"Can't," Rick said cheerfully. "Edible-type fish don't hang around waiting for boats to bring bowmen close." He climbed the rear ladder to the upper deck and joined his family. Hartson Brant smiled at his son. "Next time we let you go off by yourself don't get involved in mysteries. Then you won't have to bowhunt inedible sea animals." "It's fun," Rick returned. "I'd want to do it even if I could spear fish. Want to take a shot?" "I'll take a shot after you've boated your first ray." "Fair enough," Rick agreed. Mrs. Brant asked, "Where are we going, Rick?" He pointed to the peninsula. "Around that land. There's a creek on the other side called Tilghman Creek. The cruising guide says there's a good anchorage just inside. If it looks all right, well spend the night there. If not, we'll go across to the Wye River. Tomorrow we'll go down the Miles River to the town of St. Michaels and put in supplies." The scientist smiled at his wife. "It's nice to relax and have our children do the work and the thinking, isn't it?" "It's too good to last," Mrs. Brant returned. Barby and Jan were standing far forward, close to where the cabin top curved downward to the forward deck. Rick joined them. "This is fun!" Barby exclaimed. "Rick this houseboat was the best idea you ever had!" "We all should have traveled down together," Jan said. "Then the whole family could have been in on the case of the flying stingaree." "That will be the day," Barby replied. "When Rick Brant lets us in on any real adventures, I'll know the world is coming to an end." Her tone changed suddenly. "Look, we're getting into shallow water. Keep a sharp lookout!" Rick went down the ladder to the foredeck and tied his arrowhead to the fish line wound in the reel on his bow. He nocked the arrow and got ready to shoot. He looked up at the two pretty girls standing above him. "Let out a yell if you see a dark blot." Barby gave him a scornful look. "Of course we'll yell. Did you think we were standing here waiting for flying saucers to land?" The houseboat plowed through a patch of sea grass and emerged over sandy bottom. Rick kept careful watch, but he knew the girls would see the first sign of a ray before he did, because of their higher vantage point. Steve would enjoy this, he thought. The JANIG agent was back in Washington, his vacation interrupted again because of the work that remained on the case of Lefty Camillion. Lefty was in jail, too, along with his friends. Rick shook his head. He was still amazed at the mobster's stupidity in creating such an elaborate setup to get data that was his for the asking. Apparently it just hadn't occurred to Lefty that a rocket range could be without secrets.