Frank proceeded straight to the home of Howard Dustan, despite the hour, and rang the bell. Ten minutes later he was talking with Howard himself. “What is this you tell me?” cried Dustan, in amazement. “Your yacht stolen?” “Yes. It was taken while we were at the party to-night. I suppose it was careless to leave it unguarded, but I fancied Parker Flynn was out of the way, so there was little danger that it would be molested. But Martin Woodock warned me to-night that Flynn was alive and in Belfast.” “Good gracious! What will you do?” “Pursue the robbers.” “How will you do it?” “I have come to you to help me. I want to hire a small, fast steam launch. Do you know where I can get such a boat, and have it ready to leave at sunrise to-morrow?” Dustan whistled, and appeared thoughtful. “I am not certain,” he said, slowly. “My uncle owns such a boat, but I do not think you can get her, for he always goes with her, and he is ill in bed.” “Does your uncle live in the city?” “Yes.” “How far away?” “About a mile.” “I know it is asking considerable of you, Dustan, but it will be a great favor if you will go with me to your uncle’s house. I wish to get a boat before morning, for I don’t want the curs who stole my yacht to get too much of a start. Perhaps I can fix it so your uncle will let me have his launch.” “I doubt it, but I will go with you.” Howard retired into the house to get his coat and hat, for he had come out in his shirt sleeves. He was not gone more than two minutes. Twenty minutes later the boys had obtained admission to the home of Howard’s uncle, and Frank was talking to the sick man. At first it seemed that Merry would not be successful, but he produced five hundred dollars in money, which he agreed to leave in the man’s possession to insure him against any damage to the launch, and he offered a remarkable sum per day for her use. Howard used his influence, and, at last, Frank won. “It will be necessary for Howard to go with you,” said the man, “for he is commissioned to run such a boat, and you are not.” “I shall be only too glad to go,” declared Dustan. ------------------------------------------------------------------------ CHAPTER XI NEWS OF THE STOLEN YACHT. Frank Merriwell showed his abilities as a hustler, for at sunrise he was on board the steam launch _Fox_, and ready to start in pursuit of his stolen yacht. The _Fox_ was lying at a wharf some distance above the steamboat wharf. She was coaled for a trip, and steam was up as the sun rose out of the bay beyond the monument in the harbor. Diamond, Hodge and Dustan were to accompany Frank. As the launch was small, Merriwell did not wish to overload her, so Browning and Dunnerwust were to be left behind.