d
rather take it to the shop. Besides, with two boats to run back, for I
must return Andy's to him, I don't see how I can do it very well unless
you operate one, Mr. Damon."

"Excuse me, but I can't do it. Bless my slippers, but I would be sure
to run on a rock! The best plan will be for you to tow your boat and
I'll ride in it and steer. I can do that much, anyhow. You can ride
in the RED STREAK."

Tom agreed that this would be a good plan. So, after temporarily
bracing up the tank in the ARROW, it was shoved out into the lake and
attached to Andy's craft.

"But aren't you going to make a search for those men?" asked Mr. Damon
when Tom was ready to start back.

"No, I think it would be useless. They are well away by this time, and
I don't fancy chasing them through the woods, especially as night is
coming on. Besides, I won't leave these boats."

"No doubt you are right, but I would like to see them punished, and I
am curious enough to wish to know what object that scoundrel could have
in ripping out the blocks that served as a brace for the tank."

"I feel the same way myself," commented the lad, "especially since this
is the second time that's happened. But we'll have to wait, I guess."

A little later the start back was made, Mr. Damon steering the ARROW
skillfully enough so that it did not drag on the leading boat, in which
Tom rode. His course took him not far from the lake sanitarium, where
Mr. Duncan, the hunter, had been brought, and desiring to know how the
wounded man was getting on, the youth proposed that they make a halt,
explaining to Mr. Damon his reason.

"Yes, and while you're about it you'd better telephone your father that
you will join him to-morrow," suggested the other. "I know what it is
to fret and worry. You can fix your boat up in time to go to Sandport
to-morrow, can't you?"

"Yes, I'm glad you reminded me of it. I'll telephone from the
sanitarium, if they'll let me."

Mr. Duncan was not at the institution, Tom was told, his injury having
healed sufficiently to allow of his being removed to his home. The
youth readily secured permission to use the telephone, and was soon in
communication with Mr. Swift. While not telling him all the
occurrences that had delayed him, Tom gave his father and Ned Newton
enough information to explain his absence. Then the trip to Shopton
was resumed in the two boats.

"What are you going to do about your automobile?" asked Tom as the