"Oh, those fellows don't care for risk," was the opinion of Mr.
Jackson. "Take my word for it, they have your boat. They have been
keeping watch, and as soon as they saw the dock unprotected they
sneaked up and stole the ARROW."

"I don't think so," repeated Mr. Swift's son.

"Who do you think took it then?"

"Andy Foger!" was the quick response. "I believe he and his cronies
did it to annoy me. They have been trying to get even with me-or at
least Andy has--for outbidding him on this boat. He's tried several
times, but he hasn't succeeded--until now. I'm sure Andy Foger has my
boat," and Tom, with a grim tightening of his lips, swung around as
though to start in instant pursuit.

"Where are you going?" asked Mr. Jackson.

"To find Andy and his cronies. When I locate them I'll make them tell
me where my boat is."

"Hadn't you better send some word to your father? You can hardly get
to Sandport now, and he'll be worried about you."

"That's so, I will. I'll telephone dad that the boat--no, I'll not do
that either, for he'd only worry and maybe get sick. I'll just tell
him I've had a little accident, that Andy ran into me and that I can't
come back to the hotel for a day or two. Maybe I'll be lucky to find
my boat in that time. But dad won't worry then, and, when I see him, I
can explain. That's what I'll do," and Tom was soon talking to Mr.
Swift by telephone.

The inventor was very sorry his son could not come back to rejoin him
and Ned, but there was no help for it, and, with as cheerful voice as
he could assume, the lad promised to start for Sandport at the earliest
opportunity.

"Now to find Andy and my boat!" Tom exclaimed as he hung up the
telephone receiver.

CHAPTER XV

A DISMAYING STATEMENT

Trouble is sometimes good in a way; it makes a person resourceful. Tom
Swift had had his share of annoyances of late, but they had served a
purpose. He had learned to think clearly and quickly. Now, when he
found his boat stolen, he at once began to map out a plan of action.

"What will you do first?" asked Mr. Jackson as he saw his employer's
son hesitating.

"First I'm going to Andy Foger's house," declared the young inventor.
"If he's home I'm going to tell him what I think of him. If he's not,
I'm going to find him."

"Why don't you take your sailboat and run down to his dock?" suggested
the engineer. "It isn't as quick as your motor-boat, but it's better
than walking."