it. If any one of his listeners wished to earn a handsome
reward, all he had to do was to find the boat. Suffice it to say, the
story of Mr. Richards made a sensation, and Alvin and Chester became
objects of profounder interest than when they were prisoners charged
with the crime of robbing a post office.
The young heroes never heard anything of these amazing yarns, for they
had entered the telegraph office to see the bright-eyed operator who had
had her fling at them. She glanced up from her table as she finished
clicking off a message, and remarked:
"Out on bail I suppose; the next thing no doubt, you will skip."
"Would you blame us?" asked Alvin. "The punishment for that sort of
thing is pretty severe."
"Ten or twenty years, I believe."
"Something like that, with considerable off for good behavior."
"You're not likely to get any allowance for _that_--there's your boat!"
she exclaimed, as the hoarse whistle of a steamer sounded from the
river. Alvin would have liked to make appropriate reply to this irony,
but really he had no time to think one up. He and his chum hurried out,
merely calling good-by to her.
CHAPTER XV
A GLIMPSE OF SOMETHING
The steamer was a small one running between Wiscasset and Boothbay
Harbor by way of the Sheepscot. She rounded gracefully to at the wharf
at Charmount, making fast with the ease of long habit, and amid the
trucks, laden with freight and shoved and pulled by trotting men, nearly
a dozen passengers hurried aboard, among them being Mr. Richards and his
young friends.
Leaving Alvin and Chester to themselves, Richards entered the pilot
house where he shook hands with the captain and sat down. The visitor
was welcome wherever he went, for every one knew him as among the most
trustworthy of men. During the brief halt at the landing, Richards told
his story to which the captain listened attentively.
"I have noticed that boat," he remarked; "she is one of the prettiest in
these parts; it was a daring piece of thievery, and is sure to get the
scamps into trouble."
"I want you to keep a lookout on the way to Squirrel."
"Don't I always do that, Keyes?"
"I am not certain; but a good many folks think so, and that's as good as
if you really did attend to business. Now, if the launch has kept going,
of course we shall see nothing of her."
"And if she hasn't kept going and doesn't wish to be seen by us, she
won't have any trouble in hiding. There are lots of places where you
couldn't glimpse her with a telescope. I won't forget, and will give you
what help I can."
Just then the captain signalled to the engineer, the screw of the
steamer began churning and she swung out into the crystalline current.
Richards kept his seat behind the captain, the two exchanging remarks
now and then and both scanning the water and banks as they glided past.
Several times the caller slipped out of the small pilot house, and,
shading his eyes with one hand, studied the shore like an eagle
watching its prey. They passed small sailboats, exchanged toots with
other steamers and made their landings nearly always on time.
While Mr. Richards was scrutinizing the banks, islands and the mouths of
the small bays and inlets, Alvin and Chester were similarly engaged.
They seated themselves at the extreme stern under the awning where the
view on the right and left was as unobstructed as it could be.
They had come to the belief that the persons who robbed the Rockledge
post-office included the two whom they saw at Boothbay Harbor, and that
one of the couple took part in the attack upon Alvin when making his way
home some nights before.
"When you remember that they were the same number as ourselves and that
they wore yachting suits, it is easy to understand how the constable
made his mistake."
"Not forgetting our villainous looks," added Chester.
"I understand there have been so many post office robberies in this part
of Maine that there is no doubt that a well-organized gang is at work."
"And these three belong to it."
"There are more beside them. It looks as if they have divided a certain
part of the State among them, and our acquaintances have been given this
section. There are several facts about this business which I don't
understand."
"It's the same with me. For instance, why should those fellows steal
your boat? They have one of their own."
"It may be so far off that they could reach it much sooner with the help
they got from the _Deerfoot_."
"I don't see how that can be, for they must have come up the river in
their own craft and meant to go back to it with their booty. They would
be sure to leave it at the most convenient place, which would be as near
if not nearer than where we went ashore at the blockhouse."
"That would seem so, but if true they must have known they would add to
their danger by stealing another boat. No, Alvin, we are off in our
guesses."
"Can you do any better?"
"No, but you remember when studying in our school history the capture
of Major Andre, that the British sloop-of-war _Vulture_ went up the
Hudson to take him on board after his meeting with Benedict Arnold. The
spy would have been saved that way, if the sloop hadn't been forced to
drop down stream, so that when Andre needed it, the vessel was not
there. Now suppose it was something like that with these people."
Alvin thought over this view of the situation, but shook his head.
"It doesn't strike me as likely. But what's the use of guessing? The
most curious part of it all to me is that they should have come along
when we were sitting behind the blockhouse and find the _Deerfoot_
waiting for them. A few minutes earlier or later and nothing of the kind
could have happened. Then, too, we hadn't a thought of halting there
till Mike's curiosity caused us to go ashore. Do you know, Chester, I am
more anxious about Mike than about the motor boat?"
"I don't understand why."
"We are sure to get back the launch sooner or later, but, as I said,
Mike is so headlong, so fond of a shindy, as he calls it, and so eager
to get another chance at the fellow who ran away from him, that he is
likely to run into trouble."
"He has been doing that all his life, and yet has managed to fight his
way out. I haven't any fear of his not being able to do so this time."
"It seems to me that if we don't get any trace of the _Deerfoot_ on the
way down, we may as well get off at Southport and send despatches to all
the points along the river, asking that a lookout be kept for our boat,
and word be sent to me as soon as anything is picked up. I am not
worrying about the launch, only that those villains are robbing us of a
lot of fun which we counted upon."
"We'll take the advice of Mr. Richards; he may think that Boothbay
Harbor, where he lives, is the best point to send out inquiries."
Now, our young friends cannot be censured because they talked in their
ordinary tones, taking no pains to keep what they said from those around
them. They were equally blameless in not noticing a certain gentleman
who sat two or three paces away on the bench which curved around the
upper deck, apparently absorbed in reading the last copy of the Lewiston
_Journal_. He smoked a big black cigar and seemed to be interested
solely in his paper. None the less, he had taken his seat for the
purpose of hearing the conversation, and he did not allow a word to
elude him. He wore a gray business suit, with a white Fedora hat, a
colored shirt and a modest striped necktie. The face was strong, with
clean cut features, and was shaven clean of all beard. His eyes were
gray and his manner alert. Most of the time he held the paper so high
above his crossed legs that his face would have been invisible to the
boys had they looked at him. But there were three other men, as many
women, and a couple of children near that were equally interesting to
Alvin and Chester, who feeling they had nothing to conceal, made no
effort to conceal it.
"There would be a good hiding place for the _Deerfoot_," suddenly
exclaimed Alvin, springing to his feet and indicating a part of Barter
Island, whose northern end is just below Point Quarry, from which it is
separated by Cross River. Thence it reaches southward for nearly five
miles, not far from Sawyer Island and the Isle of Springs.
The point indicated by Alvin was near the southern extremity of Barter
Island, and was a small inlet, inclosed by dense pines on all sides, and
curving slightly to the north a little distance from the stream. The
opening was broad enough to admit any of the steamers which pass up and
down the river, though none of them ever turns in, since there is no
cause for doing so. Had the _Deerfoot_ chosen to make the entrance, it
could have been screened from sight by the turn of the small bay, and
the thickly wooded shores.
As the boat glided swiftly past the boys scrutinized every part of the
inlet in their field of vision, but saw nothing to give hope that it was
the hiding place of the stolen launch. It was not to be wondered at, for
they had already passed a score of places that offered just as safe
refuge.
Neither Alvin nor Chester noticed that the man in a gray suit turned
partly round, dropped his paper on his knee, and also studied the little
bay upon which their gaze was fixed. He wore no glasses, for his sharp
eyes did not need artificial help. Even had his action been observed by
the youths, they would have thought nothing of it, for the exclamation
of Alvin caused several of the passengers to take the same survey.
The steamer had hardly passed the bit of water and the boys were still
standing, when Mr. Richards came out of the pilot house and hurried to
them.
"Did you see anything?" he asked.
"No; did you?" asked Alvin in turn.
"I am not certain, but the captain and I caught a glimpse of something
which we thought might be the stern or bow of a motor boat like yours,
though as likely as not it was nothing of the kind."
"Can you get the captain to put us ashore?" eagerly asked Alvin. "I'll
pay him for his trouble."
Richards shook his head and smiled.
"He wouldn't do it for a thousand dollars; there is no place to make a
landing, though he might use one of the boats to have you rowed to land.
He halts only at certain fixed points."
"What is the best we can do?"
"Do you mean to find out what it is that is lying in that inlet?"
Alvin replied that such was the wish of himself and his companion.
CHAPTER XVI
ON BARTER ISLAND
"All you have to do is to get off at Sawyer Island, our next landing,
and walk back to this inlet."
"Can we go by land?" asked Alvin.
"No trouble. There are two or three bridges to cross and you may have a
little tramping to do at the end of your journey, but it is easy."
"How far is it?"
"Something like three miles--perhaps a little more."
"That's nothing for us; we shan't mind it."
"It will carry you close to darkness, but that need make no difference.
The sky has cleared somewhat, but I don't believe you will have any
moonlight."
"That may be an advantage; at any rate let us hope so."
Sawyer Island, possibly a tenth as large as Barter, had been in sight
for some time, and the steamer speedily drew up beside the rather
rickety landing. It happened that no passengers and only a few boxes of
freight were taken aboard. Only three persons left the boat--the two
youths and the gentleman in a gray suit, who seemed to spend most of his
time in reading the Lewiston _Journal_. This fact led Alvin and Chester
to look at him with some interest. He carried a small handbag, and
appeared to be confused after stepping ashore. He looked about for a
minute or two and then addressed the agent, an elderly man with a yellow
tuft of whiskers on his chin, no coat or waistcoat, a pair of trousers
whose tops were tucked in his boots, and a single suspender which made
the garments hang lopsided in a seemingly uncomfortable manner.
"I beg your pardon, friend, but isn't this the Isle of Springs?"
"Not much," replied the agent, with a grin that displayed two rows of
big yellow teeth. "This is Sawyer Island."
"My gracious! you don't say so!" exclaimed the new arrival in no little
astonishment. "How is that?"
"It's 'cause it happens to be so; can't you read?"
"What do you mean by such a question?"
"There are the words painted on the front of that shanty in big enough
letters to read as fur as you can see 'em."
The man glared at them.
"Was there ever such stupidity? If I signalled the steamer do you think
she would come back and take me up?"
"I rayther think not, but you might try it."
And he did try it. Snatching off his hat he swung it over his head and
shouted at the top of his voice.
"Hold on there! You've left me behind! Come back!"
Several deck hands on the boat must have seen the frantic passenger, who
ran to the edge of the wharf, and added his handbag to the circlings,
while he kept up his shoutings. Alvin and Chester, as much amused as the
agent, fancied they could see the grins on the faces of several of the
men on the steamer. One of them waggishly crooked a forefinger as an
invitation for him to come aboard, but none the less the boat steamed
straight on to the Isle of Springs.
"You might swim, stranger," suggested the agent.
Ignoring the sarcasm, the other asked:
"Can't I hire a boat to take me across?"
"No diffikilty if you've got money."
By this time the youths felt that they had had enough of the scene, and
turned to follow the road nearly to the other side of the island, where
it joined the one leading to Hodgdon Island and then extended across
that to the bridge connection with Barter. They had made so careful a
study of the map that they had no fear of going wrong. They might not
have been in such haste, had not the afternoon been drawing to a close
and night certain to be near when they should reach their destination.
The day was comparatively cool, for be it remembered that while we are
smothering with summer heat in States farther south, there is little of
it on the coast of Maine, except occasionally during the middle of the
day.
Something more than half a mile brought the youths to the first turn,
when they went due north to the skeleton-like bridge which joins the two
islands that have been named. They had walked so briskly that upon
reaching the farther end they paused for a brief breathing spell.
Naturally they looked about them--across the comparatively narrow strait
to Hodgdon Island, to the right toward the mainland, and westward in the
direction of the Sheepscot River. Leaning against the railing, they next
gazed back over the bridge which they had just trodden. At the end was a
man resting like themselves and in the same attitude.
"It's odd that he is the first person we have seen since we started,"
remarked Alvin. "Since we didn't meet him he must be going the same way
as ourselves."
"Neither of us is doing much going just now," said Chester. "Have you
thought, Alvin, that we haven't a pistol between us?"
"What of it?"
"We may need it before we are through with this business."
"I remember father telling me that when he was a young man he visited
Texas and at Austin had a long talk with Ben Thomson."
"Who was Ben Thomson?" asked the wondering Chester.
"One of the greatest desperadoes that that State ever produced. He
looked like a dandified young clerk or preacher, but it was said of him
that in all his career he never missed the man at whom he fired. The
governor found him a pleasant fellow to talk with and they became quite
chummy. When asked his advice about carrying a revolver, Ben told him
never to do it--at least while in Texas. 'If you do,' said Ben, 'it will
be the death of you as sure as you are now alive. You can't draw half as
quick as the bad men whom you are likely to run against, and the fact
that you are carrying a gun will bring the other's acquittal in any
court where the case may be tried. But if you are unarmed, no one will
molest you, for only the meanest coward will attack an unarmed man.'
Now, what I think is, that we are safer without a revolver than with
one. Neither of us is an expert and we should have no show with these
post office robbers if we got into a fight where guns were used."
Chester was not satisfied with this view of the situation.
"From what I have heard, such persons don't wait to find out whether
another is armed before firing upon him, and in spite of what you say, I
wish I had a loaded Smith and Wesson, or a Colt in my hip pocket."
"Well, you haven't nor have I. The governor has no patience with this
fashion among boys of carrying deadly weapons. The temptation to use
them when there is no need is too great."
Chester shook his head in dissent, and as they resumed their walk
discussed the near future, for it was prudent to do so. After they had
crossed the second bridge at the northern end of Hodgdon Island, he
said:
"It can't be much farther to that inlet where we may or may not find the
_Deerfoot_. It is time we made up our minds what to do. Suppose we come
upon your boat with the thieves in charge, shall we tell them they have
been very naughty and must go away and let us have the property without
making any fuss?"
Alvin laughed.
"Maybe that's as good a plan as any. I believe I can convince them that
the wisest thing for them to do is to turn the boat over to us and clear
out."
"If they are desperate enough to rob post offices and steal a motor
launch, they are not the ones to give it up for the asking. There!"
exclaimed Chester stopping short, "we forgot something."
"What is it?"
"We meant to have telegrams sent out to different points from Boothbay
Harbor, asking lots of persons to keep a lookout for the _Deerfoot_."
"What's the need of that when we have found her?"
"It isn't certain we have found her, but it can't be helped now."
They resumed their walk, and in due time trod the soil of Barter Island,
by crossing another long wooden bridge. They had met on the way a
rickety wagon, a carriage and one automobile, but no person on foot. A
mile or so farther they came upon a hamlet, where it seemed prudent to
ask a few questions. Night was so near that it was important that they
should make no mistake in their course. They learned that from this
cluster of houses a single highway led to the western coast of Barter
Island. Barely a half mile beyond the terminus of this road was the
inlet upon which they had centered their hopes. Mr. Richards had told
them that they would have to tramp this distance, but would probably
find a path which would make the task easy. Although minute knowledge
was necessary to enable one to speak definitely, yet Mr. Richards
reminded them that the fact of there being dwellings at varying
distances all along the coast proved that there must be means of
communication between them.
The boys knew they were within a half mile of the inlet when they paused
more to consult than to rest. The road was lined on both sides by a
vigorous growth of fir. To the rear it reached several hundred yards
nearly straight, but curved sharply a little way off in front. By
accident, Chester's face was turned toward the road behind them. The two
had not spoken a dozen words when Chester remarked without any
excitement:
"I wonder who it is that's coming this way; probably some countryman or
fisherman." Alvin looked back.
"I don't see anyone."
"He dodged to one side among the trees when he saw us."
"What made him do that?"
"I wish I knew."
CHAPTER XVII
THE MAN IN GRAY
Naturally the boys were curious to know the meaning of the stranger's
conduct. They could not see why anyone travelling the same way with
themselves should wish to avoid observation. It would seem that he would
have hurried forward for the sake of company in this lonely region.
Could it be he was really trying to keep out of sight?
Chester's added explanation left no doubt on this point.
"It was accidental on my part. I happened to be looking at the very
point where the road makes a turn, when I caught a glimpse of something
moving on the edge of my field of vision as if coming this way. Before I
could do more than see it was a person, he slipped to the side among the
trees. That I think proves he does not wish to be seen by us."
"He must have known _you_ saw _him_."
"No; the chances were a hundred to one against either of us noticing
him, though we might have done so had he come two steps nearer. Not
doubting that he was secure, he whisked out of sight for the time."
"He might have done that by leaping backward instead of sideways."
"I don't see any choice between the two methods. I am beginning to
suspect that for some reason he is interested in us. How is it, Alvin,
that we never had a suspicion of anything of that kind?"
"Because we had no reason for it."
"Now it would be odd if that man is the one who rested at one end of the
first bridge while we were doing the same at the other."
"And has been dogging us ever since. It is easy enough to find out. Come
on!"
Avoiding the manner of those who had detected anything amiss, the youths
faced south once more, and, neither hastening nor retarding their pace,
walked along the middle of the highway until they had passed beyond the
bend which hid them from the sight of the individual whose actions were
anything but reassuring.
"Now!" whispered Alvin.
As he spoke, he stepped into the wood on their right, his companion
doing the same. There was no undergrowth and they threaded their way for
several rods and then were unable to find a tree with a trunk large
enough to hide their bodies. Doing the best they could, they fixed their
gaze upon the highway, along which they expected to see the man come
within the succeeding few minutes.
An impulse led Alvin to glance at his watch just at the moment he placed
himself behind the trunk of a pine not more than six inches in diameter.
After waiting seemingly longer than necessary, he examined his timepiece
again. The minutes pass slowly to those who are in suspense, but surely
the interval ought to have brought the stranger into view. But he was as
yet invisible. A quarter of an hour dragged by and still nothing was to
be seen of him. Alvin looked across at Chester, who was a few paces off,
also partially hidden from sight of anyone passing over the highway.
"What do you make of it?" asked the puzzled Captain of the _Deerfoot_.
"How long have we been waiting?"
"A half hour."
"Then he isn't coming," said Chester, stepping forth and walking toward
the road; "we are throwing away time and it is already growing dark."
On the edge of the highway the two halted and peered to the right and
left. Not a person was in sight.
"He has turned back," said Alvin.
"Why should he do that?"
"He must have known we saw him."
"More likely he dived into the wood and made a circle so as to come back
to the road between us and the inlet. He can't be far off."
"He has had plenty of time to get out of sight."
"Perhaps not."
Led by the hope, the boys hastened to the next turn, which gave them
sight of a hundred yards or more before it wound out of view again.
"There he is!" whispered Alvin excitedly.
"No; it is not he."
A large boy in a straw hat, with loose flapping linen duster and bare
feet was strolling toward them. He kept in the middle of the road, for
the walking was as good there as on either side. With his hands in his
trousers pockets and whistling softly to himself he lounged forward. He
started as the lads stepped out from among the trees.
"Gosh! you give me a scare!" he exclaimed with a grin. "Who be you?"
"Friends," Alvin took it upon himself to answer. "Who are you?"
"Henry Perkins," was the prompt response from the youth, whose manner
showed that he was not at ease.
"Where do you live?"
"Up the road, not fur, near this end of the bridge to Hodgdon Island."
"Where are you coming from now?"
The youth hesitated a moment and then with his unrelaxing grin answered:
"I spent the day with my cousin Burt Eggles over at Westport; he rowed
me across the Sheepscot, and as I told you I'm on my way hum; if I
don't arriv there purty blamed soon, the old man will give me an
all-fired licking."
"Did you meet anybody on the road?"
Henry Perkins shook his head several times.
"Didn't meet nobody; there ain't many folks in this part of the kentry."
"Well," said Alvin, "you may go on home now; if your 'old man' is cross
with you tell him you were stopped on the road."
"Haw! haw! he mought ask how long I was stopped. Wal, I'm off."
He strode forward with long steps, as if anxious to get away from the
couple who asked such personal questions. He had gone only a few paces
when he abruptly halted, looked around at the two, who were amusedly
watching him, and exclaimed:
"Gosh! I furgot something--I'm sorry," he added, using the catch phrase,
which was beginning to take the place of the conventional "excuse me,"
or "I beg pardon."
"What is that?"
"I _did_ meet a feller a little way down the road."
The youths were interested on the instant.
"Do you know who he was?" asked Alvin.
"Never seen him afore; didn't ask his name; don't spose he'd told me if
I had; I nodded and he nodded; neither of us didn't speak; that's all."
"How was he dressed?"
"Had on a soft, light hat, gray suit and carried a handbag."
"Thank you, Henry, good night."
"I 'spose I was so rattled at fust I didn't think of him when you asked
me if I'd met anybody. Wal, so 'long."
"What do you make of it now?" asked Alvin of his chum, as they resumed
their walk toward the inlet.
"That's the man we saw pretending to rest at the further end of the
first bridge; he's the one who sat near us on the steamer reading a
newspaper, and he left the boat when we did. That swinging of his hat
and yelling for the steamer to come back and pick him up was a bluff. He
got off because _we_ did and he has been following us ever since."
Neither could doubt this self-evident fact, which was enough to make
them graver than usual.
The man in gray must have known from the actions of the youths that one
if not both had discovered him while he was passing over the road behind
them. He had, as Chester suspected, turned in among the pines and made a
circuit by which he came out in advance of them. This might never have
become known but for the meeting between him and Henry Perkins.
But the disturbing question remained to be answered: who was he and what
did he mean by his actions?
"I believe he is one of the post office gang," said Alvin.
"So do I," assented his companion; "he knew from what we said on the
boat that we are hunting the stolen launch and he means to be on the
ground when we find it."
"What for?"
"Aye, there's the rub; whatever it may be it doesn't mean any good to
us. We have another criminal to buck against and one that's likely to
get the best of us. I wish now that I had two revolvers and you a
repeating rifle."
"Wishing can do no good. We'll win if we can."
It was characteristic of these two young Americans that to neither came
a thought of turning back. It was more than probable that they would run
into personal peril, but none the less they cheerfully took the risk.
When they reached the end of the highway which has its beginnings on the
southern point of Barter Island, it was fully dark. In the single small
house that stood there a light was burning, and a form flitted between
it and the curtain of the window.
"Alvin, I have just found out something," said his chum.
"What's that?"
"I was never hungrier in my life."
"The same here and have been for an hour or two."
"Let's go in and get something to eat."
No railings or fence showed in front of the little faded structure upon
whose door Chester gently knocked. It was opened by an elderly woman,
who was engaged in setting the table. In answer to her inquiring looks
Chester said:
"Good evening! Can we buy something to eat?"
"No, sir; we don't sell food; we give it to them as needs it!"
CHAPTER XVIII
AT THE INLET
It was not the thin, meek-looking woman who uttered these words of
welcome. The tones were so thunderous that both the lads were startled,
and they did not see the speaker, until they stepped across the
threshold. He was an old man, one who must have been near eighty, who
was sitting near the front window, smoking a corncob pipe. His face was
weazened and wrinkled, his white hair thin and his shoulders stooping,
but his little eyes twinkled kindly and he wore no glasses. He was in
his shirt sleeves and his waistcoat hung loosely and unbuttoned down the
front. His clean, coarse white shirt showed no necktie, but there was a
pleasing neatness about his trousers and thick shoes.
Alvin and Chester removed their caps and saluted the couple. The woman
had not spoken and for a long time kept silent.
"Take a cheer! take a cheer!" added the old man, holding his pipe in
one hand while he waved the other toward seats; "take a couple if you
like."
The wonder about the old fellow was his voice. Never had the callers
heard so deep and resounding a bass. It was literally like thunder. Each
asked himself what it was a half century before.
There was no mistaking his hospitality. Probably in his loneliness he
welcomed any callers, no matter who they might be. He smiled upon the
youths, who noticed that there was not a tooth visible.
"Bless my heart! It does my old eyes good to look upon two such handsome
chaps as you! Your faces be clean, your eyes bright, you wear purty good
clothes and I don't b'lieve you use terbacker."
"No," said Alvin; "we haven't begun yet."
"My! my! you don't know what you've missed, but there's time 'nough;
wait till you're as old as me afore you start. How old do you think I
am?"
The pleased lads scanned the wrinkled countenance as if trying to make
up their minds. It was Chester who answered for both:
"You must be past sixty-five--pretty close to seventy."
The remark was diplomatic, for both knew he was a good deal older. The
man threw back his head and shook with mirth.
"Do you hear that, Peggy? They think I'm purty close to seventy! That's
the best joke I've heerd since I was a boy. He! he! Why, young man," he
added, abruptly checking his laughter, "I'll be eighty-three come next
Christmas. I was a Christmas gift to my father and mother."
"You don't mean it!" replied Alvin, with a shake of his head.
The wife paused in crossing the floor and laughed, but without the least
sound.
"I don't mean it, eh? Ask Peggy."
The youths looked inquiringly and she nodded several times in
confirmation, but remained mute.
"We can't doubt _her_," said Chester. "You are surely a wonder, Mr.----"
"Folks don't call me mister; I'm Uncle Ben--Ben Trotwood. Who might you
be?"
There was no need of evasion, and Alvin briefly told all the important
facts. Having given their names, he related how their motor boat had
been stolen while they were taking lunch that day in the woods near the
blockhouse. It was not worth while to mention Mike Murphy.
"Consarn such scamps!" exclaimed Uncle Ben. "They oughter be made to
smart. But when Peggy opened the door I think you said something 'bout
devouring food."
"We are hungry."
"Wal," said the old man, rising briskly from his chair in answer to a
nod from his wife, "supper's ready and we'll all set by. If you want to
please us you won't leave a crumb on the table."
"Then we'll be sure to please you."
It was a most enjoyable meal of which our young friends partook, after
Uncle Ben had said grace as was his invariable custom. The food was
plain but excellently cooked and there was an abundance. The host was as
spry as a man of half his years, and presided, his wife pouring out tea
which never tasted better to Alvin and Chester. Each of the lads, when
no one was watching him, slipped a dollar bill under his plate, where it
was not likely to be seen until after they had gone.
The kindliness of the old man as well as that of the mute wife made the
guests feel at home. Toward the close of the meal Chester said:
"Uncle Ben, you've got the most wonderful voice I ever heard."
Plainly the old man was pleased.
"It ain't a sarcumstance to what it was when I was younger. They asked
me to sing bass in the church at Trevett, but I nearly busted
proceedings. The folks said that when I let out my voice, they couldn't
hear anybody else in the choir."
"It is easy to believe that."
"Then," added Uncle Ben whimsically, "they made me pay for several panes
of glass that they insisted my voice had broke. I stood that, till one
Sunday, a boy begun yelling that he was afeard of that big black bear in
the gallery and he like to have went into fits ontil I put on the
brakes. Then I quit, plumb disgusted."
"Don't you find it rather lonely here?"
"Sometimes when the children wait too long to visit us."
"How many children have you?"
"Seven boys and six girls. We lost three afore they growed up."
"You are rich indeed," said Chester admiringly.
And then the wife spoke for the first time:
"We ought to be thankful and _we are_!"
It came out that all the sons and daughters were well married and lived
within a radius of little more than fifty miles. Each family had often
urged the old couple to make their home with it, but they preferred to
live by themselves. There was no danger of their suffering for anything
that affection could provide.
Alvin and Chester would have been glad to stay over night, as they were
urged to do, but they decided to push on and learn what they could with
the least possible delay. While daylight would have been more favorable,
in many respects, for their task, they feared that the thieves would
make off with the _Deerfoot_ before daylight. The intrusion of the man
in gray added a zest to the search that had something to do with their
haste.
Since Uncle Ben rarely went beyond sight of his humble home, he could
tell them nothing of the launch. He admitted that most of the time when
he sat by the front window smoking, he dozed or was fully asleep. He had
seen no one pass the house during the afternoon except the boy, Henry
Perkins. The man in gray might have gone by, but Uncle Ben knew nothing
of it.
Promising to call if they ever came into the neighborhood again, the
youths bade the old couple good night. They hurried, for the wife had
begun clearing away the things from the table, and was sure to discover
the tip that each had left. They chuckled because they got clear of the
home without such mishap.
It will be remembered that night had descended some time before, and the
clouded sky veiled the moon. The path of which Uncle Ben told them was
well defined, but in the dense gloom it was hard to keep it. Alvin,
taking the lead, spread out his arms and swept them in front of his face
to prevent collisions with projecting limbs. Once or twice he strayed to
one side, but with the help of Chester regained the trail and they
pushed on in good spirits, glad that they had not far to go. The
temperature was so mild that they felt no discomfort from the lack of
extra clothing.
As they drew near the inlet their caution increased. Alvin in front
stepped as softly as an Indian scout entering the camp of an enemy.
Chester was equally careful and for some time neither spoke. With the
deep gloom inclosing them on every hand, they were mutually invisible.
Suddenly Chester bumped lightly into his companion.
"What's the matter?" he asked in a whisper.
"I'm out of the path again."
"I don't see that that makes any difference; we must be close to the
bay. Push on!"
They felt their way in silence for a few minutes and then stopped once
more. Not the slightest sound was given out by the water that was
somewhere near them. Alvin hesitated, as he was afraid of a mis-step.
At this juncture, when the two stood motionless and uncertain, nature,
singularly enough, came to their relief. The laboring moon for a few
seconds shone partly through the heavy clouds that were drifting before
its face, and the dim illumination revealed that two paces farther would
have taken them into the inlet. Scarcely was this discovery made when
blank night again shut them in.
"Well, here we are," said Alvin; "and what comes next?"
After all that had been said and done, it dawned upon both at this
moment that their whole venture was foolish to the last degree. Suppose
they located the _Deerfoot_, they would be powerless to do anything
more. Two unarmed youths could not retake it from the thieves, and they
might grope around the place for the whole night without learning the
truth. If they had been able to reach the spot before night, or, failing
in that, had waited till the morrow, their eyes would have quickly told
them all they wished to know.
Standing side by side nonplussed for the moment, Alvin sniffed several
times.
"Do you notice it?" he asked in a guarded undertone.
"Notice what?"
"I smell a cigar; somebody is near us."
Chester tested his smelling apparatus and replied:
"You are right; the odor is in the air."
"It reminds me of the kind the governor smokes; and is therefore a
mighty good one."
"It is the man in gray; he smoked nearly all the time on the boat."
CHAPTER XIX
NOT NEAR EITHER BANK
Having convinced themselves that the man in gray was near at hand, the
next question Alvin and Chester asked themselves was whether he knew of
_their_ proximity. It would seem not, for they had moved with the
silence of shadows, and spoken in the most guarded of undertones.
Moreover, it was not to be supposed that he would smoke a cigar, knowing
the liability of betraying himself, just as he had done. Further, there
was the danger of the glowing end catching the eye of anyone in the
vicinity. The youths peered here and there in the obscurity in quest of
a tiny torch, but failed to see it.
While speculating over the situation an unexpected shift took place.
Chester laid his hand on the arm of his comrade and whispered:
"Look out on the water!"
A point of light glowed like a tiny star from a spot directly opposite,
but quite a way from shore. It was of a neutral or yellow color, and the
reflection of the rays showed a few feet from where it shone above the
surface. The gleaming speck, however, was too small to tell anything
more.
"I believe that's on the _Deerfoot_!" whispered Chester.
"It may be, but it's on the other side of the inlet; we shall not learn
anything more while standing here."
A new problem was thus presented. They could stay where they were until
daylight told them the truth, go back to Uncle Ben's house and sleep in
a comfortable bed, or pick their way through the wood and darkness to
the other side of the water. After a few minutes' consultation they
decided to follow the last course.
Once nigh enough to the launch to touch it with outstretched hand they
would have no trouble in identifying it, no matter how profound the
gloom. While each youth saw the imprudence of the action, he was
impelled by the dread that the thieves would give them the slip, and be
almost beyond tracing within the following few hours. If they had run
into this place for shelter, there was no guessing how long they would
stay.
The task before the lads was formidable. They did not know the width of
the inlet around whose head they must thread their course in order to
reach the point where the _Deerfoot_ or possibly some other motor boat
was lying. The distance might be brief or prove too great to be
traversed during the night. None the less they decided to try it.
The star still shone a little above the silent surface which was as
smooth as a mirror. The light did not seem to be far off--a fact which
led our young friends to believe they would not have to walk far to
reach their destination.
The immediate cause for misgiving was the man with the cigar. The most
careful snuffing failed to tell the direction from which the vapor
floated, and not a breath of air stirred the stillness. Whether the
youths moving eastward would be going toward or from him could not be
guessed. They could only trust to providence.
"The slightest sound will give us away," said Alvin as he took the lead.
"Keep so near that you can touch me with your hand; I'll feel every inch
of the way."
It should not be long before they would be far enough from the man in
gray to move with more freedom. The plan was to make a circuit around
the head of the inlet and come back to the spot where the _Deerfoot_
nestled under the wooded bank. How long it would require to complete
this semi-circle remained to be seen.
When twenty minutes had gone by and they had progressed several rods,
Alvin paused and said in his guarded undertone:
"I don't smell the cigar; do you?"
Chester called his nose into action and replied:
"I don't detect any odor."
"That means we have got away from him."
"Or that he has finished his cigar and thrown away the stump. Push on."
To avoid mishap, they kept several yards from the water. The task was so
hard that it would have been impossible but for the help given by the
moon. The sky had cleared considerably, so that the dim light shone at
brief intervals upon the water. Another blessing was appreciated by the
venturesome youths. The pine woods were free from briers and
undergrowth, the ground being soft, spongy and dry under their feet,
because of the cones and spines which had accumulated for many and many
a year. Still again, the inlet had no tributaries--at any rate the boys
did not come upon any, so they were not troubled in that respect. It was
simply a cove whose sole supply of water came from the broad Sheepscot.
Such being the favoring conditions, Alvin and Chester made better
progress than either expected when setting out. Now and then Alvin led
the way to the water's edge in quest of the beacon which had served them
so well thus far. It still gleamed with a calm, unwinking clearness like
the point of an incandescent light.
A gratifying discovery came sooner than the youths expected--they were
turning the head of the inlet and coming back on the other side from
the shore first reached. If all went well they ought to arrive at the
right spot within the next half hour. They ran against an unimportant
difficulty, however. A vigorous growth of underbrush clogged their
progress, but having left the mysterious stranger behind, they felt no
need of further care with their footsteps.
It was yet comparatively early in the night when they completed the
broad half circle and came opposite the point of their first arrival.
The occasional clearing of the moon had been of much help, and they had
every reason to be satisfied with their progress. But before coming to a
pause, they were puzzled by a discovery for which at first they could
not account.
The gleaming point that had served as a guide was nowhere near them. It
seemed like an ignis fatuus that recedes as the traveller tries to
approach it. So far as the lads could judge they were no closer to the
light than before.
"That's the queerest thing I ever saw," said Alvin, as he and his
companion stood on the edge of the wood. "I thought we should run right
against the boat, and now there is no chance of doing so."
"It must have crossed to the other shore while we were passing round the
head of the inlet," suggested Chester, as much perplexed as his chum.
"Then we shall have to turn back."
"And have it give us the slip again. That can't be the explanation,
Alvin; we should have heard the engine in the stillness. Ah! I have it!
The _Deerfoot_ is not near either bank, but anchored in the middle of
the cove or beside a small island."
This obviously was the explanation, but it did not improve the
situation, so far as the searchers were concerned. With the partial
illumination given now and then by the moon they could not catch the
faintest outlines of the boat. It might have been a dozen miles away.
"It looks as if we were up against it," remarked Alvin, with a sigh. "We
shall have to wait until daylight and may as well go back to Uncle
Ben's."
Chester was silent for a minute or two. He was turning over a project in
his mind.
"The boat can't be far off," he said. "What do you say to my taking off
my clothing and swimming out to it?"
The proposal struck Alvin dumb at first. His friend added:
"It will be easy; it won't take me long to go there and back."
"Suppose you are seen?"
"I have no fear of that; they won't be expecting anything of the kind
and I shall learn something worth while."
"I won't agree to it," replied Alvin decisively; "it may look simple to
you, but there is more danger than you suspect. No, give it up. It is
_my_ boat and if anyone chose to risk his life to recover it he should
be myself, and I'll be hanged if _I'll_ try it."
"All right; you are the Captain and I am only second mate, but it
grieves me to have you turn down my proposition. Sh! you heard that?"
From the direction of the launch came the sound of a sneeze. In the
profound stillness there was no mistaking the nature of the noise.
"I wonder if our friend is catching cold," was the whimsical remark of
Chester; "it sounds that way," he added as the person, whoever he was,
sneezed a second, third and fourth time in quick succession and then
rested.
"Suppose I call to him to be careful," suggested Chester.
"Do so if you choose, but it strikes me that we are the ones who need to
be careful."
"Hello! the light is gone."
Such was the fact. Not the slightest illumination pierced the gloom that
was now on every hand.
"I guess they have gone to bed," remarked Chester, "and that is what we
might as well do. The weather is so mild that we can sleep on the soft
carpet in the woods without risk; it's a long walk to Uncle Ben's and we
want to be on hand at the first peep of day."
"I can't say that I fancy spending the night out of doors."
"It will be easy to start a fire."
"And have it seen by those on the boat."
"We can go so far back that there will be no danger of that."
"What about breakfast?"
"We can reach Uncle Ben's in time for that."
"I have been suspecting, Chester, for the last hour that we have been
making fools of ourselves and now I haven't any doubt of it."
"I hadn't from the first. Hist! do you hear that?"
CHAPTER XX
A DISAPPOINTMENT
Through the soft, impenetrable darkness stole the almost inaudible sound
of a paddle, and strangely enough, only a single stroke was heard. The
listening youths agreed that the point whence it came was to the north
of the islet, and it was Chester Haynes who was keen witted enough to
hit upon the explanation.
"Whoever it is he is trying not to betray himself; he is using his oar
as a paddle, to avoid the sound of rowing."
"But _we_ heard him," said Alvin.
"He made a slight slip and may do it again."
They listened intently for several minutes, but the stillness was
unbroken. This continued for some time, when suddenly the sound was
heard, fainter than before--so faintly indeed that had not the two been
closely attentive they would not have noted it.
"Another slip," remarked Chester; "I guess he doesn't know how to handle
a paddle very well. But he has got ahead, for he isn't where he was when
we first heard him."
"He seems to be between us and the islet."
"He may be coming this way!"
As if in answer to the thought, the few rays of moonlight which fell
upon the water at that moment revealed the dim outlines of a small boat
that was heading toward the very spot where the friends were standing.
"Let's make a change of base," whispered Chester, hastily turning to the
north, but halting where they could see the boat without being visible
themselves.
With the weak light, they could trace it quite clearly. The craft was of
the ordinary structure, so small that it would not have carried more
than two or three persons, and had nothing in the nature of a sail.
A man was seated in the middle holding a single paddle which he swayed
first on one side and then on the other. The observers suspected his
identity before the nose of the little boat slid up the bank and it came
to rest. Gently laying down the paddle, as if guarding against
discovery, the man rose to his feet and stepped out. As he did so, he
grasped a small handbag in one hand and moved with the alert nimbleness
of a boy. He was the man in the gray suit, who seemed to have formed the
habit of intruding into the plans of Alvin and Chester. They waited
motionless and silent until he disappeared in the wood.
"Chester," said his friend, "I'll give you eleven cents if you will
explain that."
"And I'll give you twelve if you'll clear it up for me."
"I wonder now if he isn't acting as a sentinel for the others. He knows
we are somewhere in the neighborhood and has set out to keep track of
us."
The theory might seem reasonable to the boys, but would not hold water,
for, after all, the action of the stranger did not agree with it. They
felt it idle to try to guess, and gave it up. Alvin had proposed that
they should stay no longer in the wood, but return to the hospitable
home of Uncle Ben. Though it would be late when they reached there, they
would be welcome, but both shrank from meeting the couple after the
discovery of the money they had placed under their plates.
"Hold on, Alvin," whispered the other; "let's play a trick on that
fellow that keeps nosing into our business."
"How?"
"Let's use his boat to get a closer view of the _Deerfoot_."
It was a rash thing to do, but it appealed to the young Captain.
"All right; I'm with you. We must hurry, for he is likely to come back
any moment."
Had they taken time for reflection, they probably would have given up
the plan, but boys of their age and younger are not apt to "look before
they leap." Without hesitation, they walked to where the frail boat lay
against the bank and Alvin shoved it clear. The water seemed to be deep
close to land, and the Captain took up the paddle, remarking that the
craft bore some resemblance to a canoe. They half expected that the man
would dash forward and call them to account, but nothing was seen or
heard of him, and the gloom swallowed them from sight of any person on
land.
Now that the chance was theirs to settle the question which had
perplexed them so long it was important to consider each step. Alvin had
had experience in managing a small boat and he handled the paddle with
more skill than the former occupant, for the ripple which he caused
could not have been heard a dozen feet away. As the distance from shore
increased, they ceased to whisper. One knew the right thing to do as
well as the other, and Chester realized that he could give no directions
of value.
It seemed to Alvin that since those on the launch knew the direction
taken by one of their number, they would expect him to return over the
same course. Instead, therefore, of making straight for the motor boat,
the Captain turned to the right, so as to approach the bow or stern.
Before he caught sight of the craft, he made a complete circuit of the
islet, keeping just near enough to trace its outlines and that of the
launch. The former was merely a mass of sand, consisting of about an
acre and without a tree or shrub upon it. It must have been nearly
submerged when the tide was high.
Seated in the prow of the small boat, Chester Haynes peered with all the
power of eyesight at his command into the darkness, partly lighted up
now and then by the moon. This made the illumination treacherous and
uncertain and caused misgivings to both. Alvin glanced up at the rolling
clouds, striving to avoid betraying himself to anyone on board. The
presumption was that all had gone to sleep, leaving the duty of
protection to their friend, the man in gray.
A look at the masses of vapor in the sky told Alvin that the heavy
obscurity would last for several minutes. He dipped the paddle deeper
and stole toward the bow of the launch that was beginning to show
vaguely. By and by he saw the sharp cutwater rising several feet above
the water, the staff with its drooping flag, and the glass shield just
aft of the motor compartment.
"Sh! sh! back quick!"
Chester whispered the warning, and Alvin without pausing to ask the
reason swung the paddle so powerfully that the gentle forward motion was
checked, and the boat moved in the other direction. Two or three strokes
carried it so far that the launch and all pertaining to it were
swallowed up in the gloom.
Waiting till it was safe to speak, the Captain asked:
"What did you see, Chester?"
"A man," was the reply.
"In what part of the launch?"
"He was standing in front of the cockpit, about half way between it and
the flagstaff."
"Then he saw us."
"No; for he was looking toward the shore to which this boat had gone.
Had he turned his head, he must have noticed us."
Alvin held the reverse motion until they felt it safe to talk without
dropping into whispers.
"What harm could have come if he had seen us?" asked the Captain, "I
favor going straight up to the _Deerfoot_, stepping aboard and ordering
the thieves to turn her over to us."
"Before doing so, one thing ought to be settled."
"What is that?"
"Find out whether it _is_ the _Deerfoot_."
"Of course it is; what other boat could it be? We act as if we were
afraid to claim our own property."
"_Your_ property you mean, Captain. If I may advise, it is that you make
another circuit around the islet and come up to the launch from the
rear. I don't think there is a second man on watch, and, if there isn't,
we shall be less likely to attract the first one's notice."
"I'll do as you say, though I see no sense in it."
With the utmost care the islet was circumnavigated as before, and the
stealthy approach from the rear was made. Alvin depended upon his
companion to give him warning, and while he remained silent the small
boat glided forward like a shadow cast by the moon.
The man who had been seen standing near the prow would have been in
sight had he held his position, and since he was invisible, he must have
gone away. With the acme of caution, Alvin stole along the side of the
launch, keeping just far enough off to avoid grazing her, until he came
once more to the bow.
This period being one of the total eclipses of the moon, he could do no
more than trace the outlines of the boat, whose familiar appearance
filled him with burning indignation that thieves should have dared to
lay hands upon it. There was not a breath of air stirring, and Chester
who still clung to his doubts, now drew his rubber safe from his pocket
and scratched a match over the corrugated bottom. As the tiny flame
flickered, he held it up in front of the gilt letters on the side of the
prow. Each saw them plainly, long enough to note that the name painted
there was not _Deerfoot_ but _Water Witch_!
Alvin was astounded and disgusted beyond expression. Without a word, he
turned the head of the little boat toward the shore which they had left
a short time before, and did not speak until they reached land. He was
impatient, because he plainly heard his companion chuckling.
"Let's give up looking for the _Deerfoot_," exclaimed the Captain, "and
see whether we can find Mike Murphy."
"I'm with you," was the hearty response of Chester.
Indeed it is high time that we, too, started upon the same errand.
CHAPTER XXI
A TELEGRAM
You will remember that Mike Murphy, the Irish laddie, was brimful of
pluck, powerful and sturdy of build and with little in the nature of
fear in his make-up. His short legs, however, were not meant for
fleetness, and he never would have won fame as a sprinter. When he
parted company with Alvin Landon and Chester Haynes, only one purpose
controlled him--that was to regain possession of the stolen motor boat
_Deerfoot_ and incidentally to administer proper punishment to the
thieves who had so boldly stolen the craft.
He loped down the road, until he was panting from the exertion, when he
dropped to a rapid walk, still burning with high resolve. With no
clearly defined plan in mind, he turned off at the intersection of the
highways, and soon reached Charmount, one of the regular landings where
the little steamers for Boothbay Harbor halted to let off and take on
passengers.
"The right thing for mesilf to do is to sind a tilegram," was his
conclusion. "I don't mind that I ever done anything ov the kind excipt
to forward one by wireless when our steamer was in the middle of the
Atlantic. Howsumiver, that was sint by other folks and I hadn't anything
to do wid it excipt to listen to the crackling and spitting and
sparkling of the machine and to watch for the message flying out the
windy, which the same I didn't observe."
His naturally red face was redder than usual, and he breathed fast, when
he stepped up to the little window.
"I have a message that I wish to go over the wires as fast as
lightning," was his announcement, after raising his cap and saluting the
young lady.
"That's the way all telegrams go," she replied, looking smilingly up
from her chair in front of the instrument.
"Thank ye kindly."
"All you have to do is to write it out and pay the cost."
"And how much will the same be?"
"That depends on the number of words and the distance it has to be sent.
Write it out."
A pile of yellow blanks lay on the inclined planed board which served as
a desk, and there was a cheap pencil secured by a string, but no chair.
A sender had to stand while writing his message. Mike tried to act as if
he was used to such things. First he thrust the end of the pencil in his
mouth to moisten the lead and began his hard task.
He was so long at it that the bright young miss looked up several times
to see how he was getting on. Through the narrow window she saw him
laboring harder than he had ever labored in his life. His tongue was
out, his eyes rolling, his cap shoved back from his perspiring forehead
and he grunted, standing first on one foot and then on the other,
crossing out words, writing them over again and scratching his head in
sore perplexity. She made no comment, but busied herself with other work
until more than a quarter of an hour had passed.
Finally the toil was over and he shoved the little sheet of paper
through the window.
"Whew! but that was a big job, as me uncle said when he tipped over the
house of Pat O'Keily. You'll excuse me bad penmanship, if you plaise."
The operator took the paper from him and with wrinkled brow read the
following amazing effusion:
"CHARMOUNT, MAIN, Orgust----
"_General George Washington,
President of the U. S. America_:
"RESPICTED SIR AND BROTHER:
"There has been the biggest outrage that has happened in a thousand
years. A pirut ship come up the Sheepscot River to-day and while me
and Captain Landon and Second Mate Haynes--it's mesilf that is
first mate--was eating our frugle repast behind the blockhouse, the
same piruts boarded our frigate the _Deerfut_ and run off wid her.
If we had seen the thaives we would have knocked their heads off.
Send one of your torpeder distroyers or a battleship and go for the
piruts bald-headed.
"Kind regards to the missis and hoping you are well I subscribe
mesilf yours with great respict,
"MIKE MURPHY."
The Irish youth watched the face of the miss as she studied the message
for several minutes. Mike had a fair education, and although he limped
in his spelling, on the whole he did well. By and by the operator looked
into his face with perplexity and asked:
"Why under the sun do you address your message to General Washington?"
"Isn't he Prisident of the United States? I remimber reading the same in
me school history at home in Tipperary."
"He was the first President, but that was a long time ago and he has
been dead more than a hundred years."
"Then he isn't in the City of Washington, eh?"
"No, he is in heaven, where you may be sure he has a front seat."
"You couldn't forward the same to him?" asked Mike, his eyes twinkling.
"I am afraid not; that station isn't in our line, though I hope you and
I will arrive there one of these days."
She drew her pencil through the immortal name.
"You wish to have this sent to the President?"
"Av coorse; what might his name be?"
"William H. Taft."
"And his addriss is Washington?"
"That's his official address, but he stops there only now and then each
year."
"Where might he be now?"
"Somewhere out West or on the Pacific coast or down at Panama--in fact,
almost anywhere except at the capital of our country."
"Then can't he be raiched by telegraph?" asked Mike in dismay.
"Oh, yes; all you have to do is to address your telegram to Washington,
just as you have done. They know there where to find him and your
message will be forwarded."
"Very well. There is the money to pay for the same."
Mike laid a silver quarter on the stand-up desk where she could reach
it. But she was busy just then counting the words by tipping them off
with the point of her pencil. When through she beamed upon him and
announced that the cost would be a little more than five dollars.
"Woorah! woorah! what is it you're sayin'? All the funds I have wid me
is about half what you jist named."
"You can save three-fourths of the cost by striking out the unnecessary
words. Let me help you."
She obligingly edited the copy. It seemed to Mike that every word was
indispensable, but she convinced him to the contrary and finally
succeeded in boiling down the message so that the cost of the
transmission was reduced to a dollar and a half. Although, as the lad
had intimated, his funds were moderate, he paid the sum and the miss
lost no time in placing the telegram on the wire.
We have no record of its fate after reaching the national capital. It
may have started to find the President on his never ending travels. If
so, it no doubt caused him a hearty laugh, but I am afraid he speedily
forgot it and the money expended by Mike was wasted.
He thanked the miss for her aid and bade her good-day. Just then the
hoarse whistle of a steamer fell upon their ears.
"Phwat's that?" asked Mike, stopping short and looking at her. She
glanced through the window before replying.
"It's the _Nahanada_ on her way to Boothbay Harbor."
"Ain't that lucky now!" he exclaimed, hurrying to the landing where he
joined the half dozen passengers in boarding her.
The well-known steamer _Nahanada_ was returning from an excursion to
Wiscasset, with a large party from Boothbay Harbor. You will bear in
mind that Mike Murphy's departure down the Sheepscot from Charmount
preceded that of his friends by more than an hour.
Now that he had time to rest and think, he did both. Like the other two
youths, he chose his seat on the upper deck at the extreme rear, where
he had a good view of both shores in descending the Sheepscot. He was
not in a mood for conversation, and though several were seated near him,
he gave them no attention. In this respect, he had the advantage over
his friends, who as you will recall not only said a good many things to
each other, but were overheard, as they discovered too late, by the man
dressed in gray, who mixed strangely in their affairs afterward.
It was impossible that the steamer should overtake the motor boat,
provided the latter held her usual speed. Mike did not expect anything
of the kind, but, like Alvin and Chester, thought the _Deerfoot_ was
likely to stop on its way and wait until darkness in which to continue
its flight. The thieves would know that strenuous efforts would be made
quickly to recover the launch, and would try to escape recognition by
the simple method named.
This was shrewd reasoning, and was justified by what followed. A few
miles below Sawyer Island, where Chester and Alvin left the steamer,
projects the southern end of Westport, which intrudes like a vast wedge
between the Sheepscot on the right and Montsweag Bay and Knubble Bay on
the left. The island is about a dozen miles long, with a width at its
broadest part of three miles or so. Around the lower end sweeps Goose
Rock Passage, through which boats make their way to the Kennebec to the
westward. The width of the Sheepscot at that portion is nearly two
miles. Mike Murphy was on the alert and scanned the shores to the right
and left as well as every craft that suggested any resemblance to the
_Deerfoot_, but saw nothing to awaken hope until the _Nahanada_ turned
to call at Isle of Springs.
Knowing nothing of interest was there, Mike rose to his feet and scanned
the opposite shore. He saw a boat disappearing in a small bay, a little
to the north of Brooks Point, as the southern extremity of Westport is
called. He caught only a passing glimpse when the intervening land shut
it from sight, but he exclaimed:
"Begorrah! it's the _Deerfut_, or me name isn't Mike Murphy!"
CHAPTER XXII
FOUND
You will remember that Alvin Landon and Chester Haynes landed at Sawyer
Island and made their way to the lower end of Barter Island, where they
failed to find the stolen launch. The point which had caught the
attention of Mike Murphy was several miles distant, on the other side of
Sheepscot Bay and half as far from the landing at Isle of Springs.
While failure attended the efforts of the couple, it now looked as if
good fortune had marked Mike Murphy for its own. He waited at Isle of
Springs until the _Nahanada_ resumed her way to Boothbay Harbor, when he
looked around for some means of getting to the point on Westport which
deeply interested him.
Among the loungers he noticed an elderly man, stoop-shouldered, thin,
without coat or waistcoat, a scraggly tuft of whiskers on his chin,
thumbs thrust behind the lower part of his suspenders in front, and
solely occupied in chewing tobacco and frequently irrigating the
immediately surrounding territory.
"The top of the day to ye!" said Mike, with a military salute. "Will yer
engagements allow ye to take me on a little v'yage?"
The old fellow's stare showed that he did not catch the meaning of the
question.
"Are you axing me to take you out in a boat?" he queried in turn; "for
if you be, I may say that that's 'bout my size. Where do you want to be
tooken?"
Mike pointed across the river.
"You mean Jewett Cove, huh?" said the other.
After a little further talk, Mike found that the place named was a half
mile north of his destination. He explained where he wished to be
landed.
"Sartinly, of course. I kin take you thar, though it's a powerful row;
thar ain't enough breeze to make a sail of any use, and I don't own a
motor boat like some folks round here as is putting on airs. Yas; I'll
take you thar; when do you want to start?"
"As soon as ye can git ready--but howld on! How much do ye mean to
charge for a little row like that?"
"A little row!" repeated the old man scornfully. "Do you want me to
bring you back?"
"Begorrah! I niver thought of that; I haven't made up me mind, and ye
haven't answered my respictful question."
The other chewed vigorously, spat and finally said:
"It's worth twenty-five cents to take you 'cross and fifteen more to
bring you back."
Mike was astonished. Although his funds were running low, his natural
generosity would not be denied.
"I will pay ye half a dollar to row me over and if ye bring me back it
will be another fifty cints--but I'm not certain as to me coming back."
The trip might prove a failure. In fact the more Mike pondered the more
probable seemed such a result. At the wharf a wise precaution occurred
to him.
"Being as there's no saying whin I return, it will be wise for me to
take along a snack of food. So bide ye here till I procure the same."
He hurried to the nearest grocery store where he bought a couple of
sandwiches and was back in a few minutes.
"I should think" grinned the boatman in an attempt to be facetious,
"that the best place to carry them things is inside."
"Ye're right and ye can make up yer mind that's where they will find a
lodging place by and by. I'm riddy."
The old man bent to his oars and headed across the Sheepscot, leaving
the islet of Whittom on the south, and aiming for a point due west of
Isle of Springs. It was, as he had declared, a long and hard row, but
those muscles had been toughened by years of toil and seemed tireless.
The swaying was slow but as steady as clockwork, and Mike sitting in the
stern admired the rower, who paused only once and then for but a moment
in which to wrench off with his yellow teeth a chew of tobacco from the
plug which he carried in his pocket.
The shore in front was covered with a vigorous growth of fir, which, as
is so general in Maine, found root to the very water's edge. The ground
sloped upward, but the height was moderate. Mike had been half inclined
to direct the boatman to row directly into the little bay. This would be
the quickest way to decide whether the _Deerfoot_ was there, but he
deemed it wiser to make a stealthy approach. He wished to descend upon
the thieves without any notice. Besides, if they learned his purpose,
they were likely, as he well knew, to elude him, as they could readily
do.
Standing on the shore, he turned to the old man:
"As I obsarved, I'm not sure whether I'll be coming this way agin. Would
ye mind waiting here for three or four days till the quistion is
settled?"
His face was so serious that the other thought he was in earnest. Mike
hastened to explain:
"Tarry until ye obsarve a motor launch comin' out of the cove; whin ye
see the same, ye may go home; all ye have to mind is to wait and
obsarve for mesilf."
The boatman nodded and Mike departed. He moved along the inlet, which
was a great deal broader and deeper than the one visited by Alvin and
Chester later on the same day. He had to thread his way for two or three
hundred yards through the woods where there was no path, before turning
the bend which until then hid the boat from sight. He was still
advancing, all the time in sight of the sweep of water, when he stopped
with the sudden exclamation:
"Woorah, now! but doesn't that beat all creation!"
Good cause indeed had he for excitement, for he saw the stolen
_Deerfoot_ not more than fifty feet away. It was his good fortune to
find it with less than a tenth of the labor and pains vainly taken by
his friends.
He stood for some minutes studying the beautiful model, whose name he
read in artistic letters on the bow. The picture was one to delight, and
it expresses only a small part of his emotions to say that he was
delighted beyond measure.
No person was to be seen on board, and he cautiously pushed on until he
came to the margin of the water. The boat was moored by a line looped
about the small trunk of a tree, that seemed to be leaning out from the
bank as if bending its head for that purpose, and by the anchor line
made fast to the bow. The craft was as motionless and silent as a tomb.
Quickly succeeding the thrill of pleasure was that of hot rage against
those who had stolen the boat. He was more eager to meet them than to
take possession of the property. But if on board they would be in sight,
for though it was possible for two or three persons to find cramped
quarters for sleep, they would not avail themselves of such unless
driven by necessity.
"They have gone away fur a bit," was the conclusion of Mike, who the
next minute stepped lightly aboard.
"It strikes me that this isn't the best place to linger, as Tim Hurley
said whin the lion jumped out of the cage after him. It isn't mesilf
that has kept an eye on Captain Alvin fur the past few days without
larning how to handle a motor boat."
Whoever had withdrawn the switch plug had left it lying on the seat used
by the steersman. Mike thrust it in place, and going down into the
engine compartment gave a powerful swing to the heavy fly-wheel.
Instantly the engine responded in the way with which he had become
familiar. He seated himself, grasped the steering wheel and having
pushed the control lever forward waited for the beautiful craft to shoot
forward. But though the screw revolved furiously the boat did not
advance a foot.
"That's mighty qu'ar," he muttered, staring about him. "What's hendering
the cratur?"
Still puzzled and with some misgiving, he pulled over the reversing
lever. Instantly the boat drew back, but only for a pace or two when it
halted again, with the prow swinging gently to one side. Then the lever
was moved forward and on the instant the craft made a dive, only to
fetch up so abruptly that Mike came nigh pitching from his seat.
He rose and anxiously peered around. The explanation suddenly broke upon
him.
"Arrah, I might have knowed I'd forgot something, as Dennis Tiernan
remarked whin he landed in Ameriky and found he had lift his wife behind
in Ireland."
Shutting off the power, Mike sprang ashore, uncoiled the rope from the
trunk and tossed it aboard. He sprang after it and after taking in the
anchor, set the screw revolving again.
There was no trouble now. The _Deerfoot_ curved out into the bay, and
sped forward with arrowy swiftness. Feeling himself master of the
situation, Mike's heart rose with blissful anticipation.
"It's the aisiest thing in the world to run a motor boat like the
_Deerfut_. All ye have to do is to turn on the power and kaap things
right. Phwat the dickens is _that_?"
A stone weighing more than a pound whizzed in front of his face, missing
his pug nose by a half inch, and splashed into the bay beyond. He
whirled his head around to learn the meaning and instantly learned it.
Two well-dressed young men were standing on the shore at the spot where
the boat had been moored. One of them had hurled the missile which
missed Mike so narrowly, and the other was in the act of letting fly
with the other. Had not Mike ducked he would have caught it fair and
square.
"Bring that boat back, you thief, and take a pounding!" shouted one as
he stooped to find another stone.
"Begorrah, and that's what I'll do mighty quick!" called back Mike,
shifting the wheel so that the boat began a wide sweeping curve that
would speedily bring her to land again. "If ye'll wait there foive
minutes ye may enj'y the most hivenly shindy of yer lives."
How he yearned to get within reach of the miscreants, who stopped their
bombardment as if as eager as he for the encounter!
"Have patience, ye spalpeens, and I'll accommodate ye!" called back
Mike, heading straight for the pair.
CHAPTER XXIII
CAPTAIN AND MATE
Mike Murphy would have given the launch a speed of fifty miles an hour
had it been in his power, so impatient was he to reach the thieves who
had not only stolen the launch, but had insulted and defied him. He
would not pause to secure the _Deerfoot_, but would leap ashore the
instant he was within reach of it.
Taunting and gibing him, the miscreants waited until hardly a dozen
yards separated them. Then they wheeled about and dashed into the woods
as fast as they could go! Though there were two and each was older than
he, they dared not meet him in fair fight!
Mike could have cried with rage and disappointment. He shouted his
reproaches, hoping to anger them into coming back and standing their
ground, and kept the launch going until her bow nearly touched the
bank. Had there been any possibility of success, he would have made
after them. But they buried themselves among the trees and he never saw
them again.
During those brief moments he had so plain a sight of their faces that
he would have recognized them anywhere. He was surprised to know that he
had never seen either before. They were not the couple with whom he and
Alvin Landon had had the encounter some nights previous and who, both
believed, were the thieves of the motor boat. Not to make a mystery of a
comparatively unimportant matter, I may say that facts which afterward
came to light showed that these young men had nothing to do with the
robbery of the post offices in southern Maine, nor, so far as known,
with any other crime, excepting the theft of the _Deerfoot_. Even in
taking that they did not intend to keep or try to sell it. They were a
couple of "city chaps" who, happening upon the craft by accident,
yielded to the temptation to play a practical joke upon the unknown
owners. Both had some knowledge of motor boating, and knowing that
instant measures would be taken to recover the property, and beginning
also to feel some misgivings as to the consequences, they ran into the
cove with the intention of abandoning the _Deerfoot_, to be found sooner
or later by the right parties. They were but a short distance off when
the sound of the exhaust told them that some one had come aboard and
they hastened back to learn who it was. Uncertain whether Mike Murphy
had any more right to it than themselves they opened a bombardment, but
when he so promptly accepted their challenge, they wasted no time in
effecting a change of base, which carried them far beyond harm.
Convinced that it was out of his power to bring the couple to account,
Mike once more headed for the mouth of the small bay. He did not forget
the boatman and swerved in to where he was patiently waiting. The youth
was in high spirits over his success, barring his latest disappointment,
and ran in quite close to the man.
"I won't naad ye," he called, "but ye've airned yer fee all the same."
Taking a half dollar from his pocket, Mike stood up.
"Howld yersilf riddy!" he said, motioning to toss the coin to him.
The boatman sprang to his feet and eagerly held his bony hands
outspread. When the couple were nearest Mike tossed the silver piece,
and he deftly caught it, though the motion of the launch came within a
hair of carrying the money beyond reach.
"Thank you kindly; you're a gentleman."
"Which the same is what all me acquaintances remark whin they get a
squar' look at me winsome countenance," said Mike, settling back in his
seat.
Now that he was once more plowing the waters of the broad Sheepscot, he
spent a minute or two debating with himself what he ought to do.
"Fortinitly I haven't any Captain or mate to consult--being that I'm
both."
His first thought was to head up the river in quest of his friends, but
he did not know where to look for them. They would have left Charmount
long before he could reach that point, and it would have taken many
hours to stop at all the intermediate landings in the effort to trace
them. Moreover, a not unnatural longing came over him to make the utmost
of the privilege at his command. A thrilling pride filled him when he
realized that he was the sole occupant of the _Deerfoot_, with no one to
say nay to his plans. The handsome craft was obedient to his slightest
whim and he could go whither he chose. The engine was working with
perfect smoothness, and though lacking full practical knowledge, he
believed he could run hither and yon for several days without trouble.
Furthermore, his waggish disposition manifested itself.
"I might as well give Alvin and Chester a run fur their money; they let
the boat get away from them and it's mesilf that has the chance to taich
them a big moral lesson; so here goes, as me second cousin said whin the
bull throwed him over the fence."
Midway in the channel, Mike turned the bow of the launch southward,
leaving the Isle of Springs well to the left. A little later he shot
past McMahans on his right, then Dog Fish Head opposite, followed by
Hendrick Light, Cedarbrush Island, Cat Ledges and finally Lower Mark.
He was now in Sheepscot Bay, fully four miles across. Although he did
not know the names of the points and islands, his close study of the map
had given him a general knowledge and he knew precisely where he was
when he glided around Cape Newagen, which, as we remember, is the most
southern reach of the big island of Southport. There his parents lived
and Alvin and Chester made their summer home. Running close in shore he
coasted northward and soon saw plainly the dwelling of Chester Haynes,
but no person was in sight. A little farther the handsome residence of
Mr. Landon--that is, when he chose to spend a few weeks there--rose to
view.
Mike preferred that his father should not see him, for he feared the
consequences, but it so happened that the old gentleman had come down
to the shore to fish and was seated on the rocks thus engaged. The very
moment in which he caught sight of the launch he recognized it and rose
to his feet.
"Hello, dad!" shouted Mike, waving his hand at him.
"Are ye alone?" asked the astonished parent.
"That's what I am, as yer brother said whin he fell overboard."
"Where are the byes?"
"I left them up the river; they'll be back agin one of these days."
Inasmuch as Mike showed no purpose of stopping, the father thought it
time to assert his authority.
"What do ye maan, ye spalpeen, by such outrageous thricks? Come right to
land, and resave the whaling ye desarve. Do ye hear me?"
"Thank ye, dad, for yer kind permission to take a sail; it's me
intintion to return be morning or mayhap before. Don't worry, and tell
mither I'm all right."
"Ye'll be all right whin I lays me hands on ye!"
The parent flung down his line and ran leaping along the rocks in the
effort to keep abreast of the launch. He shook his fist and shouted:
"Turn into land, confound ye! I'm aching to lay hands onto ye! DO YE
HAAR ME?"
"Ye always was a kind dad and I'll bring ye a pound of 'bacca from
Boothbay or Squirrel Island. Good luck to ye!"
And with a parting wave Mike turned away his head and gave his attention
to guiding the craft which by a freak of fortune had come under his sole
control.
"I wonder if it will be aisy to make dad think the motion of the boat
raised such a wind that it twisted his words so they didn't carry right.
I doubt not that him and me will be obleeged to have a sittlement and
I'll be the one to come out sicond best, as was the case wid all the
folks that I had a shindy with."
No wonder the Irish lad was exhilarated. He was seated in the cockpit of
the finest motor launch seen for a long time in those waters, with his
hands resting upon the wheel and the boat as obedient to his lightest
touch as a gentle horse to the rein of its driver. The breeze caused by
its swift motion made the flags at the prow and stern flutter and whip,
and now and then give out a snapping sound. The sharp bow cut the clear
cold water like a knife, sending a fanlike spread of foam that widened
and lost itself behind the churning screw. The wind-shield guarded his
face from so much as a zephyr, and the consciousness that among all the
boats big and small in sight at varying distances, there was not one
that could hold its own with the _Deerfoot_, was enough to stir his
blood and make him shout for very joy.
Mike was in a varying mood. His first impulse was to make for Boothbay
Harbor, but he felt some misgiving about threading his way among the
many craft that are always anchored or moored there. With the steamers
coming and going, he might become confused over the signals and the
right of way, with disastrous results to the launch. He had not yet
learned the meaning of the toots of the whistle which Captain Alvin gave
when crossing the bow of a larger boat, or when meeting it.
He was only prudent, therefore, when he turned from the larger town and
sped toward Squirrel Island. He observed the _Nellie G._ in the act of
moving aside to make room for a mail steamer that had whistled its
wishes, and half a hundred men, women and children were gathered on the
wharf, with nothing to do but to watch the arrival and departure of
boats.
There were so many constantly going and coming at the height of the
summer season that the only person, so far as Mike could see, who gave
him a look was Captain Williams of the _Nellie G._ Mike had meant to
land, but he feared he would become involved in a tangle, and sheered
off. Captain Williams had backed out so far that he was brought up
alongside the _Deerfoot_. He had done so often what he was now doing
that it was instinctive on his part. He could have gone through the
manoeuvre with his eyes shut.
"Where are Alvin and Chester?" he asked from his little pilot house as
he was gliding past.
"I lift them behind. If ye maat them before I do, Captain, tell 'em I've
slipped off on a little thrip to the owld counthry, but will soon
return."
"I'll tell them what you told me," said Captain Williams, giving his
attention to his return to the wharf.
CHAPTER XXIV
"THIS IS WHERE I STOP"
Night was closing in when Mike Murphy pointed the _Deerfoot_ northward
and circled around the end of Squirrel Island, and turning eastward
glided midway between it and Ocean Point, the lower extremity of Linekin
Neck. He was now headed toward the ocean, and passed above Ram Island
light. That being accomplished, he caught the swell of the Atlantic,
long and heaving, but not enough so to cause him the least misgiving.
He was doing a very rash thing. He ought to have gone to Southport and
there awaited the return of his friends, but the reckless bent of his
disposition caused him to make this excursion preparatory to returning
home.
"It will be something to brag about to the byes, as dad used to say whin
his friends carried him home after he'd been battered up by them that
engaged in a friendly dispoot with him."
He decided to keep to the eastward until clear of the numerous islands,
and then make a circuit and return to Southport.
Now the National Motor Boat law contains a number of rigid requirements,
of which Mike Murphy knew nothing. Such ignorance was excusable, since
he had never been on the launch at night. His lack of knowledge on these
points was almost certain to bring serious trouble.
In the first place, the _Deerfoot_ belonged to what is known as the
Second Class of motor boats, which includes all that are twenty-six feet
or more and less than forty feet in length. Such craft are required to
display at night a bright white light as near the stem as practicable
and a white light aft to show all around the horizon. With these
safeguards a motor boat can be easily located, except in a fog, when the
foghorn must be kept going. As Mike plunged through the gloom he never
thought of the necessity of displaying lights. It would be a miracle,
therefore, if he was not overtaken by disaster.
And yet it may be doubted whether such a precaution would have helped
him, since he was equally ignorant of the rules of the road. If an
approaching steamer or large craft sounded a single blast from its
whistle, he would not have suspected that it was an order for him to go
to starboard, or the right, or that two whistle blasts directed him to
turn to port, or the opposite direction. Such are the rules by day. For
government at night, the following doggerel is helpful:
"When both side lights you see ahead,
Port your helm and show your red,
Green to green, or red to red,
Perfect safety, go ahead.
When upon your port is seen,
A stranger's starboard light of green,
There's not so much for you to do,
For green to port keeps clear of you."
All this, I repeat, was unknown to Mike, who having gone half a dozen
miles to sea, decided it was time to circle about and return home. He
retained a fair idea of his bearings. The distant glimmer of lights to
the westward indicated, as he believed, Squirrel Island. Ram Island
light was nearer, and the blinking star farthest away was the government
warning on Burnt Island.
All this was true, and the youth sitting with his hands on the wheel and
gliding swiftly forward saw nothing to cause alarm. This
self-complacency, however, was suddenly broken by the abrupt appearance
of a white light dead ahead. A second glance told him it was not far off
and was rapidly bearing down upon him. He swung over the steering wheel,
so as to go to the right, but the next instant he saw that the big ship
was still coming toward him as if determined to run him down.
The startled Mike was so rattled for the moment, that instead of using
his whistle, he sprang to his feet and shouted:
"Kaap off! kaap off, or I'll run over ye!"
It may be doubted whether his voice carried to anyone on the schooner,
for none there could know that a small boat was directly ahead. Mike
heard the rush of the water against her towering bow, saw the gleam of
several lights, and for a moment believed it was all over with him.
There were precious few seconds at his command, but pulling himself
together, he whirled the wheel around and the next minute slid along the
length of the black hull, so near that he could have touched it with his
outstretched hand. One of the wondering crew chanced to catch sight of
the small craft as it shot by and called out:
"What boat is that?"
"The _Olympic_ just come in from Cork!"
"You fool! where are your lights?"
"Don't need 'em. Ye may thank yer stars that I didn't run ye down and
split ye in two, but don't get too gay wid me."
It was a close call. Mike remembered now that he ought to have displayed
lights, but he hesitated to leave the wheel for that purpose, and it
seemed to him that nothing of the kind was likely to be repeated.
"There'll be more lights showing by and by and I can git along without
'em."
He did not dream that he was flagrantly violating the law and was liable
to be punished therefore. His anxiety was now to get back to Southport
without more delay.
"It isn't on account of dad," he said to himself, "for he was so mad two
hours ago that he can't get any madder, but it's mesilf that's beginning
to feel lonely."
He had been so much interested with every phase of his novel experience
that, strange as it may seem, up to this time he had forgotten the lunch
which he bought at the Isle of Springs before the boatman rowed him
across to Westport. Suddenly it struck him that he was never in all his
life so hungry. The sandwiches were somewhat mashed out of shape from
having been carried so long in his pocket, but they could not have
tasted better.
"The one sad fayture about 'em is that there isn't a dozen times as
many, as Barney O'Toole remarked whin he found he had only two
Corkonians to fight.
"I won't say anything about this ghost of a maal whin I arrive at home,
and mither will be so touched wid pity that after reminding dad to give
me a big whaling she will allow me to ate up all that happens to be in
the house."
A few minutes later, Mike became aware of a wonderfully strange thing:
Burnt Island light instead of winking at him from the westward had
danced round to the extremity of Linekin Neck, on the north. Not to be
outdone, Ram Island light had whisked far up in the same direction.
Other illuminations had also taken part in the mix-up till things were
topsy turvy.
You know that when a person is lost, the points of the compass seem to
go astray, which peculiar fact will explain the mystification of Mike
Murphy. He was sensible enough, however, to know that the confusion was
with himself, and he held the boat to a true course. Not long after, he
was startled by striking some obstruction, though so slight that it did
not jar the craft.
"And phwat could that be?" he asked, rising with one hand on the wheel
while he peered into the gloom. "It couldn't have been that ship that
got swung round and got in my way, and I run her down. If it was the
same, she warn't showing any lights--ah! I mind what it is. The
_Deerfut_ has run over somebody's lobster pot, which the same signifies
that it's mesilf that is the biggest lobster of all fur coming thus out
of me road."
It will be recalled that the night was unusually dark, relieved now and
then by bits of moonlight which struggled through the clouds. At no
time, however, was Mike able to see more than a few rods in any
direction. As a rule, he could barely make out the flag fluttering at
the bow.
Just beyond the point where he ran over the lobster pot, a rift in the
clouds revealed the vague outlines of a small rowboat, and the head and
shoulders of two men. If they carried a lighted lantern, it was in the
bottom of their craft, and Mike saw nothing of it. They were so far to
the right that there was no danger of collision, and he hailed them.
"Ship ahoy! Where bound?"
"None of yer bus'ness," was the answer. "Who are you?"
"The same to yersilf; if I had ye on boord I'd hammer some good manners
into ye."
These threatening words evidently scared the couple, who, not knowing
how many were on the larger boat, decided not to run any risk. Mike,
despite his brief sojourn in Maine, had heard of the illegal practice of
many persons on the coast who gathered lobsters of less length than the
law prescribes. He could not avoid giving the men a parting shot:
"I'll mind to report that ye are the spalpeens that are scooping in
short lobsters."
They made no reply, for it is not impossible that the youth spoke the
truth when he made the charge.
"I'm hoping that the world will soon get tired of twisting round the
wrong way, for it's hard to convince mesilf that I'm not right, which
the same don't often happen wid me. As I figure out it's a straight
coorse to Southport. If me dad has forgot to show a signal light at home
or at Mr. Landon's, I may run down the island before I obsarves the
same--phwat does that maan?"
The engine was plainly going badly, and the trouble steadily grew more
marked. He had not the remotest idea of the cause.
"I wonder now if the same is growing tired; I oughter been more marciful
and give the ingine a rist."
He listened closely, and a fear crept into his throat. If a breakdown
should take place, he would be in bad situation, not knowing what to do
and far beyond all help.
Suddenly the engine came to a dead standstill. He swung the fly-wheel
around but there was no response. The _Deerfoot_ was out of commission.
He sighed:
"Here's where I stop, as Terence O'Flaherty said whin he walked aginst
the side of his house."
CHAPTER XXV
GOOD NEWS
You will remember that Captain Alvin Landon and Second Mate Chester
Haynes were disappointed, as in the nature of things was inevitable, in
their search for the stolen motor boat _Deerfoot_, in the cove or small
inlet at the lower end of Barter Island. The only glimpse they caught of
a person on the launch, which bore a marked resemblance to their own,
was when they first sighted the boat launch. Nothing was seen or heard
of him afterward.
With the stealthy care used in the approach, Alvin backwatered until the
_Water Witch_ had faded from view in the darkness. Then he headed toward
the southern shore, landing as nearly as he could at the spot where they
first entered the small boat.
It would have been an advantage had they taken an opposite course,
thereby shortening the distance they would have to walk, but they
wished to keep all knowledge of what they had done from the man in gray,
and therefore returned the borrowed boat to its former place. They
agreed that it was not best to spend the night in the woods as they had
thought of doing. They might penetrate to a depth that would make it
safe to kindle a fire, but they were without extra garments, and now
that all necessity of staying in the neighborhood had passed, they were
anxious to get away from it as soon as possible. The stolen launch must
be sought for elsewhere, and they were concerned for the safety of Mike
Murphy, whose impulsive aggressiveness was almost certain to lead him
into trouble by this time.
Accordingly, the two once more tramped around the head of the inlet, and
with better fortune than might have been expected, struck the beginning
of the highway on which stood the humble home of Uncle Ben Trotwood. The
hour was so late that they were sure the couple had gone to bed long
before, but were pleased to catch a twinkle of light from the front
window, beside which the old man was so fond of sitting.
The knock of Alvin was promptly answered by the thunderous "Come in!"
and the two stepped across the threshold.
"You hardly expected us back so soon," said Alvin, after the salutation,
"but it was a choice of spending the night out doors or sleeping under
your roof."
Uncle Ben was seated in his rocking chair, slowly puffing his pipe.
Peggy his wife had finished her sewing and was making ready to go
upstairs.
"Young chaps, you're welcome. I jedge you've been disapp'inted."
"Yes," answered Alvin, who thereupon told his story.
"Our motor boat is somewhere else; I don't see how anyone can go far
with it, and we're sure of getting on its track to-morrow. At any rate
we sha'n't rest till we have it back."
"That little boat you've been telling me about b'longs to my son Jim. If
I had thought I'd told you of it, for I can see it would have sarved you
well. But it's a qu'ar story you tell me. Who is that man you speak of
as was dressed in gray?"
"He's one of the post office robbers, of course," was the confident
reply of Chester.
"I don't understand some of the things he's done," remarked Uncle Ben.
"It looks as if he has been keeping tabs on us."
Uncle Ben seemed to fall into a brown study or he was debating some
question with himself. He was gazing at the cheap picture on the
opposite wall, but saw it no more than he did the other three persons in
the room. His wife knew his moods and studied the wrinkled countenance,
as did Alvin and Chester. Finally she ended the stillness by sharply
asking:
"Why don't you speak, Benjamin? I know what's in your mind."
He pulled himself abruptly together.
"If you know, what's the use of my telling?"
"That these young gentlemen may larn, though your thoughts ain't wuth
much."
He took a whiff or two, removed the pipe and with a whimsical grin
remarked:
"I was just thinking--Oh pshaw! what's the use?"
He shook his head and refused to explain further. It may seem a small
matter hardly worth the telling, but it would have been well had he made
his explanation. The alert brain of the octogenarian had glimpsed
something of which the youths had not as yet caught the faintest
glimmer.
"Do you know what I think?" he asked, bending his kindly eyes upon his
callers.
"We are waiting to learn," was Alvin's quick reply.
"It's time we all went to bed; Peggy will show you your room and I'll
foller as soon as I finish this and a couple of pipes more. Off with
you!"
The old lady lighted the candle from another that was burning in an
old-fashioned candlestick on the mantel and nodded to them to follow
her. At the head of the short stairs she pushed open a door leading into
a small room, furnished with a bed, a rag carpet, and everything the
pink of neatness. Stepping within she set the light on the small stand,
and then with an odd smile on her worn countenance said almost in a
whisper:
"I found what you put under your plates, but didn't let _him_ know about
it; he would have made me give back the money to you, and I know you
didn't want me to do that."
"Of course not," said Chester a little taken back, as was also his
companion; "that was meant for you and we wish you to keep it."
"That's what I thought. Ben is cranky. To-morrow morning at breakfast,
you must be careful he doesn't catch you when you do it again. Good
night and pleasant dreams."
The boys looked in each other's faces, and laughed after closing the
door.
"Uncle Ben's wife is more thrifty than he," said Alvin; "but I am glad
she kept the money, for she deserves it."
"And we mustn't forget that pointed hint she let fall. But, Alvin, my
supply of funds is running low. You will have to help me out if we stay
here for a week."
"I have enough to see us through, but I don't believe there will be
much more expense on our trip home."
A few minutes later they snuggled down in the soft bed and slept as
sweetly as a couple of infants.
It need not be said that neither forgot to slip a tip under his plate at
the breakfast table and made sure that Uncle Ben did not observe the
act. It may have been because Peggy was expecting it that she saw it and
smiled. Alvin and Chester could feel only pleasure over the little
by-play, for nothing could surpass her kindness and hospitality to them.
"Wal," was the cheery remark of Uncle Ben, as he lighted his pipe the
moment the morning meal was over, "I 'spose you'll be back in time for
supper."
"Hardly, though we should be mighty glad to come."
"I'm sorry, but you know you're as welcome as the birds in spring."
"We know that and we cannot thank you too much. I wish you would allow
us to pay you something for all you have done."
"None of that!" warned Uncle Ben, with a peremptory wave of his hand.
"We don't keep a hotel, and wish more folks would come and oftener."
The lads had decided upon retracing the course of the day before. That
was to walk back to Sawyer Island and there take the first steamer
south, keeping the same keen lookout on the way for the _Deerfoot_, but
making no halt unless they actually caught sight of the motor boat.
The jaunt from Barter to Sawyer Island was play for two rugged youths,
accustomed to athletics and brisk exercise, and was made in a little
more than an hour. The day promised to be warm and sunshiny, but would
not be oppressive, and they felt no fatigue when they reached the
well-known landing. Upon inquiry they were told that the _Island Belle_
on its way to Boothbay Harbor would not arrive until nearly two hours,
and for that period they must content themselves as best they could.
"Why not send a telegram to Mr. Richards?" asked Chester. "He knows what
we are trying to do, and, like the good fellow he is, will help us all
he can. He may have picked up something worth telling."
"Mike would say, if he were here, the suggestion is a good one, as some
of his relatives remarked when they were invited to take a hand in a
shindy. I'll do it."
Stepping into the little post office, which reminded them of the one at
Charmount and its bright young miss, Alvin sent a brief inquiry to K. H.
Richards, Boothbay Harbor:
"Please let me know whether you have learned anything of the
_Deerfoot_. I shall be here for not quite two hours.
"ALVIN LANDON."
"More than likely Mr. Richards isn't at home; he is continually on the
go and may be in Portland or Augusta," said Chester.
"I think the message will catch him; I remember the bank of which he is
president holds a regular meeting of directors to-day and he rarely
misses any of them."
Barely half an hour had elapsed, when the young man who was the operator
called to the youths as they strolled into the room:
"Here's your answer."
Alvin took the yellow slip. Chester stood at his elbow and read the
message over his shoulder.
"Your boat has been found.
"K. H. RICHARDS."
"Gee!" exclaimed the delighted Alvin; "isn't that fine? I didn't count
on such good luck as that."
"But why didn't he give some particulars? He could have sent several
words more without extra cost. Not a thing about Mike. We have enough
time to learn something. Try it again."
In a twinkling, a second message flashed over the wire. Mr. Richards was
begged to telegraph at Alvin's expense, giving fuller information, and
especially whether Mike Murphy had had anything to do with the recovery
of the motor boat.
CHAPTER XXVI
DISQUIETING NEWS
The reply to the telegram was delayed so long that the _Island Belle_
was in sight when the operator handed it to the impatient Alvin.
"Mr. Richards has gone to Mouse Island. No saying when he will
return.
"G. R. WESTERFIELD."
"We shall have to wait till we get home," commented Chester, "and that
won't be long."
The well-known steamer _Island Belle_ is a good boat of moderate speed,
and pursuing its winding course was moored at the wharf in Boothbay
Harbor before noon. The boys had kept a sharp lookout for the stolen
launch, but did not get a glimpse of it. Beyond the brief message of Mr.
Richards they were wholly in the dark, and since he was absent they did
not know whom to question. They could easily have hired a boat to take
them to Mouse Island, less than two miles away, but the chances were
that when they reached there they would learn that their friend had gone
somewhere else.
While the youths stood debating on the low float, they observed the
_Nellie G._ coming in. The genial bewhiskered Captain Williams in the
pilot house recognized them and waved his hand. Then for a few minutes
he was busy making fast and seeing that his passengers landed safely.
Everybody knows and likes the captain, and as soon as he was at leisure
the boys stepped up to him and shook hands warmly.
"I'm glad you've got your boat back," he remarked, when they had talked
for a few minutes.
"We heard that it had been found," said Alvin, "but we haven't seen it
since it was stolen yesterday. Have you?"
"I saw it yesterday afternoon when I was over at Squirrel Island."
"Where?" asked the astonished Alvin.
"Why, I talked with the wild Irishman who had it in charge."
"Do you mean Mike Murphy?"
"I'm not certain of his last name, but they call him Mike, and he is
redheaded, with the most freckled face I ever saw."
"That's our Mike!" exclaimed the delighted Chester. "Tell us about it."
"There isn't much to tell," replied Captain Williams. "I had just backed
out to make room for a steamer, when I saw the _Deerfoot_ going by and
headed north. That Irish lad was at the steering wheel and was grinning
so hard that the corners of his mouth touched his ears. Not seeing
either of you, I asked him where you were. He said he had left you
behind, and if I met you before he did I was to say he had slipped off
on a little trip to the 'owld counthry.'"
"That identifies him as much as his looks. Did you see anything more of
him?"
"I had to give attention to the _Nellie_, but I caught sight of him as
he started round the upper end of Squirrel and turned to the eastward.
That's the course he would follow," added Captain Williams, with a
smile, "if he meant to take the voyage he spoke of."
For the first time since hearing the good news, each of the youths felt
misgiving. While it was impossible that Mike Murphy had any intention of
going far out, he did not need to proceed many miles to run into
alarming danger. His knowledge of motor boats was so limited that the
slightest difficulty with the engine would render him helpless. He had
done an exceedingly rash thing, though in truth no more than was to be
expected of him. A full night had passed since he was met by Captain
Williams, who in answer to the anxious question of Alvin repeated that
he had not seen or heard of the _Deerfoot_ since late on the preceding
afternoon. With his usual shrewdness, he added:
"If you want my advice it is that you hire a launch and start after that
boat of yours and don't throw away any time in doing so."
"Your advice is good," said Alvin gratefully, "and shall be followed."
Bidding good day to their friend, they set out to hire a launch--an easy
thing to do during the summer season at Boothbay, when boatmen reap
their harvest. The boys found exactly what they wanted in the shape of a
28-foot runabout, forty horse power, four-cylinder gasoline engine, with
a guaranteed speed of twenty miles an hour. It belonged to a wealthy
visitor, who having been suddenly called to New York on business, gave
his man permission to pick up an honest penny or two by means of the
pleasure boat left behind. Although such craft are easily provided with
an automobile type of canopy as a protection against the weather, there
was none on the _Shark_. But there was a plate glass wind-shield
forward, which shut out the flying spray when the boat was going at high
speed. The seats were athwartship and would accommodate four persons at
a pinch and were tastefully upholstered in leather.
The young man who had charge of the _Shark_ was glum and reserved, but
inasmuch as Alvin promptly agreed to his somewhat exorbitant terms, he
was anxious to oblige. Alvin thought it best to explain the situation
before they started.
"George" listened silently until the story was finished, when he nodded
his head:
"I know the _Deerfoot_; ain't a finer craft in these waters. Wish I
owned her."
"When did you see her last?"
"Yesterday afternoon."
"Where?"
"Just off Southport. The Irish bonehead was talking with his father, as
I suppose it was, while going past without stopping."
This was interesting information. George was asked to go first to the
shore of that island, as near as he could get to the home of Alvin and
that of the caretaker, Pat Murphy, the father of Mike. The run was about
five miles past Mouse, Burnt, Capitol and opposite the lower end of
Squirrel Island. Just to show what the _Shark_ could do she covered the
distance in eighteen minutes.
The faint hope that the _Deerfoot_ would be found at the small landing
constructed for her did not last long, for she would have been in sight
almost from the first, and nothing was to be seen of her. Pat Murphy was
not visible, but a few tootings of the compressed air whistle brought
him from his house, where he was eating his midday meal.
So great was his haste indeed that he left his hat behind. While he was
hurrying to the rocks, his wife opened the door and stood apparently
motionless to hear what passed.
"Hello, Pat!" called Alvin. "Do you know where Mike is?"
"Bedad! it's mesilf that wish I did!" called back the angry parent.
"Didn't he sail by here yester afternoon, his chist sticking out and
himsilf putting on airs and pretending he didn't understand what I said
whin I towld him to come ashore?"
"He ought to be ashamed of himself, but you mustn't feel too bitter
toward him; it was the first time he had a chance to handle our boat."
"And how the dooce did he git that same chance? What were ye thinking
of, Alvin, to let such a blunderhead manage yer craft? Aye, he's a
blunderhead and the son of a bigger one."
"No one will deny what ye last said," remarked the wife in the door.
Even the glum George smiled at the man who did not catch the full
meaning of his own words.
"Wait till the spalpeen coomes home," added Pat, with a shake of his
head, "and I'll squar' things wid him."
"You have seen nothing of him to-day?"
"I haven't saan a smell--bad cess to him!"
"Well, we hope to bring him home very soon."
"It's mesilf that is hoping ye'll soon do it."
Alvin gave the word to George, who set the engine going and headed to
the northeast. "I wish I could find some one who met Mike and the
_Deerfoot_ after his father and Captain Williams saw her."
"I did," calmly spoke the boatman.
"You!" exclaimed the amazed Alvin; "what do you mean?"
"I saw him just as it was growing dark."
"Where?"
"A gentleman and lady took the walk yesterday afternoon from Boothbay
over the Indian Trail to Spruce Point, where I met them late in the
afternoon. Then the water being very calm, I went round to Ocean Point
at the end of Linekin Neck, where they went ashore for a half hour or
so. I stayed in my boat waiting for them, when I happened to look south
toward Ram Island, expecting the light to show pretty soon. While I was
staring I caught sight of your boat, the _Deerfoot_, heading out to
sea."
"Are you sure you weren't mistaken?" asked Chester. "Couldn't it have
been some other boat that resembles her?"
"I might have thought so if I hadn't used my glasses--them that are
lying on the seat alongside of you. When I took a good look through
them, everything was as plain as the nose on your face."
"Did you notice the one at the wheel?"
"So plain there couldn't be any mistake about it. It was that redheaded
Irish chap that you've been talking about."
"And he was alone?"
"If there was anyone with him he kept out of sight."
"Did you watch the _Deerfoot_ after that?"
"For only a few minutes; my folks soon came back, not staying as long as
they intended, but when they stepped aboard I cast one more look out to
sea. It was so dark by that time that I could just see the boat fading
from sight. She was still headed straight to the eastward, as if the
fool really meant to try to cross the Atlantic. I should have used the
glasses again, but I was too busy attending to my boat. As I circled
about to start for home, Ram Island light flashed out, so you can know
the day was pretty well gone."
"And you have seen nothing of the _Deerfoot_ since?" asked Alvin, with a
sinking heart.
"No; I don't believe anyone else has; and," added George, dropping his
voice, "I don't believe you will ever see Mike Murphy again!"
CHAPTER XXVII
AN ALARMING FACT
Neither Alvin nor Chester asked their companion to explain his startling
words, for there was no need to do so: only one meaning could be given
them.
"How far dare you venture out with the _Shark_?" asked Alvin of the
master of the little boat.
He shook his head.
"She isn't built for rough weather."
"I know that, but the sea is unusually calm, and there isn't the
slightest danger."
"Not just now, but there's no saying when a blow may come up that will
swamp me before I can run to cover."
"I have no wish to ask you to go into danger and will only request you
to push out as far as you are willing."
George must have known something of the youth who had hired him, that he
was the son of a very wealthy father, and willingly paid a high price
for one's services. The boatman scanned the sky and different points of
the compass. So far as he could judge, the weather would remain fair for
hours to come. In the hope of heartening him Chester said:
"With your boat capable of making twenty miles an hour, you can turn
back whenever you think best and run into one of the many harbors in
half an hour."
"True enough," grinned George, "if I'm within reach of 'em. I don't mind
trying it a little while longer, but not for many miles."
He slowed down, for the spray dashed over the wind-shield, and it was
plain the swells were increasing, or rather the boat was plunging into a
region where they were growing larger.
The chums did not say anything to him for a considerable time. He could
tell them nothing more and they ought not to distract his attention.
They were in a fever of dread, for never before had the outlook been so
gloomy for Mike Murphy. The youths even hesitated to speak to each
other, for neither could say anything of a cheering nature. Alvin picked
up the binoculars and rising to his feet and steadying himself as the
prow rose and dived, carefully scanned the far-reaching half circle of
the Atlantic. The form of a brig dimly observable by the naked eye, as
it headed toward Pemaquid Point, was brought out with a distinctness
that caused an exclamation of surprise.
"What a fine instrument! It equals those our government buys from
Germany for the use of the army and navy. Chester, look at that fishing
boat toward Inner Heron Island."
His companion stood up, balanced himself, shaded his brow and wrinkled
his forehead with the strain of the attempt.
"I see the two men as plainly as if they were no more than a hundred
feet away."
He slowly swept the horizon and enjoyed the visual feast to the full.
Far out to sea the smoke of a steamer trailed against the sky, the hull
hidden by the convexity of the earth, and nearer in a schooner had
caught enough wind to belly her sails and cause her to heel over as she
sped outward. Pemaquid Point showed clearly to the northwest. The fort,
more than two centuries old, is at Pemaquid Beach several miles north.
Nearer rose Thrumbcap Island, south of the Thread of Life ledges, Crow
Island, and large Rutherford Island, almost cut in two by Christmas
Cove. To the left was Inner Heron, and on the other side of the broad
mouth of the Damariscotta River, the long, narrow Linekin Neck reaching
northward to East Boothbay. Scanning the sweep of water to the south and
west many other islands were seen--Ram, Fisherman, the Hypocrites,
White, Outer Heron, Damariscove, Pumpkin and some so small that they are
not known by any name.
But nowhere on the waste of heaving water did the eager eye discern the
lost _Deerfoot_, though boats of varying sizes and models trailed across
the field of vision. Alvin joined in the scrutiny, but with no more
success, and was thus engaged when he became aware of a sharp turn in
the course of the _Shark_. Looking down at the wheelman, he saw that
the boat was making a circle.
"What's the matter, George?" he asked, though he knew the meaning of the
movement.
"It won't do to go any farther; I've already pushed too many miles out."
"There's nothing to be gained by taking the same route back; turn south
so as to pass below Fisherman Island."
"I don't see any objection to that," muttered George, doing as
requested, and holding the boat to a fairly moderate speed.
The runabout was now heading southwest, with the purpose of thus
continuing for a couple of miles, when she would swing round and make
for Squirrel Island and so on to Boothbay Harbor.
She was still driving in that direction, when George said to Alvin:
"You have run your motor boat often enough to understand her pretty
well."
"I hope so."
"There isn't much left for him to learn," was the comment of Chester.
"Take the wheel for a bit; you know the course as well as me."
"I am glad to relieve you," said Alvin, quickly changing places with the
young man.
"It isn't that, but I suspect my eyes are a little better than yours; I
want to use the glass awhile."
For several minutes the silence was broken only by the splash of the
water against the bow of the runabout, which plowed her way with ease
and grace. Chester Haynes resumed his seat and gave his chief attention
to George, who was on his feet and slowly sweeping the visible horizon.
The binoculars moved deliberately to and fro, with none of the three
speaking a word.
By and by the young man held the instrument pointed to the north, a
little to the right of the narrow fringe of islands with the odd name of
the Hypocrites. He was not studying this insignificant group, but, as
has been said, was looking a little to one side, toward Inner Heron,
three miles away. Pausing in the circling of the glasses, he held them
immovable for two or three minutes.
"It looks as if he sees something," reflected Chester, with his eyes on
the man, while Alvin simply peered ahead and held the _Shark_ to her
course. George muttered something, but Chester could not catch the
words. Suddenly he lowered the binoculars and asked Alvin to change
places again with him. When this was done he handed the instrument to
the youth, with the direction:
"Point her that way," indicating the north, "and if you study closely
you'll notice something."
Without reply, Alvin spread his feet apart to steady himself and
levelled the glass at the point named. The next moment he exclaimed in
great excitement:
"By gracious! I certainly believe it's the _Deerfoot_!"
Chester sprang up and reached for the binoculars, but his chum was not
ready to hand them over.
"It looks like her, but I'm not certain. What do you say, George?"
"It's her," was the ungrammatical but emphatic response.
The news almost overcame Alvin, who, passing the glasses to Chester,
dropped into his seat, that he might pull himself together.
The launch was a mile off and in so plain sight that the wonder was it
had not been seen before. It was headed diagonally toward Linekin Neck
and seemed to be going very slowly.
"Let me have another look," said George, who retained his place at the
wheel, while at the same time manipulating the instrument.
This time he did not continue his scrutiny as long as before. While so
engaged, the youths used their unassisted eyes. The _Deerfoot_, as she
undoubtedly was, could be seen in the position named, though of course
with less distinctness than through the binoculars.
"She doesn't seem to make much progress," remarked Alvin, with an
inquiring look at George, who swung the wheel over so as to head toward
the motor boat. He did not reply to the words of the youth, to whom he
again handed the instrument. Alvin persisted:
"How do you explain it?"
"She only moves as the current carries her."
"Do you mean she is drifting?"
"That's it."
A look told Alvin the young man had spoken the truth.
"That means she has broken down," suggested Chester, uttering the
thought that was in both of the minds of his companions.
"It can't mean anything else," said George, who evidently kept back some
of his fancies.
"Whistle to him," suggested Alvin.
A series of tootings were sent out. They were not loud, but in the
stillness must have gone beyond the _Deerfoot_. The three listened, but
heard no response.
"I knew there wouldn't be," commented George.
"Why not?"
He shook his head, but did not speak further.
After another study of his own boat through the glass, Alvin remarked
uneasily:
"I don't see anything of Mike. George, did you notice him?"
George shook his head without looking round.
"What do you think, Chester?" asked his friend.
"Probably he has been up all night and has fallen asleep," was the reply
of Chester, spoken with so much confidence that for the moment it
quieted the alarm of the other.
"That would be just like Mike. Something has gone wrong with the engine
and he hasn't the first idea of what he should do to repair it; so when
worn out, he has lain down and gone to sleep. We shall have the joke on
Mike when we see him."
George's lips were compressed and he remained silent until half the
intervening distance was passed; then he looked over his shoulder.
"Young men, the reason you don't see Mike _is because he isn't on that
boat_!"
CHAPTER XXVIII
THE CRY ACROSS THE WATERS
The words of George struck Alvin and Chester like "the knell of doom."
They looked in each other's faces, white and silent for a brief spell;
then Alvin whispered:
"He must have fallen overboard."
"And he couldn't swim a stroke," added Chester, in the same husky
undertone.
They said no more, but, keeping their feet, stared at the _Deerfoot_
wallowing in the gentle sea, like a helpless wreck. A faint hope sprang
up in their hearts that, after all, Mike might have been overcome by
sleep and would be found curled up in the cockpit. They could not see
the bottom of the compartment until quite near. Then a single searching
glance told them it was empty. He might have crept under the deck
forward or aft, but it was hardly possible he had done so.
George ran the _Shark_ with skill close beside the other boat. The
moment it was within reach Alvin leaped across, landing on the stern,
from which he bounded down into the cockpit and peered into the
obscurity in front. That too was devoid of a sign of life. He and his
chum were the only ones on the motor boat.
Now that their worst fears seemed to be confirmed a strange calmness
came over both. Their voices were low but even, as are those of people
in the presence of death.
"What do you think stopped the boat?" asked Chester.
"It is easy to find out."
His first action answered the question. A glance into the gasoline tank
showed that it was empty of all fluid. The source of power had been used
up.
"There may have been other causes, but that was enough," remarked Alvin.
"I'll look into things on our way back."
His first plan was to borrow enough gasoline from George to run the
_Deerfoot_ on the homeward trip, but George thought he had none to
spare.
"I can tow you to town," he added.
"That will do as well."
The tow-line was passed over the bow and George made it fast to a cleat
on the stern deck of the _Shark_. Then he resumed his moderate speed
toward Boothbay Harbor. It was not a long run and Alvin spent much of
the time in inspecting the mechanism of his motor boat. To repress so
far as he could his profound grief, he kept up a running commentary or
explanation to Chester, who really did not require it, for he knew a
good deal about motor boats. But he listened as if it were all new to
him, and asked questions. His purpose was the same as his friend's: they
talked about everything else in the vain effort to keep their minds from
the awful theme that bowed them both with a sorrow they had never known
before.
"If when the ignition system is in good order, the carburettor properly
adjusted and the compression cocks closed, there is a lack of power, it
may be due to carbon or some foreign substance on the seats of the
exhaust or inlet valves. Even so small a thing as a flake of metal or of
emery left from a former grinding may lodge on the valve seat or under
the valve stem and cause loss of power, or a crack in the head of the
piston or cylinder or a broken or worn piston ring may give the same
result."
"I have heard of those and other causes," said Chester, as the two sat
side by side, "but what is the most common one?"
"The valves, when they need grinding. I have not had that trouble yet
with the _Deerfoot_, and when I do I shall not try to do the grinding
myself. The work is so delicate that it should be done only by an expert
mechanic."
"What causes backfiring, through the carburettor, Alvin?"
"The ignition of the gas in the inlet pipe by a flame in the cylinder
left over from a former explosion after the inlet valve opens, or by too
weak a mixture, by dirt in the carburettor, a leaky inlet valve, or too
small a fuel pipe. I have known an open throttle and late spark to cause
backfiring. If with low speed and a little more feeding of fuel the
backfiring continues, you must look for carbon deposits in the
combustion chamber."
"Many persons are puzzled by explosions in the muffler. Are you?"
"I learned from my instructor that they are produced by an unignited
charge entering the muffler and being fired by the hot gases from the
next explosion in the cylinder. This does no harm, and if the muffler is
strong is a good thing, for it blows out the smoke and dirt that have
accumulated."
"The trouble with--with--_him_, you say, was the lack of fuel."
"Yes, but he might have had plenty of gasoline and found the engine dead
on his hands. Water or dirt in the carburettor plays the mischief."
And so the questions and answers went on--so many of them that you would
find their reading tedious. The pitiful part of the whole business was
that, as I have said, Chester could have made clear everything asked as
well as his chum and the chum knew it. It was a pathetic attempt to hold
their minds from the one gruesome, oppressive truth.
But they were too manly to shirk their duty. Nothing was to be gained by
turning from that which sooner or later must be faced. Two of the
saddest calls upon them must be answered.
"Shall we search for the body before letting his father and mother
know?" asked Chester, when they had passed McKown Point and were
entering the harbor of Boothbay.
"I don't know what is best. They will soon hear of it and will be
frantic until the body is found."
"It is not likely to come up and float for several days, and there's no
saying where the currents will take it. A few years ago a fisherman was
drowned off the eastern side of Squirrel and was found a week later
several miles up the Damariscotta. Some one will come upon poor Mike
sooner or later, when not looking for him."
"Our search may be a short one, for I don't think the body will drift
far for some time to come. We must not stop until it is found."
"Now no one beside ourselves knows what has happened except George, who
is towing us. We will get him to say nothing about it, until he has
permission from us. In that way the secret will be safe for a few days."
George gave his promise, and the boys decided not to make the woeful
truth known to the parents until all hope of recovering the body through
their efforts was gone.
For years a huge box-like structure has floated in the harbor of
Boothbay, upon which is painted in big letters the announcement that it
has gasoline for sale. Towed beside this, Alvin speedily had his tank
filled with the fuel. The inspection which he had made of his launch
showed that nothing was the matter with it, and when put to the test the
engine ran with its usual ease and smoothness. He paid George for his
services, taking the occasion to remind him of his pledge to say nothing
about their unfortunate friend until he received permission. Then,
without going to the float or wharf, where many landings are made, Alvin
whirled over the wheel, turned the boat round and headed southward
toward the Atlantic Ocean.
Naturally it seemed to them that their search should begin in the
neighborhood of where the drifting _Deerfoot_ was discovered. It was
strange that with vessels of all kinds passing at no great distance none
of them had noticed the plight of the motor boat. Had it not been taken
in tow by the runabout, it could not have remained an estray much
longer.
Passing to the eastward of Squirrel Island, Alvin continued southward
until he had rounded Fisherman, when he diverged so as to leave the
Hypocrites on his left and the upper of the White Islands on his right.
This brought him into the section where the derelict had been sighted.
"Now," said Chester, who sat directly behind his chum and close enough
for both to talk freely, "if poor Mike had known how to swim there might
be a faint hope that he had reached one of the small islands not far
off."
"I can't understand how he could have fallen overboard; it would seem
that when he found himself going, he would have grasped something. He
might have seized hold of one of the propeller blades."
"To do that he would have had to keep himself afloat for a brief time,
and we know he could not do that."
Alvin always carried a pair of binoculars on the boat, though they were
not the equal in excellence of those belonging on the runabout. Chester
made continual use of these, while the Captain depended upon his
unassisted eyes to scan the waste of waters. He held the _Deerfoot_ to a
low speed, for he meant to make the search as thorough as he could.
"There's no saying how far out to sea Mike went before turning back----"
"_Hark!_" gasped Alvin, almost leaping from his seat.
And then through the soft still air they heard the call:
"_Arrah, now, ye spalpeens! Come to me arms and obsarve me give an
imitation of a gintleman starving to death!_"
CHAPTER XXIX
MAROONED
To say the least, Mike Murphy was much disquieted when the engine of the
_Deerfoot_ stopped dead and the boat began drifting in the darkness, no
one could say whither. Not knowing the right thing to do, he seized hold
of the fly-wheel, swung it back and forth and part way round, and then
suddenly let go, as he had seen Alvin Landon do many times. Since there
was no fuel in the tank, it need not be said that this effort was
fruitless.
"Whew!" he exclaimed at last as he straightened up; "if there was
somebody here to tell me the right thing to do I'd do the same mighty
quick, but this part of my eddycation was niglicted, as me grandmither
said when the taicher asked her if she knowed the alphabet.
"I 'spose now that there be lots of handles which if I turned 'em the
right way would start this old thing, but if I swung 'em the wrong
way--as I'd be sure to do--I'd bust her b'iler. So I'll not try."
He sat down in one of the chairs to think, and his musings ran riot, but
the end was always the same: it was utterly beyond his power to help
himself out of the dilemma.
"I'll have to drift and drift till morning comes; then if I'm not too
fur out on the ocean somebody will pick me up. I'm thinking the same is
a good idee to lay low, as me cousin remarked whin he was knocked down.
Some boat is likely to run into me 'cause I haven't any lights burning,
and as she's going by I'll grab her--whisht! phwat's that?" he asked
himself, with a new thrill of alarm.
The sound that had startled him was a distinct jar of the boat. At that
moment, it was so dark he could not see beyond the flag at the bow of
the launch. Nothing amiss was discerned in that direction, but a second
bump caused him to glance to the left, and then he received the answer
to his question.
The boat had drifted against a pile of rocks, which come down to the
edge of the sea on one of the two little uninhabited masses of sand and
stones, known as the White Islands. This was the northern one, opposite
Fisherman Island, from which it is separated by more than a mile of the
sea.
The sudden discovery rattled Mike for the moment and caused him to do a
foolish thing, which he never would have done had he taken a half minute
for reflection. His dread was that the boat would be battered to pieces
on the rocks. With no thought of his own safety, he sprang from the
cockpit, placed one foot on the gunwale and leaped as far as he could,
his purpose being to push the craft clear. With all his strength--and he
possessed a good deal of it--he barely succeeded. He fell on his face
and knees, and had he not clutched desperately and seized a craggy point
he would have slipped back into the water.
What he ought to have done, as he recalled the next instant, was to use
the pole on the boat to press against the rocks and shove the launch
clear. That would have been easy and effective, but it was too late now
to think of it.
The reactive force of his body as he leaped drove the boat back
perceptibly. Inasmuch as the current had swept it forward in the first
place, the action would have been repeated but for a curious condition
which quickly showed itself. Had the boat struck farther south, its
return after being forced away would have occurred. Had it first drifted
farther north it would have cleared the islet altogether, and continued
floating toward the lower end of Southport, but it so came about that
when the current regained control of the launch and shoved it westward
again, it just cleared the northern end of the mass of rocks and was
swallowed up in the enshrouding gloom.
Mike Murphy stumbled as near as he could to the _Deerfoot_ and stared
out in the darkness. A moment after it disappeared a partial clearing of
the clouds in front of the moon brought it dimly into sight again. This
lasted but a brief interval when it vanished for good.
"Good-by," called the lad. "I did the best fur ye that I knowed, and
now ye must take care of yersilf, which the same has to be done by Mike
Murphy."
The youth was a philosopher, and with his rugged health and naturally
buoyant spirits he took the rosiest view he could of his situation. It
was clear that in more than one respect he was better off on this mass
of rocks and sand than in the launch--that is, during the darkness. So
long as he was afloat with no lights burning, he was in great danger of
being run down by some larger boat. In the event of such a calamity he
was liable to be caught in a crush where his life preserver could not
save him.
But no such fate could overtake the lad while on the islet. The
_Mauretania_ or _Lusitania_ or even the _Olympic_ could not run into
that collection of rocks and sand without getting the worst of it.
Now, as has been shown, Mike was really safer where he had landed, for
no harm could come to him on White Island, yet his situation was
anything but pleasant. He was marooned and could not leave his ocean
prison without help. There was little hope of anything of the kind so
long as night remained with him, but the morrow ought to bring rescue.
Until then he must content himself as best he could.
But he was not the one to sit down with folded hands. Nature had gifted
him with a powerful voice and he fancied he might turn it to use. A
twinkling light gliding or bobbing over the water here and there showed
that not all the world was asleep. His own experience told him he had
neighbors. Accordingly he lifted up his voice and shouted with might and
main:
"Hilp! hilp! somebody come to me hilp!"
He directed the tones toward different points of the compass, but a half
hour passed, during which perforce he often rested, without any sign of
success. And then he was thrilled by what resembled a lantern, twinkling
from the direction of the Hypocrites to the westward. He renewed his
call, and to add force to it, waved his arms and danced up and down on
the rock to whose top he had climbed, though of course such antics were
of no help.
Fifteen minutes removed all doubt. The light, sinking and falling with
the moderate waves, was drawing nearer. Although his voice had grown
husky, he spared it not.
"Right this way! Don't be afeard! I won't hurt ye! Hurry up, ye
spalpeens!"
A hundred yards or so off--too far for him to see the boat or its
occupants--the rowers paused. From out the gloom came the call:
"Hello there! what's the matter?"
"I'm shipwrecked! Come and take me off!"
The words must have sounded suspicious to those for whom they were
intended.
"How came you to be cast away?"
"I landed here awhile ago and when I warn't looking me owld boat slipped
from me, bad cess to her!"
This was less satisfactory to the two men, who were probably robbing
lobster pots. They talked together for a few minutes, though the anxious
listener could not hear what they said.
"What boat was it?" asked the one who acted as spokesman.
"The _Deerfut_--a motor boat that b'longs to me friend Alvin Landon,
whose dad owns half the city of New York. He'll give ye a million
dollars fur taking care of Mike Murphy, which is mesilf."
This announcement had an altogether different effect from what the youth
expected.
"If you're worth that much we'll let some one else earn the money. Good
night!"
It was an act of wanton cruelty, but it is a fact none the less that the
couple closed their ears to the appeal and rowed away in the darkness.
When certain that they were deserting him Mike changed the tenor of his
prayer and urged them to come back long enough to receive the
chastisement he was aching to give them.
It was a bitter disappointment, but the lad felt he had more cause to be
grateful to heaven that he had to repine.
"I may as well make up me mind to stay here a bit, as Jim O'Toole said
whin he begun his ten years sintence in jail. The weather is mild, and
though it looks like rain I don't think it will come yet awhile. I'll
saak me couch and go to sleep."
The danger of bruises from a fall prevented his groping long for
shelter. Exposed to the open sea the islet was swept by a gentle breeze
which brought the ocean's coolness with it. After much care and
patience, he found a place where he was quite well screened. Passing his
hands over the rough surface, he said with a touch of his waggishness
which seemed never to leave him:
"This is softer than anywhere ilse, as me mother said whin she took her
hands out of the dough and laid 'em on me head."
Mike never forgot his prayers, and when he lay down he was in a thankful
frame of mind despite the trying experiences through which he had
passed. Quite soon he was sleeping as profoundly as if in his bed at
home. Such is the reward of good habits and right living.
The night must have been well along when he sank into unconsciousness.
That his tired body needed the rest was proved by the fact that he did
not open his eyes until half the next day was past. He felt stiff and
cramped from lying so long on his hard couch, and it was several minutes
before he recalled all the events of the preceding day and night.
Climbing to the top of the highest rock he gazed out over the waters. He
felt no concern for the _Deerfoot_, which had played him the shabby
trick, for if he saw it he could expect nothing from it. His most
poignant consciousness was that he never was so hungry in his life. He
could not recall that he had ever gone without food so long, and his
craving gave him more anxiety than did the future.
In whichever direction he turned his gaze he saw small boats, schooners,
brigs, steamers and various kinds of vessels, most of them too far off
for him to hope to attract their attention. The nearest was a schooner,
more than a mile away and gliding northward. It so happened that much
the larger number of craft were heading outward. Mike shrewdly
reflected:
"If they pick me up they'll niver turn round to take me home, but will
speed away to the ither side of the world. I must catch one of 'em
that's coming in, so he won't lose time in giving me a lift."
He picked his way to the southern end of the islet, where a broad sweep
of water separated him from the other bit of land, and gazed out over
the vast Atlantic which swept from horizon to horizon.
"I would display a flag of distriss on the top of a pole, if it warn't
fur two raisons. The first is I haven't any pole to erict on these
rocks, and the ither is that I'd have to use me own clothes for the
flag, which the same would be apt to drive away all hilp."
Mike Murphy cut a strange figure, dancing, shouting, swinging his arms
and waving his cap, but sad to say not a solitary person seemed to see
him, or else he not did think it worth while to give further attention
to the marooned youth.
"It looks loike it will be a failure, as Tim Ryan said whin he tried to
throw the prize bull over a stone wall."
Accordingly, Mike returned to the upper end of the islet to learn
whether any hope lay in that direction. His growing fear was that he was
in danger of starving to death.
"Anither night will doot," he said, despairing for the moment--"PHWAT!"
The first look northward showed him the _Deerfoot_, speeding past barely
a fourth of a mile distant. Had he not spent so much time at the other
end of his refuge he would have observed her long before.
He stood for a spell unable to believe the evidence of his senses. Then,
when the glorious truth burst upon him, he uttered the words that have
already been recorded.
CHAPTER XXX
A NEW ENGLAND HOME COMING
The amazement of Alvin Landon and Chester Haynes was as overwhelming as
that of Mike Murphy. For a brief while they stared across the water,
without the Captain shifting the wheel. It is said that a person's voice
is the surest means of disclosing his identity, but Mike's tones did not
sound natural because of their hoarseness. There was no mistaking that
sturdy figure, however, that stood on the top of one of the rocks,
acting like a lunatic, as indeed he was for the moment.
The boat was brought as close to shore as was safe, where Mike stood
waiting. Letting go of the wheel, Alvin stepped forward and reached out
his hand, which was grasped by the lad, who leaped aboard. The scene
that followed would have brought moisture to the eyes of the most
indifferent spectator. Alvin flung his arms about the neck of Mike,
with a fervent "Thank God!" and Mike responded in kind. Then Chester did
the same, and for a moment none spoke because he could not.
"Arrah, now! don't be childers! Brace up the same as mesilf and be a
mon! Did ye iver see me betray sich foolish waakness? It's mesilf that's
ashamed----"
Mike's voice suddenly broke, and dropping onto the nearest seat, he
impulsively covered his face with his hands and with heaving shoulders
sobbed as if the fountains of his grief were broken up. His friends
smiled, but it was through their tears. The boat drifted from the rocks,
and for some length of time the propeller was motionless.
Mike was the first to recover his self-control. He was laughing as with
his handkerchief he wiped his eyes.
"Begorra! it's a fool that I am, as Jerry Connolly remarked whin he
mistook a billiard ball for a pratie. I say, byes, will ye do me a
favor?"
"There isn't anything we wouldn't gladly do for you," replied Alvin,
taking his place at the wheel and moving the lever which set the screw
revolving.
"Both of ye sarch yer clothes and saa whither ye haven't a few loaves of
bread, some biled praties and a pound or two of maat hidden in the
same."
"I'm sorry to say, Mike," replied Chester, "that we haven't a mouthful
of food here on board. We have already had our dinner."
"And the only maal I've got is the one I've got to git."
"We'll make all haste to Boothbay where you shall have the biggest feast
of your life," said Alvin, giving the craft full speed with her nose
pointed to the northwest.
"And whin I'm through there'll be a famine started in the town, as was
always the case whin dad took his dinner in any of the near-by places at
home."
As the _Deerfoot_ cut her way through the water with a speed that sent
the spray flying over the wind-shield, Mike told his story, which you
may be sure was listened to with rapt interest by his friends. They in
turn gave him all the facts that were new to him, and each fervently
thanked God for His great mercy.
The afternoon was nearly gone when the _Deerfoot_ settled to rest beside
the floating wharf, and was made fast and left in charge of the same man
who had done similar duty before. Then the three walked briskly up the
steps and street to the hotel.
"The bist plan will be to order dinner for the thraa of us," whispered
Mike; "that will be classy."
"We have had our midday meal," said Alvin, "and the regular dinner time
is an hour or more away."
"Whist now, I'll see that none of the stuff is wasted."
Suffice it to say that great as was the strain upon the resources of the
hotel, it proved equal to the call, and Mike ate the biggest meal of his
life. Alvin and Chester sat at the table with him, each drinking a cup
of tea, but preferring no food until the usual time. You may be sure the
hour was a merry one, and the guest did not stop feasting until the
limit of his capacity was reached.
When they passed down the main street and turned off to the landing, it
had become fully dark and lights were showing in the stores and houses.
Both Alvin and Chester noted a peculiar fact: most of those whom they
met stared curiously at Mike Murphy. The chums observed the same thing
on their way up the street, but it was more marked on their return.
"I'm not to blame if I'm so much purtier than aither of ye, that I
compil the admiration of others. It has been the same wheriver I
strayed."
This was the explanation given by the subject of the scrutiny. The
youths were too modest to differ with their genial companion, but the
man left in charge of the boat glanced sharply at the Irish lad, and
said to Alvin:
"I'm mighty glad."
"Mighty glad of what?" asked the surprised Captain.
"That that chap wasn't drowned."
"Why should he be drowned more than we or you?"
"I can't say that he should," replied the other, adding naught in the
way of enlightenment. Alvin was annoyed, but said nothing further, and
soon the _Deerfoot_, with lights burning, was gliding at moderate speed
down the bay and along the eastern coast of Southport Island. There, as
you will recall, were the homes of Alvin Landon and Chester Haynes, near
the shore and almost opposite Squirrel Island. Chester had accepted his
friend's invitation to spend the night with him. This made it
unnecessary to run the _Deerfoot_ to the shelter provided for her near
the dwelling of Chester. The promise of fair weather was so marked that
there was no hesitation in mooring the launch in the open without the
canvas which would have been stretched over the exposed parts to protect
them from possible rain.
The night was clear, with the stars shining. Later the moon would
appear, but our friends were so familiar with the way that they would
not have hesitated had the gloom been much deeper. They were within a
mile of Alvin's home when they caught sight of the lights and outlines
of a small boat on the opposite course. It was farther out than they,
and they could not see distinctly until they came opposite, with barely
a hundred feet between them. It was going very much faster than they
themselves.
"Alvin," said Chester in some excitement, "I believe that is the
_Shark_."
"It looks like her. What can she have been doing down here?"
Chester shouted:
"Hello, George!"
There was no reply, though the man aboard could not have failed to hear
them.
"You must have been mistaken," said Alvin.
"I'm sure I was not, though I can't imagine why he didn't answer. Well,
it's a small matter anyway."
Mike who had been silent for some time now spoke:
"Byes, I'm a wee bit unaisy, as Jim Concannon said whin he found his
trousers was on fire at the top and bottom."
"What about?" asked Chester.
"I'm fearing that the account which dad has piled up agin me is so big
that he will lack the strength to square it."
"He will be so glad to see you back that I'm sure he will think of
naught else," assured Alvin.
"Whin I say to him that I didn't understand his words at the time I was
sailing by yisterday and he ordered me to come ashore, he won't cridit
the same. Ye see he doesn't--ah! I have it fixed!" exclaimed Mike,
delighted with the idea that had flashed into his brain.
"Let's hear it."
"I'll linger behind while ye two go forrid and say to dad and mither
that poor Mike has been drowned."
"Why in the name of common sense should we say _that_?" asked the
astonished Chester.
"I want ye to break the news of me coming gintly; after they have
digisted the story of me drowning, ye can say yer tongue slipped and ye
meant to say I come near drowning but didn't quite make it."
"That's the most original way of telling news," said Alvin, with a
laugh. "I can't see how it will be of much help, but I'll do what I
can. What have you to suggest, Chester?"
"It's clear that unless we pave the way for Mike he is in for a big
trouncing. I advise that he stay on the boat while we go forward and
call upon his folks. We can prove to them that he has been in great
danger and soften the heart, I hope, of his father."
"And thin whin the right moment comes I'll appear to 'em," said Mike,
who was pleased with the scheme. "But how will I know whin that right
moment arrives?" he asked.
"One of us will open the front door and whistle."
"Don't whistle too soon or wait too long, as Jack Mulrooney did whin he
ate a green persimmon before whistlin' fur his dog."
Fearing that the noise of the launch might attract the attention of the
father of Mike, and bring him out doors, the son curled down in the
cockpit, where he could not be seen by anyone on shore. Chester sprang
out and made the launch fast and Alvin followed him. Before they left,
Mike raised his head.
"Are you sure the _Deerfut_ won't play me the same trick it did last
night and run away wid me?" he asked.
"No fear of that; if it does, you know how to run it?"
"Have ye 'nough gas in the b'iler?"
"Oh, keep still and don't show yourself, or I shall tell your father you
are here and waiting for the licking he is saving for you."
Mike dropped down out of sight, and though he immediately thought of
several important questions to ask, did not do so. He must now wait with
all the patience he could summon for the signal that it was prudent for
him to show himself.
It was only a brief walk to the care-taker's house, and the light
shining through the window and the sound of voices told that the couple
were at home. But in the very act of opening the door, the boys paused.
"What does that mean?" asked Alvin of his companion.
"I don't understand it," was the reply.
Mrs. Murphy was sobbing and lamenting like a woman distracted. Her
husband seemed to be silent, as if holding himself in better control.
Finally they caught some of her wailing exclamations:
"Poor Micky! the darlint is drowned and it's me heart that is broke!
Wurrah! wurrah! woe is me!"
CHAPTER XXXI
THE MAN IN GRAY
You know there are some people who can never keep a secret. We have all
met them, much to our disgust. George, the "chauffeur" of the little
runabout launch _Shark_, was such a person. Possibly when he gave his
promise to Alvin Landon and Chester Haynes not to reveal what then
seemed the fate of Mike Murphy, he meant to do as he said, but somehow
or other he was not equal to the task.
He kept mum on the dreadful subject until he had secured his boat and
walked up the street past Hodgdon's well-known store, when he met an
acquaintance with whom he briefly chatted. By the time they had
finished, he had told him, under a solemn pledge to mention it to no
one, all about the sad death of the Irish lad from drowning. Within the
following hour this friend told the story to three others, all of whom
agreed upon their sacred honor to say nothing about it to anyone. They
kept the promise as well as George himself, who broke it three or four
times more in the period named. One of the depositaries of the gruesome
news was the guard who stood watch over the _Deerfoot_, while the owner
and his companions went to the hotel to see that the hunger of the
marooned young gentleman was appeased. This statement will explain the
curious glances at the little group as they moved about the town, as
well as the remark of the guard upon their return to the motor boat.
As night approached, George was impressed with his duty of acquainting
the parents of Mike with the dreadful blow that had befallen them. They
must hear of it sooner or later, and it was best that they should get it
straight. Accordingly he motored thither, completing what I fear was not
an unwelcome task in time to meet the _Deerfoot_ engaged on the same
errand. Of course he heard the hail of Chester. He did not reply, for he
was in no mood to make explanations and receive censure for what he had
done from a high sense of duty--as the offender always insists in
similar circumstances.
Everything was so plain to Alvin and Chester that throughout the
conversation that followed their entrance into the home of Pat Murphy,
they did not once ask the much afflicted parents of the source from
which they had received their information.
The father was sitting in his chair at the side of the room bowed and
silent in grief that was too deep for him to seek solace from his pipe.
The wife sat on the other side of the room, rocking to and fro, flinging
her apron over her face, the tears flowing down her cheeks, and her
features twisted with anguish. So absorbed were they in their sorrow
that they hardly glanced at the boys and did not address them.
Alvin could not restrain his sympathy at sight of the suffering of the
couple, the father's none the less than the mother's because it was
mute. The youth's promise to Mike was thrown to the winds and he called
out:
"Stop your mourning! Mike hasn't been drowned!"
"Phwat's that ye say?" demanded the father, who half rising from his
chair was staring at the lad as if doubting the words that had reached
him. The wife, grasping each side of her apron with a hand and about to
fling it upward, was equally quick in checking herself and with her
mouth wide open she hoarsely exclaimed:
"Phwat! Say that agin!"
"Mike is alive and well as he ever was in his life."
They still stared, dazed and unable for the moment to speak another
word. The callers sat down.
"I say again that Mike is well and safe. He spent last night on a little
island not many miles away and we brought him back in the _Deerfoot_."
The mother still gazed and clutched her apron. Her husband showed that
he caught the meaning of what he had heard.
"And where is Mike?"
The question recalled Alvin's promise to pave the way for his friend's
return to his home.
"Before I tell you," said the Captain, "you must give me your pledge
that you will not punish him for what happened last night. Will you do
so?"
"That I will," was the unhesitating answer. "He desarves a licking, but
we'll call it square--that is," was the qualifying condition, "so far as
_this_ thing is consarned."
"What! lick me baby Mike!" exclaimed the glad mother; "not in a thousand
years! Where is the darlint that I may kiss the hid off him?"
"Remember, Pat, what you just said. Mike isn't to be blamed for what
took place and you should be as thankful----"
Just then a terrific crash was heard in the kitchen, the door to which
was closed. The mother, in her highly wrought state, screamed and sprang
to her feet. Her husband snatched up the candle from the stand in the
middle of the room and ran to learn what the uproar meant, with his wife
just behind him.
It seemed to be a night for the general breaking of promises. It will be
remembered that Mike had agreed to stay on board the _Deerfoot_ until he
saw the door of his home opened by one of his friends and heard a
whistle as notice that the path had been cleared and he might go
forward. The two, however, had hardly entered the building when Mike
changed his mind. With a refreshing forgetfulness of what he had lately
passed through, he said:
"It's mesilf that is in danger of catching a cowld in my hid, as Larry
McCarty said after slaaping in an ice box, and in stepping ashore, I may
as well step a little furder."
Thus it came about that Alvin and Chester were no more than fairly
inside the small house when Mike moved softly to the door and listened
to the voices within. He was disappointed in not being able to
distinguish everything said, though it will be recalled that no one
spoke in whispers.
Suddenly it occurred to the boy that he could do much better if within
the house itself. The darkness of the kitchen showed that the door
connecting that with the sitting room was closed. He knew he could hear
more plainly from the smaller room.
Being in darkness, he had to depend upon the sense of feeling. It was no
trouble to raise the sash without making any noise. When lifted well up,
the catch held it in place and he began crawling stealthily through. He
saw the thin line of light under the door and heard what was being said
on the other side. Knowing the room so well he needed no illumination to
guide him. He balanced himself for a moment and then dropped lightly to
the floor. More properly he tried to do so, but unaware of the chair in
his way, he tumbled over that, which in turn tumbled over him, and
caused the crash that startled those in the sitting room and brought his
parents to learn what it all meant.
One glance at the sturdy figure struggling to his feet and muttering
impatient exclamations told the mother who he was. Thrusting her husband
aside, she rushed forward, straightened up the overturned chair, and
dropping into it, seized her boy with both arms:
"Praised be! Me own darlint! Me baby! Bliss yer heart!"
She was striving frantically to pull him upon her lap and would have
succeeded had Mike not been larger than she and strongly opposed to
acting the part of an infant. There was good-natured strife between them
for a minute or two, with the laughing father and two youths looking on.
Then Mike triumphed, forced his parent upon one knee, and with an arm
around her ample waist began bouncing her up and down with a vigor that
broke her words apart, though it did not prevent her from grasping him
about his neck and crying with joy.
"Arrah, mither, but it's yersilf that makes a fine barrel of jelly. Hist
now! can't ye sit still," he protested, bouncing her harder than ever.
Alvin and Chester held their sides, for it was the funniest spectacle
upon which they had ever looked. By and by Mike released the happy
victim, and all returned to the larger room, where they sat down. Alvin
said:
"It's been fixed, Mike. The slate is wiped out up to this night. You and
your father begin over again in the morning."
"Does he spake the thruth, dad?" asked the lad gravely.
"Alvin always does the same, but ye can make up yer moind ye'll be in my
debt afore the morrow's night."
"I don't doubt it, as Barney Foord said whin he was voted the biggest
fool in siven counties. Whisht!"
A timid knock sounded and Mike sprang up and opened the outer door.
Mollie, one of the maids, stood smiling.
"There's a gintleman waiting fur ye at home," she explained.
"Waiting to see me?" repeated the surprised Alvin, rising to his feet.
"That's what he said and he will bide till ye returns."
"Well, good night, folks!" called Alvin to the happy family. "Come,
Chester."
The two went out together, wondering who the caller could be. The brief
distance was quickly traversed, and, passing through the front door,
they turned into the handsomely furnished library.
As the lads entered, a man rose.
"You are Alvin Landon, I believe," he inquired, "and you," turning to
his companion, "are his friend, Chester Haynes."
If ever two youths were astonished, when they made courteous reply to
the salutation, they were our young friends, for the caller who thus
addressed them was the man in gray that had followed them to the inlet
on Barter Island and had now come to Alvin's home at Southport.
"If you can spare me a few minutes I have something of importance to say
to you," he added as he took the seat to which Alvin waved him.
It proved an important interview indeed, but the revelation made by the
man in gray and the events which followed there-from will be told in the
second volume of the Launch Boys Series entitled "The Launch Boys'
Adventures in Northern Waters."
THE END.
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