"Is this the superintendent?" "Yes." "This is Halstead, aboard the 'Santee.'" "What is it, Halstead?" "Sir, the quartermaster has reported that a gasoline launch went alongside the 'Robert Centre' a few minutes ago and several people got out of the launch and went aboard the yacht; the gasoline launch is now drifting down the river and the 'Robert Centre' is tearing out into the bay." "Who were the people that got out of the launch?" "The quartermaster says they were strangers. One was a man with a red beard, and a little boy was along." "Had anybody intended to take the 'Robert Centre' out to-day?" "Yes, sir, Mr. Brooks and some friends of his. They are now being pulled out in the river in the 'Centre's' boat. What shall I do, sir?" "Hoist the 'Robert Centre's' recall. Secure the gasoline launch and keep it awaiting my orders. Have the quartermaster keep a good lookout on the 'Robert Centre' to see where she goes. Have you any steamer you could send for her?" "No, sir, the 'Standish' is out with the 'Nevada.'" "I think you'll find that the matter will be explained; it was probably a party of young officers out for a lark and a sail. Or it may have been some friends of officers; it will no doubt come out all right." Half an hour later the superintendent was again called up by the telephone. "This is the superintendent. What is it?" he asked. "I am Detective Cross, a Pinkerton detective. I traced the kidnappers of the Thompson boy to No Man's Creek, near the Severn, below Indian Landing. They saw me and shoved their boat off in a hurry, and went down river. The boy is with them. I've had a time finding a telephone in this forsaken country; keep a lookout for a green gasoline launch; it has a cabin in it--three kidnappers and Georgie Thompson were in the----" But the superintendent had heard enough and, ringing off the speaker, he commenced to do some rapid telephoning on his own account. CHAPTER XX SIX-POUNDER TARGET PRACTICE Graduation day drew near, bringing exultant happiness to Robert Drake. Not many more things could occur to him--the annual examinations were soon to be held, but these brought no terrors to Robert's mind. Most of the drills had been finished, and the first and second companies were now neck and neck in competition for the first place, with Blair's company slightly in the lead. The final standing now depended upon the records these respective companies made at target practice. Annapolis was now in ribboned and brass-buttoned glory. Proudly the brigade of midshipmen marched each afternoon for dress parade, and on the walks viewing them was much fluttering loveliness. Then, after dismissal, came pleasant, even if short, strolls through the grounds, in and about the shady walks. Robert was happy because of four years of hard work well done and well appreciated. He loved the place. Every tree on the grounds was an old friend, and every spot near and about old Annapolis called up pleasant memories.