Tom knew he could manage the
RED STREAK better alone, but, of course, he did not want to mention
this when he asked for the loan of the craft. Andy's own suggestion,
however, had solved the difficulty. Tom had an idea that Andy felt a
little timid about going in pursuit of the thieves, but naturally it
would not do to mention this, for the squint-eyed lad considered
himself quite a fighter.

Early the next morning, alone in the RED STREAK, Tom continued the
search for his stolen boat. He started out from his home dock and
mapped out a course that would take him well around the lake.

"I s'pose I could take a run to Sandport now," mused the youth as he
shot in and out of the little bays, keeping watch for the ARROW. "But
if I do dad will have to be told all about it, and, he'll worry. Then,
too, he might want to accompany me, and I think I can manage this
better alone, for the RED STREAK will run faster with only one in. I
ought to wind up this search in two days, if my boat is still on the
lake. And if those scoundrels have sunk her I'll make them pay for it."

On shot the speedy motor-boat, in and out along the winding shoreline,
with the lad in the bow at the steering-wheel peering with eager eyes
into every nook and corner where his craft might be hidden.

CHAPTER XVII

"THERE SHE IS!"

Anticipating that he would be some time on his search, the young
inventor had gone prepared for it. He had a supply of provisions and
he had told Mrs. Baggert he might not be back that night. But he did
not intend to sleep aboard the RED STREAK, which, being a racing boat,
was not large enough to afford much room for passengers. Tom had
planned, therefore, to put up at some hotel near the lake in case his
hunt should last beyond one night.

That it would do this was almost certain, for all that morning he
searched unavailingly for the ARROW. A distant mill whistle sounding
over Lake Carlopa told him it was noon.

"Dinner time," he announced to himself. "Guess I'll run up along shore
in the shade and eat."

Selecting a place where the trees overhung the water, forming a quiet,
cool nook, Tom sent the boat in there, and, tying it to a leaning tree,
he began his simple meal. Various thoughts filled his mind, but chief
among them was the desire to overtake the thieves who had his boat.
That it was Happy Harry's gang he was positive.

The lad nearly finished eating and was considering what direction he
mi