Part 23 (1/2)
The supplies were purchased and, in a little while the other boys arriving took Bart and Fenn aboard. Then the trip up the river was resumed. They kept on until late in the afternoon, as their double breakfast did away with the necessity for dinner. On the way they pa.s.sed a number of steamers and barges bound for Lake Erie. Some of them were loaded with lumber and other commodities, while several were going up the river empty, to get freight.
The boys found a fine place to camp that night and liked it so well they remained there three days. They had pleasant weather and thoroughly enjoyed themselves, paddling about, fis.h.i.+ng and going in swimming.
They decided they would go no further up the stream, and, having camped out at their last stop for another day they packed up for the return trip. The weather, which had been fine, seemed threatening, and they had not brought along clothing or blankets which would serve in case of rain.
”We'll make it in two stages,” said Bart, referring to the home journey.
”One night's camp will fix it so's we'll not be all tired out when we get home.”
They started early in the morning, and planned to camp just above Woodport. It was nearly dusk when they neared the town.
”Hark!” exclaimed Ned, as the boats were gliding along close to sh.o.r.e.
”Do you fellows hear anything?”
They all listened.
”Sounds like some one paddling a canoe behind us,” spoke Bart.
”That's what I think. I've been hearing it for the last ten minutes,”
Ned went on. ”Some one is following us.”
”Maybe it's that tramp,” suggested Fenn.
”I'm going to find out,” Ned remarked. ”You and Frank row along slowly, Bart, and I'll surprise whoever it is.”
It was now quite dark. The noise made by the oars drowned the sound of the paddles, if the unknown was still following the chums.
Ned was busy in the stern of the boat. He twisted a torch from papers and then soaked the end in kerosene oil from the lantern they had.
”Stop rowing,” he whispered to his chums, ”but keep the oars in motion so they'll make a noise as if we were still going. He'll think we're are on the move and keep after us.”
Frank and Bart did as Ned suggested. They could not hear the sound of the paddle but Ned could. Suddenly there was a little glow of light as Ned struck a match. Then there was a burst of flame as the oil-soaked paper caught. Ned tossed it away from the boat. It blazed up brightly and in the glare, as it floated on the water, the boys saw a canoe just behind them.
But the greatest surprise was occasioned by a sight of the paddler. As the light gleamed on him the chums saw he was Sandy Merton.
”Sandy!” exclaimed Ned.
Then the light went out, making the darkness blacker than before.
CHAPTER XXI
AT THE FAIR
”Quick! Hand me some more paper!” exclaimed Ned.
Bart pa.s.sed him a wad. Without stopping to put oil on it Ned lighted the twisted torch. As the flame grew in brightness he held it above his head to cast a glow over the water. But there was no canoe in sight save the one trailing behind their own boat.
”He's gone!” exclaimed Fenn.