Part 17 (2/2)

Rick intended to step in and break it up if that were the case

”The Virgin Islands sound wonderful,” Jerry was saying ”How long did Rick and the others stay with your family?”

”They never actually stayed with us,” Jan replied ”Of course we invited theet to Clipper Cay, they only stayed one night in town We ht, at Dr Ernst's

He's a ed Dad to take Mother andto take us, too, only everyone was back in Charlotte Arinned and went on his way Jan was talking with great assurance He didn't have to worry about Jerry breaking down the cover story

It was late when the party broke up Rick and Scotty took their guests to Whiteside Pier, where Duke had left his car As they roared up to the pier Rick had to swerve to avoid a pram, a blunt-ended rowboat, that had been tied carelessly in the place where he usually tied up

He wondered ned it Pra the coast

Jerry and Duke cliain for a fine dinner The talked off into the darkness toward the parking lot

Rick started to back out and head for home, then paused He was curious about the pram

”Hand ed ”What's up?”

”I'm curious Who around here has a pram?”

”No one I know That looks like a new one, too”

Rick pulled the little rowboat closer with the boat hook and turned the speedboat's searchlight on it, hoping to find a name

Suddenly both boys froze

”Was that a yell?” Rick asked

Scotty was already on his way up the pier ”Yes, fro lot

Co and secured it with a couple of fast half-hitches, then he hurried after Scotty

It was pitch dark in the parking lot, but they could hear sounds of a scuffle plainly now, and once there was a runt

It suddenly occurred to Rick that he hadn't heard Duke's car start He sprinted, calling to Scotty to look for a weapon Once, souns in this very spot He scooped up a couple of rocks, hoping no guns aiting this ti!”

There was a yell in reply Jerry Webster called, ”Watch it! They're running away!”

Car headlights switched on, and in their glare Rick saw Jerry pointing For ahis friends'

assailants, then abandoned the idea They could escape easily in the woods

”What happened?” Scotty demanded

[Illustration: ”_I'ot out of the car, nursing his head