paddle in hand. As they
expected to drift with the current, always swift in these deep Florida
streams, there was no need of additional motive power; though Tony had
also picked up another paddle, as if he meant to assist.

So they started away. Looking back Larry could for some time see the
lanterns gleaming aboard the snug motor boat, and how his heart went
out to the cozy little craft. If only he and Phil were again aboard,
and many miles below this settlement of the lawless shingle-makers, how
delighted he would be. He even gave a deep sigh that was akin to a
groan when a turn of the river blotted out the glow of those twin
lights, and darkness profound surrounded them.

There was only the mysterious gurgling of the black water, or the
measured dip of the paddle, with its consequent dripping of unseen
drops, to tell that they were speeding swiftly along; though if he
looked shoreward Larry could see the bordering trees passing in solemn
review, and in this fashion might realize just how fast they were
progressing.

No one said a word during the little voyage. Phil was busy with his
own thoughts, and arranging his programme for the expected interview
with McGee, when he meant to spring his surprise on the gruff giant.
Larry on his part had apparently lost all inclination to speak; which
was something quite out of the common with him, since he liked to hear
himself talk, and believed that a budding lawyer should always find
something to say.

Tony was dumb with a nameless fear. He knew the violent rage into
which this father of his could fly, and he dreaded lest while in such a
state McGee do that which he might always regret. And the giant in
turn was puzzling his brain with the intricacies of the problem by
which he was faced.

Larry felt a hand twitch his arm.

"Look ahead," said the voice of his chum in his ear; and upon raising
his head, and casting his eyes beyond the prow of the long dugout, he
discovered lights.

"The village!" he exclaimed; but it would be hard to discover anything
like pleasure in the quavering voice with which he said this.

"Thet's it!" observed Tony, listlessly.

McGee made no remark, but continued to ply the paddle. Presently the
boat was headed in toward the shore. Phil saw that it would have been
next to impossible for the Aurora to have passed by here without being
discovered; unless they had picked out an hour between midnight and
dawn, when all the settlement mi