As he passed to his seat Dave had to walk close to Link Merwell. When the bully saw him he started and stared in amazement. Then he looked around and stared at Phil and Gus. He leaned over and spoke to Nat Poole, who sat close at hand.
"They are back!" he whispered.
"Who? Porter and his crowd?" And now the dudish pupil looked equally amazed.
"Yes,—look for yourself."
Nat Poole did look, and his face became a study. As soon as possible he and Merwell finished their evening meal and went outdoors.
"Somebody must have stopped at the island and taken them off," said Merwell, when he felt safe to speak without being overheard.
"I suppose that must be it or else" Nat Poole stopped short and turned pale.
"Or what?"
"Perhaps we took some other boat, Link! Oh, if we did that, the owner might have us arrested!"
"Nonsense! It was an Oak Hall boat—I looked to make sure, when I tied it to the motor boat."
"Let us go down and see."
"Can't you take my word for it? " asked Merwell, roughly.
"Yes. But I want to know just what boat it was."
