t makes sense," Scotty agreed. "And how! Of course Tom Tyler knows
he's been tricked the minute he hits, and he knows why. So does Brad
Marbek, but he's in on it. Bill Lake, who's pretty far behind, thinks
the shift in the light is due to a patch of mist and a strong current.
But how about Captain Killian? He was closer to the light."

"That's why it's important to get his story," Rick said. His eyes had
been scanning the dark coast line ceaselessly. Now, picking up the
start of Brendan's Marsh, he turned the wheel and swung out to sea.

Their study of the photographs had convinced them that the best way to
approach Creek House was from the rear. To do that, they had to pass
far enough out at sea so their engine noise would not be too
noticeable and attract the attention of the Kelsos. Rick took a quick
look around and saw no other boat lights. He leaned forward and
snapped off their own.

In a few moments they saw the lights of Creek House and Smugglers'
Light. When they were well past it, Rick turned inshore, throttled
down to make as little noise as possible. There was a short dock in
front of the abandoned Sandy Shores Hotel. He gauged distance
carefully in the dim light and let his momentum carry him to it.
Scotty jumped out and made the bow fast while Rick cut the engine
completely and hurried to secure the stern. In a moment they were on
the dock together looking toward the Creek House.

"Let's go," Rick whispered.

They made their way as noiselessly as possible behind the old hotel,
then picked a careful path through accumulated junk past the rears of
the Sea Girt, the Atlantic View, and the Shore Mansions. Twice they
had to climb rusted fences and Rick was grateful that they had put on
old clothes. Presently they were against the Creek House fence.

He touched Scotty's arm and gestured. Then he led the way toward the
place where the fence stopped at the marsh. They had planned the
adventure up to the end of the fence. After that they would have to
take advantage of whatever offered.

They hadn't seen in the photograph that the fence extended into the
marsh for a short distance. Rick's first inkling of the fact came when
one foot sank into muck above the shoe top. He let out a soft
exclamation, and when he pulled the foot free it made a sighing sound.

The boys held a whispered consultation and decided there was nothing
for it but to continue. Rick stepped forward, searching with his foot
for firmer gro