If Tom and Bob had beaten them before, they could not do it now. Harvey’s paddle went into the water with a strength that was well-nigh doubled with excitement. Moreover, if there had been any possible doubt in their minds as to whether there was really anybody aboard the _Viking_, that doubt was dispelled by a faint gleam of light showing from out the cabin door. “How can that be?” exclaimed Harvey. “I sprung that lock, myself.” They were alongside, next moment, and aboard, with the light lines that held the canoes quickly made fast. Rushing to the companionway, Harvey cried, angrily: “Here! Who’s that down there? What are you doing?” The man, springing up, and holding the lantern in one hand, disclosed the features of their friend, Mr. Carleton. “Hello!” he said. “Say, this is too bad.” “You bet it’s too bad!” cried Harvey, interrupting him. “What do you mean by breaking in here?” Mr. Carleton, setting down the lantern, emerged from the cabin. “I really must apologize,” he said, coolly. “I simply couldn’t wait—” “Yes, but you could wait!” Harvey broke in, hotly, and advancing toward Mr. Carleton. “It’s no way to do, to sneak out here in the night and smash our things.” “See here, young man,” exclaimed Mr. Carleton, himself warming a little, though his voice was calm and modulated, “I wouldn’t try to threaten me, if I was you, don’t you know. I might get angry, too. I—” “Do it!” cried Harvey, excitedly. “Get angry. I’d just like to have you. Just give us a chance and see what happens.” “And what might that be?” demanded Mr. Carleton, sharply. “I’ll tell you,” replied Harvey. “We’ll throw you overboard. Say, fellows, won’t we?” “We certainly will,” answered Henry Burns, calmly. “Say the word, Jack,” said Bob. The four boys approached Mr. Carleton. He eyed them for a moment threateningly. They were certainly sturdy opponents. And that his intended threat had been without avail, and that they were thoroughly fearless and ready to act, there could be no doubt. Mr. Carleton’s demeanour altered. “Good! I like your pluck,” he laughed. “Really, I think I’d do the same thing if I were in your place. I don’t blame you, and I was sorry I was so hasty, the moment I had done it. You see, I’ve lost a very valuable ruby scarf-pin somewhere—a keepsake, too, don’t you know. I’ve worried myself just about frantic over it. Now I thought it must have fallen out when I was aboard here. So, when I found your cabin locked up, I simply couldn’t stand it any longer. “But I’ll make any amends in my power,” he added. “I’ll come out to-morrow, and I’ll bring the best lock that money will buy over in Bellport. I’ll send over for it first thing.” “Hadn’t you better go ashore now?” suggested Henry Burns. “Why, yes,—good night,—I will,” replied Mr. Carleton. “Good night—I’m sorry it happened—I’ll fix it all right, though.” And, stepping into his boat alongside, he put out his oars and rowed away. “Never mind about that lock,” Henry Burns called out.