Dick started in
perplexity, then, struck by a sudden idea, drew a lead pencil from
his pocket and rammed it into the opening. It fitted very well,
and the water ceased, to come in.
"Now we'll have to bail out and pick up that other oar," said Tom.
"It was foolish to throw it away, Dick."
"I don't know about that. It deprived Baxter of his pistol.
Paddle over, and I'll pick it up." Tom did so, and the blade was
speedily recovered.
But Dan Baxter had made good use of the precious moments lost by
the Rover boys, and hardly were the latter into shape for rowing
once more than they saw the bully beach his craft and leap out on
the shore. "Good-by to you!" he cried mockingly. "I told you
that you couldn't catch me. The next time we meet I'll make you
sorry that you ever followed me," and he started to run off with
all possible speed.
Tom and Dick were too chagrined to answer him, and pulled forward
to the shore in silence. They ran the craft into some bushes and
tied up, and then started after Baxter, who was now making for the
woods south of the village of Nelson.
When the highway skirting this portion of Cayuga Lake was gained
Dan Baxter was a good five hundred feet ahead of them. A turn in
the road soon hid him from view. Gaining the bend they discovered
that he had disappeared from view altogether.
"He has taken to the woods," sighed Dick.
"If that is so we may as well give the hunt up," answered his
brother.
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