“But he didn’t expect you quite so soon. Of course he run a risk, but now he thinks it is all right. No doubt he will keep an eye on all boats steering for the island while he is making the run to Bayport.” We were soon at work on the Catch Me. I got out the anchor rope, and by hard tugging we managed to slide the craft off the rocks upon which she was partly resting. Then by taking off our shoes and stockings, and wading in the shallow water, we dragged her out of the inlet, and anchored her some distance from shore. After this I made my way across the island to where I had left my small craft. I soon had her untied and over to the spot where I wanted her. Darrow then came on board, and we fastened the painter to the bow of the Catch Me, and started for the shore above the mill. “I don’t want to take her where Mr. Norton can see her,” I explained. “I want to keep her out of sight until I’ve seen Squire Slocum, and got his advice about my father’s estate. Even if the man is my uncle I don’t like him, and his actions seem very suspicious.” It did not take us long to cover the distance from Rock Island to the shore. Here I knew of a pretty little cove, well hidden by bushes, that was rarely visited. I ran into it, and there secured the Catch Me, intending to let her remain there until matters were more settled all around. “Now if you are done with me I’ll leave you right here,” said Darrow as I was about to go back to my small boat. “I want to go up the main road a bit, and see Gus Hallett.” A moment later I was left alone. I hoisted sail, and was soon standing down to the mill landing. As I approached, another boat rounded the bend. I saw that it contained two strangers, and Ben Pointer the Bend Center constable. “There is Stone now,” I heard Pointer say. “Is it? Then arrest him on the spot,” returned one of the strangers. “I am sure he is the thief.” CHAPTER X. A SURPRISE. I was never so astonished in my life as when I heard one of the new-comers in the boat order the constable to arrest me at once. I had done no wrong, and I could not make the matter out. “Hullo, Stone!” sang out Constable Pointer. “Hold up; we want to see you.” “I’m going to tie up at the landing,” I replied; and as I spoke I lowered the sail. The two men in the other boat did the same, and soon all hands were standing on the little wharf. “What do you want of me, Pointer?” I inquired, looking from one to the other of the three men. “He’s going to arrest you, young man,” replied the elder of the two others. “Arrest me! What for?” “You know well enough.” “I haven’t the least idea,” I returned. “I haven’t done anything wrong.” “Too thin! Do you know who I am?” “I do not.” “My name is Williams――Richard Williams, and I’m the owner of the Catch Me, the craft you have stolen.” I was rather surprised at this speech, but relieved to think that I was not accused of some other crime.