However, the _Rambler_ was gaining speed, and the incident would have been closed in a moment if the connection made between the batteries and the motors had not become disarranged. In the haste of making the repairs, the work had not been properly done.
The propeller ceased its revolutions and the boat dropped back toward the cove. Evidently guessing what had taken place on board, the outlaws gathered at the point where it seemed certain that she would become beached.
Understanding what would take place if the motor boat dropped back, the boys fired volley after volley in order to attract the attention of those on the steamer. There came a jangling of bells from the advancing craft, and she slowed down and headed for the point. The outlaws fired a parting volley and disappeared among the rocks.
The steamer continued on her course toward the little island, but paused a few yards away and the boys saw a rowboat dropped to the river. The _Rambler_ continued to drift toward the beach she had so recently left and the rowboat headed for that point.
Fearful that the boat would again come within reach of the outlaws, Clay and Case now rushed to the prow, and threw the supply anchor over just in time to prevent a collision between a nest of rocks and the stern of the boat.
The outlaws were now out of sight, and the boys felt secure in the protection of the steamer, but directly the situation was changed, for a show of arms was seen on board the rowboat, and the boys were suddenly ordered to throw up their hands.
"You fellows are nicely rigged out--fine motor boat, and all that," one of the men in the boat shouted, "but the days of river pirates on the St. Lawrence are over. You are all under arrest."
"Gee whiz!" shouted Alex. "Is this what you call a pinch?"
"It is what we call a clean-up," replied one of the men in the boat, rowing up to the _Rambler_. "We've been watching for you fellows, and now we've got you."
"And what are you going to do with us?" asked Clay restraining his anger and indignation with difficulty.
"We're going to take you up to Quebec and put you on trial for piracy!"
The boys tried to smile and make light of the situation as the four men from the steamer boarded the _Rambler_, but they all understood that it was a very serious proposition that they were facing.