"What were you two doing last night?" he asked casually. Harry started. "Then you heard us?" "I did," said his father. "You were out of the door before I quite realized what was going on, and it didn't seem altogether wise to commence talking when you came back, but that's not the point. You haven't answered my question." "We went in swimming," Harry informed him with a grin. "Considering that most people would prefer to swim in daylight, I wonder if you had any particular reason for choosing the middle of the night?" mused Mr. Oliver thoughtfully. "Why, yes," was Harry's answer. "I've a notion it was rather a good one. I wanted the Siwash to see us in the water, because it would explain the thing. There were at least two of them about the beach, though only one left the rancherie after we came into it." "Then the fellow must have gone out a good deal more quietly than you did, because I didn't hear him. I suppose you felt you had to get after him and see what he was doing?" Mr. Barclay smiled and waved his hand. "Sure," he broke in. "The temptation would be irresistible. What else would you expect from two enterprising youngsters like these, who have no doubt been studying detective literature and the exploits of other young men in the brave old jayhawking days?" A flush crept into Harry's face, but he answered quietly: "Well, it's perhaps as well we went, because I can tell you what the Siwash were watching for. We saw the schooner." Mr. Barclay gave a sudden start and cast a significant glance at Mr. Oliver. "The dramatic climax! There's no doubt you have sprung it upon us smartly, but now you have worked it off you can go ahead with the tale." Harry told him what they had seen and when he had finished Mr. Barclay seemed to be considering the matter ponderously. Then he turned to Mr. Oliver. "It seems to me there's nothing more to keep us here." "No," said the rancher. "On the other hand, it might, perhaps, be better if we waited until those canoes arrive--if it's only for the look of the thing."