"Who? The man we brought with us?"

"Yes. I had Tom take him over to Alexandria Bay in the Jessie."

"And where is he going?" inquired Fred astounded by the statement
of his grandfather.

"He will go to Syracuse. Whether he will stay there or not I do
not know."

"But what did he say?" asked Fred somewhat impatiently. "Do you
think he stole the bond?"

"There are a good many things that are somewhat strange connected
with this affair. I am quite inclined to think your bond is good.
About this man, there are some matters that must be cleared up
before I can make any explanations to you." Rising as he spoke
Mr. Button led the way back to the piazza and Fred was convinced
that it was useless for him to talk any more, for the present at
least, about the man or the bond.

The following morning the four Go Ahead boys set forth in the
Black Growler on a voyage on the river. Fred was eager to show
the wonders of the great St. Lawrence to his friends and equally
desirous of trying out the motor-boat.

In the time which was to intervene before the race was held he
was eager to make himself familiar with every feature of the
marvelous little craft. All things were novel and interesting to
his companions, both in the scenery through which they were