“A licking,” said Chub. “Hand me the prize, please.” “Oh, no; this was a remedy for throat trouble. He gave him cherry _bawl-some_.” “That’s great,” laughed Chub. The conundrums continued until Dick asked one that broke up the meeting. That was: “How long will it take to get Chub up in the morning if we don’t go to bed right away?” “That’s the easiest yet,” said Roy. “The answer’s half an hour.” “Wait, please!” cried Harry. “I’ve just thought of a lovely one. You know this, papa, and so you mustn’t guess. What’s the difference between a spiritualist and a sailor?” “I’ve heard that,” said Dick. “It’s something about ghosts, isn’t it?” “Yes, but you mustn’t tell,” warned Harry. “Do you know it, Chub?” “What, that? Huh, that was the first conundrum I ever made up! I got a prize for that!” “Then what’s the answer, smarty?” “Why--er--one goes to sea in the day and the other goes to see in the dark. Come on, fellows.” “That’s not right, Chub! Do you all give it up? Well, the answer is, one sees to ghosts and the other goes to sea.” “Wasn’t that what I said?” demanded Chub from the steps. “Hasn’t she simply taken the words from my mouth, Dick?” “No, she hasn’t,” laughed Dick. “Anyhow,” said Chub aggrievedly, “it isn’t as nice as one I know about a chestnut.” “Huh, I guess that’s what it is--about a chestnut!” “Listen, Dickums!” Chub pulled Dick after him down the steps and held him against the side of the boat. “I’ll tell you, Dickums, and no one else. You’ve been a good friend to me. Don’t squirm so! Give me your full attention. Now: What’s the difference between a good chestnut and a bad chestnut? Answer: A worm. Cute, isn’t it? Laugh, Dickums, laugh, or I’ll drop you overboard!” * * * * * The next morning after breakfast Roy and Dick set out in search of vegetables and eggs, milk and chickens, the doctor trudged off with his fishing-rod, and Chub and Harry went to the store. When they arrived, the curtains in the windows were still down, and the note still hung on the door. “She didn’t get back last night, I guess,” said Chub, as he unlocked the door and threw it wide open. [Illustration: The till was empty] “I do wonder when she will come,” murmured Harry. “Of course we can’t stay here much longer. Papa said at breakfast that he thought we ought to try a new fishing-place.” “My, but he loves to fish, doesn’t he?” laughed Chub, as he raised the curtains and let the sunlight in. “Any mail this morning?” “Not a bit,” answered Harry. “Let’s take that list, Chub, and get the things together we’re to take back to the boat.” “All right. I wonder what I did with it. If I’ve gone and lost it--no, here it is. Kerosene--hello!” “What?” cried Harry. Chub pointed to the counter half-way down the store. One glance was sufficient for Harry. With a cry of alarm, she darted to the money-drawer and pulled it open. “Oh, Chub!” she wailed despairingly. The till was empty. CHAPTER XXII CLUES