Steve sounded hurt. "Fine thing," he said, wounded. "No faith, huh? Ever hear of the Coast Guard's courtesy inspection service?" "Sure. They'll inspect your boat for safety." "That's it. And that's the gag we used. We sent a brand-new ensign, a real boyish type. He checked half a dozen boats before he got to the houseboat. When he pulled alongside and offered a courtesy investigation, they invited him aboard like an old friend." "What did he find?" Rick asked excitedly. "Nothing. All was in order, and the boat had plenty of extinguishers, life jackets, and other safety items, so he gave it a clean bill of health. They fed him iced tea and cookies, and waved good-by as if he was their long-lost son." "What kind of people were they?" "Two middle-aged couples. Business partners, from Trenton, and their wives. We got the names from him and checked. They really are partners, in a used-car business. Sorry, Rick. Looks like another dead end. The Coast Guard drew a blank this time." "But there isn't another pram within miles of Spindrift," Rick objected. "All right. We'll be keeping an eye on these people, but we have no grounds for any action. Any luck with the barber?" "We haven't tried yet," Rick told him. "Tomorrow's the day. We've been getting the Megabuck network completed in case we need to communicate." "Okay. Good luck, and keep me informed." "I will, Steve." Rick hung up and returned to the porch, deep in thought. To the waiting trio he said, "A blank. Nothing. Looks like the barber is still our best lead." "That houseboat is in it, too," Barby stated positively. "How do you know?" Scotty asked. "It's too flashy," Barby explained. "Too bright. Really nice people wouldn't have a boat that color. You wait and see, they're in this somehow!" Rick shook his head, more in sorrow than in anger. "Good thing the boat isn't bright red," he said wearily. "That would really be proof they're criminals!" CHAPTER XIII The Megabuck Mob Acts Barby Brant flew up the stairs and ran down the hall, skidding to a stop in front of Rick's door. Then, conscious that her burst of speed was less than dignified, she drew herself up and tapped on the door gently. Rick had just finished dressing. He opened the door, and his eyebrows went up at Barby's poorly concealed excitement. "What's up?" he demanded. "Atom bomb ticking in the library or something?" Barby made a heroic effort to be casual. "I just thought you might be interested. The houseboat is anchored in North Cove." Rick was very much interested! North Cove was between Spindrift and Whiteside pier. He felt a tingle of excitement. Was the enemy closing in? "Did you see it?" he asked. "No, but Dad did. He went over to pick up the morning papers, and there it was. It must have gone by during the night."