. Business partners, from Trenton, and their
wives. We got the names from him and checked. They really are
partners, in a used-car business. Sorry, Rick. Looks like another dead
end. The Coast Guard drew a blank this time."

"But there isn't another pram within miles of Spindrift," Rick
objected.

"All right. We'll be keeping an eye on these people, but we have no
grounds for any action. Any luck with the barber?"

"We haven't tried yet," Rick told him. "Tomorrow's the day. We've been
getting the Megabuck network completed in case we need to
communicate."

"Okay. Good luck, and keep me informed."

"I will, Steve."

Rick hung up and returned to the porch, deep in thought. To the
waiting trio he said, "A blank. Nothing. Looks like the barber is
still our best lead."

"That houseboat is in it, too," Barby stated positively.

"How do you know?" Scotty asked.

"It's too flashy," Barby explained. "Too bright. Really nice people
wouldn't have a boat that color. You wait and see, they're in this
somehow!"

Rick shook his head, more in sorrow than in anger. "Good thing the
boat isn't bright red," he said wearily. "That would really be proof
they're criminals!"

CHAPTER XIII

The Megabuck Mob Acts

Barby Brant flew up the stairs and ran down the hall, skidding to a
stop in front of Rick's door. Then, conscious that her burst of speed
was less than dignified, she drew herself up and tapped on the door
gently.

Rick had just finished dressing. He opened the door, and his eyebrows
went up at Barby's poorly concealed excitement.

"What's up?" he demanded. "Atom bomb ticking in the library or
something?"

Barby made a heroic effort to be casual. "I just thought you might be
interested. The houseboat is anchored in North Cove."

Rick was very much interested! North Cove was between Spindrift and
Whiteside pier. He felt a tingle of excitement. Was the enemy closing
in?

"Did you see it?" he asked.

"No, but Dad did. He went over to pick up the morning papers, and
there it was. It must have gone by during the night."

"Thanks, Barby," Rick said absently. His mind was already exploring
the possibilities. The houseboat had taken up the ideal position for
watching comings and goings from Spindrift. The cove was even close
enough so the sound of the Sky Wagon's engine could be heard clearly.

Yet, according to Steve, the people on it were ordinary enough. There
was nothing suspicious about them, except