Part 45 (1/2)
”We can soon fix 'em,” muttered Loring. ”We'll get Sculley to go after them.”
The launch ahead was signaled and soon came up alongside.
”What's wanted now?”
”Take me aboard and I'll tell you,” answered Baxter, and he and Pick Loring boarded the launch.
In the meantime the two girls had placed the oars into the rowlocks and were rowing off as fast as their strength would permit.
”Oh, Dora, do you think we can get away!” gasped Nellie.
”We must! Do your best, and keep time with me.”
”But which way are we going?”
”I don't know, yet. The best we can do is to keep away from the lights of the houseboat.”
Stroke after stroke was taken in dire desperation, and after a while they had the satisfaction of seeing the lights of the houseboat fading away in the distance.
All was gloom and mist around them and they stopped rowing, not knowing in which direction to turn next.
”We are lost on the river,” said Nellie.
”Yes, but that is better than being in the hands of our enemies,”
was Dora's answer.
”Yes, Dora, ten times over. But what shall we do next?”
”Let us try to row crosswise with the current. That is sure to bring us to sh.o.r.e sooner or later.”
This they set out to do, and after a while felt certain that they were drawing close to the river bank on the north.
”We are getting there!” cried Nellie. ”Oh, Dora, aren't you glad?”
Scarcely had she spoken when they saw a light behind them, and a long launch came unexpectedly into view. In the bow stood Dan Baxter with a lantern.
”I thought I heard their oars,” cried that rascal. ”Here they are!”
”Pull, pull, Nellie!” cried Dora. ”Pull, or we shall be captured!”
Both of the girls rowed with all their strength, but before they could gain the sh.o.r.e, which was now less than two rods away, the launch came up and made fast to the rowboat.
”Might as well give it up,” said Dan Baxter, sarcastically. ”It's no use, as you can see.”
”Oh, Mr. Baxter, do let us go!” pleaded Nellie, more terrorized than ever before.
”Not much! You have got to go back to the houseboat.”
At this Nellie gave a loud scream, and Dora immediately followed with a prolonged call for help.