for the binoculars, which he had left on the seat
at his side. By turning the glass over when in use, one could avail
himself of the night lens, which was helpful in the gloom. But he did not
find it.

"That's queer," he muttered; "I am sure I laid it there. I wonder if
anyone visited the boat while we were away."

"By gracious!" called Chester from his station; "I believe she has
stopped!"

"Make sure of it. I should think they would put out their stern light if
they wanted to elude us."

"Likely they don't care. Yes; she has run into shore, where there seems
to be some sort of landing."

Alvin swung over the wheel so as to approach directly from the rear.
Since the other boat had become motionless, he slackened speed to save
the strain upon his own.

Everything was now in the vivid moonlight. The launch drew steadily up to
the landing where the other boat had halted. Two men were observed moving
about as if making ready to tie up for the remainder of the night. They
showed no interest in their pursuers, and Alvin sheered off slightly so
as to pass at a distance of several rods, and while doing so he made an
exasperating discovery.

The craft which he had been pursuing with so much zest was not the _Water
Witch_, but a small runabout capable of high speed. The couple on board
gave no attention to the larger craft, and the chagrined Alvin turned
farther out into the bay and gradually headed up stream again. Chester
came back from the front and chuckled:

"What a wild goose chase! The next thing to do is to make after the
_Nahanada_ or the _Gardiner_. There will be as much sense in the one as
the other."

Observing the change of course, Chester inquired:

"Where to now?"

"We may as well go back and pick up Mike. It seems to be growing light in
the east."

"So it is; a memorable night in our experience is drawing to a close."

"I say, Chester," called the Captain, "I am sure someone was on this boat
while we were away at Beartown."

A sudden suspicion took form in his mind.

"Is there enough light for you to see the name on the bow?"

"Of course."

"Take a look and tell me what it is."

Chester carefully leaned over and studied the gilt letters painted on the
right of the prow corresponding to those on the left. Then he
straightened up with a gasp:

"As sure as I'm a living sinner it's the _Water Witch_!"

CHAPTER XXIII

THROUGH THE FOG

It was an astounding discovery.

With neve