iously.

"It isn't for me to say," Tom replied crisply. "It's a job for a judge
and a jury."

"Then I'm to be a prisoner?"

"That's for the policeman here to say."

"You're a prisoner, my man," nodded the policeman. "Now, sail your boat
into the landing over yonder."

"Some one else will sail it," retorted the skipper, angrily, as he
abandoned his tiller.

"I'll take the tiller," Harry suggested, and did so. He hauled in the
sheet, brought the boat around and headed for the landing with the skill
of an old sailor.

"My man, since you don't want to sail the boat you'll have to go as a real
prisoner," announced the policeman. He produced a pair of handcuffs,
snapping them over the man's wrists.

In a short time Harry brought the sailboat up to the landing. The motor
boat had followed, but did not come all the way in. After the sail had
been lowered and made snug the party took up its way, on foot, to the
nearby town of Blixton.

Justice Sampson was found, and consented to open court immediately.
Officer Carnes brought his prisoners forward, stating the charge. The
young engineers and the army officer gave their testimony.

"The prisoners are held for trial, and bail fixed at five thousand dollars
in each case," decided the court.

The torpedo had been left on the sloop, in charge of a foreman. The
justice now ordered two officers to go back and bring over the torpedo,
which was to be held until a chemist could examine and take samples of
whatever explosive might be found inside.

As Dick was a United States Army officer, under orders to proceed to his
post within the next few days, the court reduced his testimony to writing,
and permitted Prescott to sign this under oath.

It had been a busy forenoon. Now it was time for luncheon, and the three
chums returned to the house to eat. In the afternoon they visited the
wall, remaining there until four o'clock. On their return to the house
Tom and Harry were greeted by Mr. Prenter, who had been waiting for them.

"I heard the news of last night's doings, and to-day's, and came right
down," explained the treasurer of the Melliston Company. "Reade, I'm
glad to be able to say that you appear to have brought us to the end of
the explosion troubles."

"Or else we're just starting with that trouble," Reade smiled wistfully.
"Mr. Prenter, I must say that there appears to be no end to the surprises
with which our enemies are capable of supplying us."

To