think you will have any trouble about that," replied Dory. "He
wanted me to take him on board this morning, but I believe he will take
the boat away from me as soon as he comes on board."

"Don't you be alarmed about that, Dory. I can take care of him when I
get him within reach of my hand," added the detective.

"I believe he is as ugly as sin itself, and I think he hates me worse
than he does the Evil One himself. I have given him a big run the last
two days, and I gave him a chance to find the bottom twice."

"I will look out for you, Dory. I don't want him to know we are on board
of the boat till we get over to the other side of the lake," added
Peppers. "He will look into this cabin the first thing he does after he
comes on board. Can't you give us the key, and let us lock ourselves in,
Dory?"

"You can't lock the doors on the inside," answered Dory. "When the slide
is drawn, a hasp comes down from it, and all the doors are fastened with
a padlock."

"Then why can't you lock us in? You won't tip the boat over while we are
in here, will you?" asked the detective, as he thrust his head out far
enough to enable him to see the steamer, which was not more than a
quarter of a mile distant by this time.

"I will agree not to tip you over; but I can't tell what else may
happen, if I take such a fellow as Pearl Hawlinshed on board."

"If you have any trouble with him, all you have to do is to unlock the
door, and let us out; and we will take care of you."

"All right! I am satisfied to do any thing you say," added Dory, as he
went forward, drew the slide, and locked his passengers into the cabin.

By the change in the position of the ballast the boat was kept in good
trim. She dashed merrily through the water, and in a few minutes more
she was describing a circle around the grounded steamer.

CHAPTER XIX.

PEARL HAWLINSHED RESORTS TO VIOLENCE.

"Hallo! is that you, Dory Dornwood?" shouted Pearl Hawlinshed, as the
Goldwing came within hail of the steamer. "Come alongside, and take me
on board!"

"All right!" replied the skipper of the schooner, as he hauled in the
sheets with all his might.

"Take me on board, and I will make it all right with you," continued
Pearl, who did not seem to believe that Dory intended to take him on
board.

The skipper had brought the boat about so that all her sails were
shaking, but she had headway enough to carry her to the port quarter of
the steamer.

"Be all rea