y
Mr. Montgomery met his death."

"I wish we had had time to hear from Uncle Aaron," said Fred. "He may be
able to give us some pointers, though I don't suppose he knows much
outside of the fact that he loaned Mr. Montgomery money and didn't get
it back."

"I'm banking a good deal more on Mark Taylor than I am on what your
uncle may know," said Lester, "although of course we may get nothing
from either."

"What do you think we'd better do in regard to Ross?" asked Teddy. "Tell
him right off what we know, or wait for him to tell us everything
first?"

"I think that instead of trying to wait or to swap, we'd better be
perfectly frank," advised Fred. "If he's a bit suspicious now, he'll
grow more so if he thinks we're trying any kind of a game. Confidence
breeds confidence, and we'll set him the example."

"I guess that will be the better way," acquiesced Lester. "After all,
he's got so much more at stake than we have in this matter that we
shouldn't blame him for being a little cautious."

By this time it was evident that Ross had recognized them, for he was
standing up, waving at them vigorously.

"Seems to be glad to see us," remarked Teddy, as the boys waved back. "I
take that as a good sign."

"Hello Ross," they yelled over the water when he got within earshot.

"Hello, yourselves," the boy in the motor boat shouted eagerly in reply.
"What good wind blew you up to meet me?"

"What good engine drove you down to meet us?" Teddy flung back at him
with a grin.

"I was on my way down to pay you a little visit at the Shoals," replied
Ross. "I didn't think I'd be able to get over there so soon. But when I
got back to Oakland I found a letter from my mother saying she had been
delayed in starting, and wouldn't be here for three or four days yet. So
I thought I'd scoot over and make hay while the sun shone."

"That'll be bully," said Lester warmly. "Dad will be glad to see you,
and I hope you'll be able to stay with us at the Shoals until you have
to meet your mother."

"I'd like nothing better and it's good of you to ask me," responded
Ross. "But where are you fellows bound for now?"

"We're going up to Milton on an errand that will interest you, when we
get time to tell you about it. Come right along with us."

"Sure thing. I'll just round to under your stern and we'll travel up
alongside."

He started his engine going, and then for the first time he noticed the
huge bulk that was trailing along in the