, it's evident that the men haven't been here since the girls
gave us the alarm. If they had they'd have torn up that note. Then,
too, you'd think, if they were going to try to make Denny do what they
wanted in the way of giving testimony, they'd be getting at it. He
goes to bed early, as everybody around here knows, and locks up. If
those fellows wanted to get at him without breaking in they'd come
early. All of which makes me think that they may already have had a
serious interview with him."

"I hope not," observed Walter. "I'm more inclined to believe that he's
out on the bay somewhere. If he is he's all right."

"Say, fellows, I've got an idea!" cried Jack.

"Hold fast to it--they're scarce," remarked Ed.

"No, but seriously. Suppose we cruise about a bit. We needn't go far
from the shore, and we can have an eye on the cabin. In case Denny is
out on the water we may pick him up. Then we could tell him what was
on, and warn him. We could do it even better than on shore here, for
there's no telling but what some of those fellows may be in hiding
around here," and Jack cast a look about. It was dark, but a full moon
was coming up to make a light that revealed most objects.

"Then if there is a possibility that someone may be in ambush here,"
said Walter, "we'd better keep a bit more mum. But I think Jack's plan
is a good one. Let's cruise about a bit, but keep within sight of the
cabin."

No one had any objections so, after making a casual search about the
cabin, and not finding anyone in hiding, the boys again got aboard the
_Dixie_ and started to cruise on the bay, that was now sparkling in
the moonlight.

Jack and his chums kept a careful watch for Denny Shane's boat. There
were several motor craft out, for the night was one that invited trips
on the water--calm and still, with a gentle breeze that had in it the
tang of salt mingled with the sweet odors of Summer.

"I feel just like singing," remarked Ed, after a pause during which
the _Dixie_ cruised about, not too far from the cabin.

"Have some regard for our feelings," begged Jack. "Remember that we
are under a great strain."

"And Ed would be, too, if he sang," said Walter. "At least I would
feel constrained to remonstrate with him."

"Huh! Think no one can sing but yourself!" retorted Ed.

"Moonlight always did have a queer effect on him," remarked Jack.

Round about they cruised, and they were thinking of returning to make
sure that Denny had