reasons why me and me pals thought it might be a good thing not to
interfere with you when your friends on that black yacht stopped to say
good mornin'."

The four boys looked shyly at one another, every one of them convinced
that the mystery of the presence of the bond which they had discovered
was in part explained.

"What was your document?" asked Grant.

"That wasn't what I said," replied the man. "I asked you if you had
found any document."

"Of course we'd find a good many things on board," explained Grant.
"You'll have to tell us just what it is you lost, if you want us to say
whether or not we have found it."

"You found it all the same. I can see it by the look in your eyes,"
declared the man. "Now, what I want to know is if you'll give it up
peaceable-like or do you want me to call a policeman and get him to
help me take what belongs to me."

CHAPTER XIV

A SURPRISING PASSENGER

"We haven't got your bond," said Fred quickly. He was somewhat uneasy
as he was aware when he glanced keenly at the man that he was unusually
strong and if he really had obtained possession of the security in a
way that was open to suspicion it was quite probable that he would not
hesitate to defend what he had taken.

Fred glanced anxiously about the dock to ascertain if help was near in
case it should be required.

"Where is it?" demanded the stranger.

"We found it on the boat."

"Yes, I know you did," interrupted the man, "but what I want is for you
to let me see it or tell me where it is."

"I tell you we haven't got it," said Fred.

"Where is it?"

"It's where it will be safe until it can be looked up and we find out
whose it is."

"Where did you get that bond?" demanded George, abruptly breaking in
upon the conversation.

"Did I say it was mine?" demanded the stranger.

"You asked for it."

"If I recall, I asked about it."

"That's the same thing," retorted George.

"Not quite," said the man. "Now then, will you tell me where it is?"

"I don't think we shall," spoke up Fred. "If you'll tell me who owns it
and what it was doing on our motor-boat, then perhaps I'll be willing
to talk with you."

"Then you say you'll not tell me where it is?" said the man, speaking
slowly and looking savagely at Fred as he spoke.

"I shan't tell you," said Fred. "Now, if you're done, we'll start."

As he spoke, Fred stepped on board the Black Growler, an action which
was speedily followed by his companions. Ad