ail to shore,
untied the loop of rope, flung it on deck and leaped after it. Alvin had
opened the forward deck, which covered the engine, climbed down and
around to the front and started it. Then throwing in the clutch the boat
quickly caught the impulse, and the Captain steered away from shore.
While lying against the bank the nose of the launch was pointed up the
river, and since the noise showed that the other boat was speeding down
stream, it was necessary to head in that direction. The sweeping circle
carried the craft far out into the moon glow and the Captain turned on
full power, sending the boat southward like a swallow skimming close to
the surface.

"They got the idea yesterday that the _Water Witch_ is faster than the
_Deerfoot_. That was a cute idea of Calvert, but they will soon learn
their mistake. Do you see anything of her lights?"

Chester stood beside him in the cockpit, with one hand grasping the top
of the wind-shield, while he peered into the sea of illumination through
which they were plunging.

"Not yet," he answered "but we must be gaining fast."

The water curled over in a graceful half circle as it was split apart by
the sharp prow. Some of the spray was scattered over him, though
otherwise the river was as calm as a millpond. The tide was at its turn,
so there was no current. Alvin held to the middle of the river, where he
knew it was very deep, and he would have timely notice of every
obstruction that could appear.

Now that the two were fairly started upon the singular chase, they had
time to speculate as to its probable result. They had not a firearm on
the boat nor had they ever had one aboard. They were chasing a party of
criminals who were sure to be well armed. Suppose our young friends
overtook them, what could they do?

Alvin had a dim idea that having drawn near enough to discover the _Water
Witch_, he would keep in sight until others could intervene. His boat
would follow whereever the fugitive dare lead, and would never give up.
If our young friends could not attack, they could point out the way for
others. Should the criminals run into shore, where there was a chance of
landing without being observed, the pursuers could be at their heels, and
through the nearest telegraph station raise the hue and cry that would
quickly end in their overthrow.

"It is strange," reflected Alvin, "that while we have not meant to have
anything to do with those scamps we are continually runni