The lake was searched, and the yacht found up at the cove Si Peters had mentioned. On board was found the valise taken from the hotel.
After this detectives were sent out to find the two young rascals. But Si Peters and Wash Crosby kept out of sight.
Yet the day of reckoning was not far off, as we shall soon see.
About a week after this Harry invited Jerry to a drive along the west shore of Lake Otasco.
As they bowled along they talked over all sorts of matters, and presently Harry mentioned Si Peters and Wash Crosby.
“I wonder if they are still hanging around Harmony Beach?” he said.
“Oh, I don’t think they would dare,” replied Jerry. “They must know by the newspapers that the detectives are on their track.”
“I wish we could bring them to justice. It would be a feather in our cap.”
“So it would, Harry. But I would rather have the law do the work. I never want to have anymore to do with either of them.”
It did not take the two boys long to drive to the lower end of the lake. Here the team was put up at a livery stable, and the chums hired bathing suits and houses, and spread themselves for a fine dip in the lake.
The water was just right, and they enjoyed every second of the half hour they allowed themselves.
It was eight o’clock in the evening before they went to get their team again.
The moon was just coming up over the rim of the lake and this promised them a splendid drive back to Lakeview.
As Harry and our hero entered the turnout two figures stole up from the back of the barn.
They ran on ahead, and as the boys waited to settle with the livery stable keeper they soon disappeared.
Harry drove, and the young oarsman leaned back and took it easy.
A mile was covered, and they were just passing a clump of bushes when whizz! a stone came flying into the carriage. It struck Jerry on the arm, causing him to cry with pain.
Whizz! came another stone. It struck Harry in the cheek, drawing blood.
“Whoa!” yelled Jerry, and while the horses were still in motion, he leaped to the road.
He had noted the direction from which the missiles came, and bound off, but behind the bushes all was dark.
He was busy with the horses, who were shying first to one side and then to the other.
At first Jerry could see nothing, but soon he discovered two forms in the semi-darkness.