ill save us some time when we get started down
the river again."

So thinking, the boy stepped lightly aboard. His footfalls were
deadened by the wet, so that he gained the forward end of the "shanty"
without attracting attention. The door was closed, and Winn was
startled to note how very familiar that gable end of the building
looked. He raised his hand to knock at the door, when suddenly it was
flung open, and a harsh voice asked, "What do you want? and what are
you doing here, young man?"

As Winn was about to reply his glance penetrated the interior of the
"shanty," and for an instant he stood speechless.

CHAPTER XXV.

THE RAFT AND THE SHOW-BOAT CHANGE CREWS.

It must be remembered that while Winn would have recognized Mr. Gilder,
he had not seen the other "river-traders," Plater and Grimshaw. Of
these two, the former had not set eyes on the lad whose raft they had
stolen; but the latter had caught a glimpse of him, and now, as he
noted Winn's startled glance into the interior of the "shanty," it
flashed into his mind who this intrusive boy was.

The "river-traders" had not really expected Winn to follow them. They
imagined that after he escaped from the island, which they hoped he
would not do for several days, he would be glad enough to make the best
of his way home. Still, they had taken the precaution of disguising
the _Venture_ by throwing the wheat overboard, tearing down the
buildings in which it had been stowed, and erecting a tent in place of
one of them. As they were well provided with various changes of wigs
and beards, they felt quite safe until Billy Brackett boarded the raft
for the second time, and made inquiries for one having three
"shanties." Then they realized that a search was being made for them,
or, at least, for the craft from which they were operating.

They felt somewhat easier when one of their number, detailed to watch
the movements of their unwelcome visitor, returned and reported that he
had gone back up the river. Still, they thought it well to again alter
the appearance of the raft by removing the tent, and so lengthening the
"shanty" as to materially change its aspect. They also allowed the
raft to drift night and day for nearly five hundred miles without a
pause. Then, again feeling safe from pursuit, they tied up just below
the City of Alton, Illinois, and prepared to resume their dishonest
business.

Their plan of operations was to purchase goods wherev