Marcus also continued as fast as he could run, and chuckling over his triumph, no sooner had the youth gained the boat, than Captain Dodge ordered that the gangplank be taken up. “Full number of passengers; can’t take any more. Let on the power, engineer.” “Hold!” yelled the newcomer, as he heard the command of Captain Dodge. “Don’t you start that boat till you have read this order from its owner, Captain Darringford.” The next moment the man came quickly aboard, and no sooner had he stepped over the rail than the captain cried: “I can’t take you both. It’s agin’ the law.” “Put off the boy then!” cried the man. “I must and shall go. Colonel Darringford says so.” This statement evidently had some weight with the officer, and it seemed as if Marcus would be ordered to leave the boat. But the youth met him unflinchingly. “I was here ahead of him,” cried Marcus, “and if anybody gets off it must be him.” By this time the crowd had reached the dock, and others, attracted by the cries, had begun to collect upon the shore. Possibly fearing that he might have yet other passengers to get rid of, Captain Dodge ordered the plank to be taken up, and in a moment there was no chance for another to board the _Buoyant_. The engineer had obeyed orders, and the boat was starting upon her trip. “One can’t make much difference,” muttered the captain. “If there is a complaint I reckon I can show how you fellers were to blame.” Marcus showed no surprise at sight of Dean, though he did not attempt to get near him and did not speak to him. Something in his manner warned Dean that he had better remain silent, so the greeting he was about to make was not spoken. Wondering what it all could mean, Dean watched and waited for a word or hint from the other. This did not come until they had been an hour on the water, and the little craft was bowling merrily along her way. Marcus had managed to get a seat near to his friend, and finally he whispered: “Glad to see you, Dean, but we have got to be awful careful how we act and what we say.” “What’s up?” “Notice that man who came aboard right at my heels?” “Yes.” “He’s Colonel Darringford’s spy, sent to watch you and get you into trouble.” Dean started slightly, but managed to take the bit of news without betraying any evidence of having been surprised. “How?” Five minutes later, Marcus found opportunity to whisper: “I overheard the colonel telling him he would give this fellow five hundred dollars if he would stop you in what you are doing. The man has agreed to do it, if he has to kill you!” Another silence between the young friends lasted longer than before, when Marcus said in the same cautious tone: