"All ready to sail?" "Yes." "Then let us make off at once." "Dat's it," put in Buddy Girk. "I'm afraid the police will let down on us any minit." "The trouble is, that other boat I mentioned is after us." "How many are on board?" "The three Rover boys and an old sailor." "Four, and we'll be five, not counting the woman you mentioned. I don't think I am afraid of the Rovers," returned Arnold Baxter. "Besides, can't we get away from them in the dark without their knowing what is up?" "Perhaps we can," said the son slowly. "The trouble is--What's that?" Dan Baxter stopped short, as a cracking sound broke upon their ears. Dick had stepped on a rotten board, and it went down. His foot was caught and held at the ankle, and before he could extricate himself Arnold Baxter and Buddy Girk had him in their grasp. "Dick Rover again!" ejaculated Arnold Baxter. "Where did you come from?" "Your son can tell you that," answered Dick. "Let go of me!" "To be sure I will!" returned the elder Baxter sarcastically. "Are you alone?" "You can look for yourself." "I don't see no buddy here," announced Girk, as he held up the candle. "Maybe somebody is downstairs." "I'll go down and see," put in Dan Baxter. Fearful that Sam might be caught, Dick did his best to break away. "Sam! Sam! look out for yourself!" he yelled. "Don't let them catch you! Call Tom and Harris, and the police, quick!" "Hang the luck!" muttered Arnold Baxter. "We must cut for it, and be lively about it, too." "Take de swag," said Girk, referring to a tin box hidden under the flooring of the factory. In this was hidden the money and securities stolen from Rush and Wilder. He ran off to get the box. In the meantime Arnold Baxter stood undecided as to what to do. Then he raised his fist and struck Dick with an unexpected blow to the temple. "Take that, you imp!" he cried, and the youth went down at full length more than half stunned. In the meantime Sam heard the rapid footsteps and the cry of alarm, and his heart leapt to throat. Then, as Dan Baxter and Mumps came towards him, he retreated in the direction of the _Searchlight_, giving the danger signal as he ran. "I've got de box!" shouted Buddy Girk to Arnold Baxter. "Wot's de next move?" "Follow me," said Dan Baxter. "And lose no time. That other boy will soon have the whole neighborhood aroused." Away went the crowd out of the factory, the bully leading. Once down in the meadow, Dan Baxter hurried them off in the direction of a tiny cove where the _Flyaway_ lay at anchor, with Bill Goss on watch at the stern and Mrs. Goss in the cabin with Dora. As quickly as they could do so, one after another tumbled on board of the yacht. They heard cries in the distance, as Tom and Martin Harris leaped ashore to join Sam.