of that size. I am wondering what it all means."

"First thing you know that man will jump on us all and take the
Black Growler away from us. I tell you he's a desperate
character. Just look at those hands. If he had his coat off I
tell you you would see the muscles of his shoulders stand out
like great knots. He's a powerful brute and I don't like his
disposition. I wish he was somewhere else."

"I guess he wouldn't attack us," laughed Fred. "We're four to one
and even if he's stronger than any one of us he's not as strong
as all four of us put together."

"I tell you," said John more positively, "he's a pirate. He's a
regular pirate. He stole that bond and tried to take the
motor-boat away from us when we were on the canal and I shall
feel mighty well satisfied if he doesn't get it away from us now
before we go very much farther."

"I confess it's all mighty queer, John, but I don't believe the
man will attack us. He has got too many matters just now to look
after to try such a fool thing as that."

"But I can't understand why he forces himself on board and why he
insists on going with us down the river. I shouldn't be surprised
to have him stop us when we are in some quiet place and search
the boat. How does he know that the bond isn't here?"

"Because he has searched the Black Growler already," replied
Fred. "You may be sure he has gone through every nook and cranny