Part 23 (2/2)

He was reasonably sure the eneth on which the Megabuck network operated, but there was no use taking any chances After each conversation he identified the sets with his own ah it was unlikely anyone could hear the conversation The little sets operated essentially on a line of sight because of the short wave length used They couldn't be heard beyond the horizon, if they were heard that far

After an hour of waiting, Barby called in high excitement Cap'n Mike was aboard the houseboat! The boys waited anxiously for some further report, but Barby was only able to say that the old seaman had departed after a ten-ain

At noon Jerry and Scotty slipped out for a sandwich When they returned, Rick and Duke went to eat According to Barby, all was quiet

Around one o'clock Cap'n Mike returned to Spindrift and reported a friendly conversation with the houseboaters They had anchored in North Cove because soood around there, which was a true statement

The retired skipper had only one additional comment, which Barby relayed The folks had been friendly, but he thought they were a little nervous, and anxious to get rid of him He had no other information of value

At midafternoon Jerry went on a brief sortie, came back, and reported business was slow in the barbershop, which was not unusual for a Tuesday The barber was reading a azine

Rick and Scotty were restless The chairs in the newspaper office were hard, and they had exhausted the reference materials on the bookshelf

Duke Barrows looked up froe isn't as adventurous as so but sitting And waiting Just as you're doing now”

Rick grinned back Duke was telling hi he didn't know He had waited like this before

Barby called urgently, ”Rick! The pra the outboard ht,” he said swiftly ”Let us knohich way he goes”

In a er We're !”

CHAPTER XIV

Surveillance--with Cereal

The plan of action had been set in advance Scotty hurried out, while Rick settled down to wait Scotty, using Jerry's car, would locate the houseboater at the pier Rick would stand by, ready to take over as necessary

A short tiabuck network ”I' the pram up”

”Can he see you?”

”Not unless he comes over and inspects the cars”

”Okay”

After a fewin the direction of Whiteside Thuive hinize you”

”He's hitchhiking,” Scotty explained ”He doesn't even know I exist”

”What are his chances?” Rick asked