indow into the boathouse. The light of the moon
made many of the objects within clear and distinct. The Black Growler
was lying peacefully in her slip. Apparently peril was nowhere
threatening.

Suddenly, as George glanced at the farther end of the platform beside
the slip, he stopped abruptly and stepped quickly back from the window.
Approaching the place again, he cautiously peered within and his first
impressions were confirmed. He was able to see distinctly the figure of
a man crouching in a corner of the room.

Instantly George's heart was thumping wildly and he was tempted to
shout to the intruder. Hastily banishing the impulse he watched the
man. The dim outline of his figure was distinctly seen. Perhaps the
intruder had been startled by the discovery of the face at the window.
At all events he remained motionless and not a sound was heard save the
lapping of the little waves against the dock.

By this time George's fears had returned in full force. He decided
quickly to summon the Go Ahead boys and not attempt alone to drive away
the intruder. That the man's purpose in coming was evil he had no
question. What other explanation was to be had for the presence of a
strange man in the boat-house at three o'clock in the morning?

Running silently and swiftly to the house, George speedily summoned his
friends, who were wide awake as soon as the report of his discovery of
the man in the boat-house was heard.

"Shall I take a gun?" whispered Fred to his companion.

"No," said Grant sharply. "We don't want any gun."

"Well, some of us ought to have clubs or something," persisted Fred.

"I don't think we shall want anything," said Grant, "but if you're
afraid, bring along two or three bats."

These weapons were secured and then silently the four Go Ahead boys
departed from the house and stealthily approached the boat-house in
which George had discovered the presence of the intruder.

CHAPTER XXIV

THE MAN IN THE BOAT-HOUSE

When the Go Ahead boys drew near the dock they separated, George and
Grant moving to one side of the boat-house while John and Fred
approached from the opposite side. There were two large doors in the
front of the boat-house, both of which now were closed. The upper part
of each, however, was of glass and was so made that the boys were able
to stand on the dock and by leaning forward could peer into the
building.

"He's there," whispered George excitedly, after he had looked within.