"I know he is innocent," answered Chet, stubbornly. "I trust that you prove to be right, Chet," was all the explorer could say. As the steamer drew southward the weather became milder, until it was a real pleasure to be on deck. The boys discarded their furs, which they hung up as relics of the great trip. "Looking back, it seems like a dream, doesn't it?" said Andy. "A good deal that way," responded his chum. "I suppose by this time the whole country is talking about what Dr. Cook and Commander Peary have done." "More than likely." At last they reached Halifax, and all in a quiver of excitement Chet made inquiries regarding his father. He learned that Mr. Greene had had a chance to ship for Portland, Maine, and had done so, eight days previously. "I'll meet him there!" cried Chet. "So you will," answered Andy. "For we are going to Portland instead of Rathley." The run to Portland was made without special incident, and as soon as the _Ice King_ had tied up, Chet went ashore, with Andy, to hunt up the _Evans_. He found that the craft lay at a dock three blocks away and soon covered the distance. She had come in the day before, and was busy unloading her cargo. "So you are Tolney Greene's son, eh?" said the captain to Chet. "I've heard of you, for your father spoke of you several times." "And where is he?" "Started for home yesterday--to find you, he said, and to catch a rascal named Hopton, who had gotten him into trouble." "Hopton!" ejaculated Andy, who was present. "Do you mean a man named A. Q. Hopton?" "That's the fellow. Mr. Greene had it in for him good and proper. He committed some kind of a crime, and then fixed it on Mr. Greene, but Greene had the evidence against him--picked it up somewheres, just after signing to go on the _Betsey Andrews_." This was all the captain of the _Evans_ could say, but it was enough, and without delay Chet arranged to go to Pine Run, and Andy said he would go along. Barwell Dawson agreed to meet them later, and insisted upon giving each youth a small roll of bankbills, for expenses. It was midsummer, and hot,--a big contrast to the weather which the lads had so recently experienced. As the train rolled toward their home they discussed Mr. Greene's affairs, and wondered how Mr. A. Q. Hopton had gotten him into trouble. "But he is equal to it," said Andy. "I know that by the way he tried to treat me, and how he tried to pull the wool over Uncle Si's eyes." "Where do you suppose your Uncle Si is now?" "Hanging around, most likely, waiting for something to turn up," replied Andy. "I hope you're not going to let him have any of that money Mr. Dawson gave you." "Not a cent. If he wants any money, he'll have to go to work and earn it." At last the two youths reached Pine Run, and both walked to the general store, that being the center for information as well as supplies. The storekeeper looked at them in surprise. "Back again, eh?" he cried. "Have you seen my father?" questioned Chet.