"It is the Peters' yacht, sure enough," replied Jerry, after studying the
craft.

"If she cums dis way, we'll hab lively times," remarked Blumpo.

"That's true, Blumpo. Come, maybe we can get away from her."

The boys kept steadily on their course, and for a long time those on the
yacht seemed to pay no attention to them.

But after awhile the big boat put on another tack, and fifteen minutes
later it was within hailing distance. Then they saw that Si Peters and
Crosby were in posession. They had with them five other Rockpoint lads,
including Banner and Graves.

"Hi, you fellows, stop rowing!" yelled Peters at the top of his voice.

"Mind your own business, Si Peters," retorted Harry.

"You won't stop?"

"No. Leave us alone."

"We want you to give up Jerry Upton."

"Give him up?"

"Exactly. Come up alongside and let him jump on board of the yacht."

"That's as cool as a cake of ice!" cried Jerry. "You want everything,
don't you?"

"We are going to get square with you, Jerry Upton!" put in Wash Crosby.

"Let us pull away as fast as we can," whispered Harry. "Those chaps mean
trouble."

"Dat's de talk," said Blumpo, who was the worst scared of the three.

They bent to their oars, and soon moved off a hundred feet or more.

Then Si Peters ran out to the jib of the yacht.

"Stop!" he commanded. "Pull another yard and you'll be sorry for it."

"We'll risk it," replied Jerry.

"We'll run you down!"

"You won't dare!" yelled Harry, in alarm.

"Won't we? Just see if we won't!"

At once Si Peters gave some directions to Wash Crosby, who was at the
wheel. The course of the yacht was slightly changed, and now the craft was
headed directly for the boat containing our friends.

"Anudder smash-up, shuah as you're born!" groaned Blumpo, and he prepared
to leap into the lake.

"Stay where you are!" ordered Jerry. "I'll check their little game."

Reaching into a locker, the young oarsman brought out his gun. Leaping on
one of the seats, he pointed the weapon at Si Peters' head.

"Sheer off!" he cried. "Sheer off, or I'll fire on you!"

CHAPTER XII.

AN ATTACK IN THE DARK.

Si Peters was nearly dumfounded at the unexpected turn affairs had taken.
The bully at once gave the necessary directions, and the yacht passed to
windward of the other boat.

"A good idea, Jerry!" exclaimed Harry. "That will make them steer clear of
us for good, I reckon."

"If they haven't got guns of their own, H