“Second,” said Bob. “Third. Don’t you remember how we lost him in Boston the day we bought things for the boat? And found him sitting in the cockpit eating caramels when we reached the wharf?” “That’s so,” laughed Nelson. “If we were detectives all we’d have to do would be to go to the candy stores and describe him.” “Wherever he is,” said Bob, “I suppose he doesn’t know whether we’ve returned to New London or gone on to New Haven or somewhere else.” “All he has to do is to go back to the place we left him,” said Dan. “And if he ever does come back I vote we forbid him to leave the boat alone. We’ll never get anywhere if we have to stop all along the way and look for him.” “Well,” said Nelson, “we’ll go up to the hotel again after a while and leave word for him in case he comes there to inquire.” “It would be just like him to jump a train and go home to Chicago,” observed Dan. “Don’t believe he has money enough,” Nelson replied. “He probably didn’t have any with him,” said Bob. “He had his ducks on, didn’t he?” “No, he wore that old gray suit of his,” Dan answered. “But I guess you’re right about the money. I doubt if he had a cent.” “Well, he’ll manage all right,” said Nelson cheerfully. “He has plenty of cheek, you know. If he doesn’t show up by afternoon we’d better go and have a look for him just as soon as the weather will let us. We’ll run back to the cove and go ashore. He’s probably in some farm-house around there.” Just before noon they wandered up the wharf and across the tracks to the station, for want of anything more exciting to do, and stood on the platform for a while watching the trains come and go. Finally Bob said: “Come on, fellows; if I stay here any longer I’ll just have to get on a train and go somewhere!” “That’s what I’m going to do,” said Dan resolutely. “I’m going to New York.” “What?” exclaimed the others. “I might as well. We can’t get out of here before to-morrow and I can be at home by three, spend the night and get back here by nine or ten to-morrow. Do you fellows mind?” “Of course not,” answered Nelson. “You see, I haven’t seen the folks since the Spring recess,” said Dan. “And I’m only three hours from New York, and——” “Guess I’ll take a run up to Portland,” said Bob with a smile. “And I’ll go with you as far as Boston,” said Nelson. “If you really rather I wouldn’t go—” began Dan. “Nonsense!” exclaimed Nelson. “We don’t mind. Go ahead. It’s a good scheme. But mind you don’t forget to come back!” “Not likely! I’ll be here to-morrow forenoon. Come on over to the boat and help me put some things in a bag. There’s a train in about twelve minutes.”