e.

"I thought it was better to let him come and turn him over to you to
deal with than it was for us to have any trouble up there at Cape
Vincent."

"That's all right, Fred," said his grandfather. "I'll go right down
there and talk with him."

Fred watched his grandfather as he started toward the dock and then he
quickly entered the house and went to his room.

A half-hour later when he returned to the piazza and joined his friends
who already were seated there, his grandfather, bidding him follow him
to the library, said as soon as the door was closed behind them, "What
about that bond?"

"I told you all I know."

"You say it was a five thousand dollar bond?"

"Yes, sir."

"And a railroad bond?"

"Yes, sir."

"Do you remember which road?"

"Yes, sir. It was the New York Central."

"But you don't know what kind of a bond?"

"No, sir. I didn't know there was more than one kind."

"Perhaps you'll know more about that later," replied Mr. Button dryly.

"Did this man that came with us know anything more than we did about
it?"

Ignoring the question Mr. Button said, "Your friend has gone."

"Who? The man we brought with us?"

"Yes. I had Tom take him over to Alexandria Bay in the Jessie."

"And where is he going?" inquired Fred astounded by the statement of
his grandfather.

"He will go to Syracuse. Whether he will stay there or not I do not
know."

"But what did he say?" asked Fred somewhat impatiently. "Do you think
he stole the bond?"

"There are a good many things that are somewhat strange connected with
this affair. I am quite inclined to think your bond is good. About this
man, there are some matters that must be cleared up before I can make
any explanations to you." Rising as he spoke Mr. Button led the way
back to the piazza and Fred was convinced that it was useless for him
to talk any more, for the present at least, about the man or the bond.

The following morning the four Go Ahead boys set forth in the Black
Growler on a voyage on the river. Fred was eager to show the wonders of
the great St. Lawrence to his friends and equally desirous of trying
out the motor-boat.

In the time which was to intervene before the race was held he was
eager to make himself familiar with every feature of the marvelous
little craft. All things were novel and interesting to his companions,
both in the scenery through which they were passing and the detailed
parts of the Black Growler.

"My grandfat