ould see nothing, as everything was blotted out
by the fog. The heavy moisture dampened his clothes, and drifted into
his face. Phil was seated astern, shivering with cold and fear. He
had no liking for this adventure, and would rather be back on the yacht.

Presently Rod caught sight of the motor-boat, and whispered to the
captain to go slow. Soon they were near the shore, and as they drew up
close to the strange craft they found that she was floating on the
rising tide, and was almost adrift. With difficulty the captain
suppressed a chuckle of satisfaction, as he quickly made a rope fast to
the motor-boat, gave it to Rod, seized once more his oars, and swung
the tender about, and drew away from the shore. When at a safe
distance from land he fastened the rope to the bow of the motor-boat,
tied it to the seat of the tender, and then with a sigh of relief
settled down to long steady strokes. Not a word was spoken now, but
the three night adventurers thrilled with excitement. The boys felt no
longer cold, as they were so excited over what they had accomplished.

After some hard pulling, the captain drew up alongside of the yacht.
The rest of the scouts were eagerly awaiting his return.

"There's no wind," the captain remarked, "so that thing's got to tow us
out of this. I guess I know enough about an engine to handle that one
all right. Rod, you steer the yacht, while I manage that old tub."

Though the fog was still thick, the light of early morn was making
itself felt which was of much assistance as the captain scrambled on
board the motor-boat. It took him but a few moments to examine the
engine, start it, and head the boat out into the middle of the river,
with the _Roaring Bess_ and tender trailing behind. When everything
was going to his complete satisfaction, he leaned back and fairly shook
with suppressed laughter. He knew now that he had those rascals
prisoners for a few hours at least, and in that time much could be done.

The engine was of six horse-power, and the craft an ordinary
rafting-boat, built especially for towing. It accordingly made good
progress up the river, and in about an hour's time the captain was able
to pull up at Hillcrest wharf. He came here instead of going to his
own shore on purpose to send a telephone message to the city. He had
thought all this out, and knew that there was no time to be lost.

Near the wharf lived the storekeeper, who had charge of the telephone,