inquired the leader.

"Yes," said Fred shortly.

"Why, we didn't think you'd go for an hour yet. We haven't got
our trunks."

Again his companions laughed loudly at the wit of their leader,
but as yet not one of them had made any move to leave the boat.

Fred's alarm was plain in spite of the boldness with which he
cast off the bow line. Grant already had performed a similar
service with the stern line and the boys were now ready to
depart.

"It's nice of you to invite us to go along with you," said the
leader. "This is a purty little boat and me and my pals will
enjoy a ride in her."

"We're going to start now," said Fred quietly, striving to
conceal his fear.

"Why, I guess we're ready, aren't we?" said the leader as he
glanced at his companions.

"I reckon we are, cap'n," replied one of the men.

The six men occupied most of the available space on board the
little boat. Striving to appear indifferent to their presence
Fred advanced to the wheel, turned on the power and prepared to