The others expressed their pleasure, and Dean knew Jack Carboy felt disappointed when he gently declined his aid in his effort to ferret out his enemies. He felt that he could work better alone, though he did promise to call on Jack the moment he should be needed. Some of the people came forward to speak to him and Dean was glad when he could break away and truly feel that he was free. The vital question for him to decide upon then was his method or way of proceeding. CHAPTER XXIX. THE SECRET ENEMY. Among those at the hearing when Dean so unexpectedly obtained his freedom for a time was Colonel Darringford, his countenance showing his disappointment and displeasure as the young prisoner was allowed his liberty. Prefacing his bitter speech with an oath he exclaimed to a bystander: “That’s the biggest piece of imposition I ever heard of. But it is just like Judge Oglesby, and if he can stand it I suppose I can. But the people should rise up in justice and hang the young miscreant.” Dean heard this cutting remark, but did not catch the reply. In his anxiety to start upon his quest, he did not give the matter a second thought, taking it as a natural product of the enmity of the other. He knew the _Warrior_ was undergoing expensive repairs and had heard that Colonel Darringford threatened to sue the owner of the ill-fated _Spray_ for damages, but nothing had come of the threat. In fact, it could be shown that the commander of the _Warrior_ had been in the wrong. Two or three small boats plied between Millville and Landlock, and as the stage had left an hour before, Dean decided to take passage on one of these boats. He found that a small gasoline launch would start in ten minutes, and having nothing better to do he went aboard at once. Not over ten passengers could be accommodated, according to the rules, and as Dean made the ninth person he considered himself fortunate. Dean Mercer had been aboard the little craft with the fanciful name of the _Buoyant_ a few minutes, when half a dozen persons were seen to be approaching at rapid steps. “They know only one more can be taken on,” remarked the captain, with a smile, as in common with the others he began to watch the newcomers. Presently two were seen to break away from the rest and approach at a run. Then one of this couple began to outdistance the other, and soon he was within hearing of the boat. By this time Dean Mercer was excited. The foremost person was Marcus Ellison! “I want passage on the boat!” he cried. “No; it belongs to me!” shouted the man close at his heels. “By Jove!” cried the elated commander of the _Buoyant_, “it’s a handsome race, but the lad has outrun you, sir. Old Cap’n Dodge is detarmined to see fair play. The _Buoyant_ can’t take but one passenger more, and he must be the boy.” The man may not have heard the last portion of this reply, or if he did he did not heed its meaning, for he continued to advance without abating his speed.