member Pelter said over the telephone that he would 'make him do it'? They'll force father into something—if they can."
"Well, what's our next move?" asked Sam, impatiently.
"As it is after noon, we had better visit a quick lunch room and get a bit to eat. Then I think we had better hire some private tug to take us up the river. I am almost certain now that the Ellen Rodney went that way."
"If she went up the river she might go all the way to Albany," said Tom.
"Possibly, but I think those rascals would be too afraid to do that. They'll leave the schooner at the first chance they get, and take father with them."
The boys did not have to walk far before they came to a small shedlike building displaying the sign, "Quick Lunch." They entered and ordered some sandwiches, pie, and coffee. While they were eating they questioned the proprietor about some craft to take them up the river.
"We are hunting for a schooner," explained Dick. "We don't know just where she is. We'll pay somebody well for finding her for us."
"I know a young fellow who owns a motorboat," said the quick lunch man. "He could take you anywhere you'd want to go."
