our parents. If that could be obtained, we should make our way to
the Brownell place and the boat would pick us up."

"Hurray," cried Frank, executing a war dance. "Whoo-oo-oo-oo-oo!"

"Call up your father, Bob," said Jack, "and ask him. I'll run home and
get my Dad on the long distance."

Both boys hastened to execute the commission, and when Jack returned
in an incredibly short time it was with his father's permission to
make the trip. Mr. Temple proved similarly amiable. Both men felt
there could be no danger to the boys on such an expedition, as it was
altogether unlikely that any liquor-runners would make a stand against
an armed vessel of the United States Navy. Also, they were struck by
Captain Folsom's reasoning as to the possible whereabouts of the motor
boat and, knowing how the boys were put out at the loss, they felt it
was only fair to the chums to permit them to run down this clue.

"It's a good three miles to Starfish Cove," said Jack, anxiously. "Can
you make it all right on that bum leg, Bob?"

For answer Bob swung the wounded member back and forth several times.
"I'll hold out all right," he said. "If I can't make it all the way,
you fellows can carry me. I'm only a slight load."

Frank groaned in mock dismay.

The girls had gone visiting with Mrs. Temple. So, leaving a note to
explain their absence, the boys set out.

CHAPTER XXII

WORD OF A STRANGE CRAFT

Picked up by the boat at Starfish Cove, to which Bob had made his way
without suffering any great inconvenience, the boys were rowed to the
Nark where they were greeted on deck by Captain Folsom and Lieutenant
Summers.

At once the speedy craft got under way again, and was soon edging
seaward yet with the low coast line on her bow, a creaming smother of
water under her forefoot. Lieutenant Summers, after greeting the boys
pleasantly, returned to his duties. Leaning over the rail with them,
Captain Folsom began to speak of the liquor smugglers.

No trace had been found of Higginbotham, he said. Inquiry had been
made at the McKay Realty Company offices, but Mr. McKay who was said
to be out of the city on business, had not yet returned, and nobody
else could be found who could give any information of Higginbotham's
haunts. It was learned he led a bachelor existence and had rooms at a
downtown apartment hotel. The hotel had been visited, but Higginbotham
had not put in an appearance nor called by telephone.

A search warrant had