r
to one of the coal docks."

"Then some other tug must have towed the houseboat away."

"Either that or they are letting the _Dora_ drift with the current."

"That would be rather dangerous around here,--and in the mist. A
steamer might run the houseboat down."

The brothers knew not what to do. To go back to the stock farm with the
news that both the girls and the houseboat were missing was extremely
distasteful to them.

"This news will almost kill Mrs. Stanhope," said Dick.

"Well, it will be just as bad for Mrs. Laning, Dick."

"Not exactly,--she has Grace left, while Dora. is Mrs. Stanhope's only
child."

Once again the two boys rode up and down the' Ohio for a distance of
nearly a mile. At none of' the docks or farms could they catch the
least sign of the houseboat.

"She may be miles from here by this time," said Dick, with almost a
groan. "There is no help for it, Tom, we've got to go back and break
the news as best we can."

"Very well," answered Tom, soberly. Every bit of fun was knocked out of
him, and his face was as long as if he was going to a funeral.

Dick felt equally bad. Never until that moment had he realized how dear
Dora Stanhope was to him. He would have given all he possessed to be
able to go to her assistance.

The mist kept growing thicker, and by the time the stock farm was
reached it was raining in torrents. But the boys did not mind this
discomfort as they rode along, leading the two riderless saddle horses.
They had other things more weighty to think about.

CHAPTER XXII

DAN BAXTER'S LITTLE GAME

In order to ascertain just what did become of the houseboat, it will be
necessary to go back to the time when the _Dora_ was tied up near the
village of Skemport.

Not far away from Skemport was a resort called the Stock Breeders'
Rest--a cross-roads hotel where a great deal of both drinking and
gambling was carried on.

During the past year Dan Baxter had become passionately fond of card
playing for money and he induced Lew Flapp to accompany him to the
Stock Breeders' Rest.

"We can have a fine time there," said Baxter. "And as the Rovers'
houseboat will not be far off, we can keep our eyes on that crowd and
watch our chance to deal them another blow."

Lew Flapp was now reckless and ready for almost anything, and he
consented. They hired a room at the cross-roads hotel, and that night
both went to the smoking room to look at what was going on.

A professiona