"Where else? When you said 'swim' last night, it gave me an idea. I'm some swimmer, Dave Dashaway. Always was. Took the prize in a contest in Plum Creek back at home one Fourth of July. I found a way out of that shut in place and made a jolly dive for shore." "But the skiff?" "You'll need one, won't you?" challenged Hiram. "Why, yes. I intended hiring one when I got across from the island." "So you said, and I acted. I did better than hiring a boat, Dave." "How is that?" "Bought one outright. I took my money with me. Found an old fellow who lets out a lot of boats for fishing, and made a bargain. The skiff isn't the staunchest craft on the lake. Leaks a little, and one oar has been split and mended, but it's all right for our little use. Four dollars and a half--and we can sell it for something when we get through using it." "You're a great fellow, Hiram, I must confess," said Dave admiringly. "I'd like to do something to help on this trip of ours, you know." "You've done a good deal this time, I can tell you that," declared Dave. "I can manage all my plans finely, now." They pulled the boat into the shelter of some rocks. Then they returned to the rocky hollow. A good breakfast was in order. Dave announced the importance of his getting to Anseton at once. An hour later the little skiff was launched once more. Dave rowed over to the mainland and lined the shore till well into city waters. He secured the skiff near a public pier, and started on foot for his destination. Left to himself on the island, Hiram proceeded to dry his clothing. Then he puttered about the machine. He read for an hour or two in a book on aeronautics he found in the basket, well on towards the afternoon. Hiram got tired of waiting for Dave. He went through the tunnel finally and roamed about on the rocky shore. There was more of scenery and variety here. The youth watched the boats in the distance. Then he made out the little skiff he had bought that morning making its way in and out among other craft between the island, and the mainland. "What's the news, Dave?" inquired Hiram, as they gained the camp after securing the skiff where it could not be easily seen or found. "The best ever," reported Dave cheerily. "Tell me about it, won't you?" "Well, I saw Mr. Price." "Is he here at Anseton?" "Yes, with his men. I had a long talk with him. He feels pretty good to know that we got here safely with the Monarch II. I told him all about the place where the moving picture man saw Jerry Dawson and the Chinaman. He thinks that is an excellent clew." "I should think it was," said Hiram. "He wants us to try and discover the Drifter. He says it's only a question of time, he and his men running down the smugglers. You see, Hiram, we are interested mainly in finding the aero-hydroplane, and getting it back to the Interstate people." "That's so." "And we must think of that first." "I understand."