"There's no train leaving Bayport at that time," said Frank flatly. "That's the time my train leaves," insisted the stranger, beginning to look somewhat flustered. "The earliest train is at noon," put in Joe. "I tell you, this train leaves at ten-thirty. I just have time to catch it." "I'm afraid you're going to miss it," said Frank. "I'm going to turn back to Barmet." "Turn back?" shouted the man in consternation. "What are you going to do that for?" "I don't like the looks of this affair," said Frank. "Considering that this is supposed to be nothing more than a practical joke, those two men on shore seem to be making quite a fuss over your escape." "They're hoping they can persuade you to turn back. Then they'll have the joke on me after all." "They're going to have it anyway," said Frank, with determination. "I've changed my mind about taking you to Bayport. We don't want your ten dollars." "But you've _got_ to take me to Bayport!" exclaimed the stranger, in high excitement. "I must catch my train." His bullying manner nettled Frank. "This is our boat, and if we want to turn back we can turn back," he told the passenger. "We didn't ask you to come with us." "But you promised to take me to Bayport," stormed the stranger. "I've got to be there in time to catch that train." "There isn't any train at ten-thirty, and we know it. We're going to turn back to Barmet and you'll have ample time to catch the noon train after that." The stranger gritted his teeth and half rose from his seat. Then he sank back, as though realizing that he was going beyond his rights by objecting. "A nice trick to play on me!" he snapped. "Bringing me this far and then turning back." "Your friends on the shore seem anxious to have you back, for some reason or other." Frank bore down on the wheel and the _Sleuth_ slowly began to circle about. Suddenly the voice of the stranger rasped right at their ears: "Don't turn this boat around! Keep heading for Bayport." Startled, they turned. The stranger was standing right behind them, and in his hand he clutched a revolver that was aimed directly at them! CHAPTER XII SEASICK The Hardy boys were not prepared for this sudden change of front on the part of the stranger. They gazed incredulously at the revolver, but the coldly determined face of their passenger convinced them that the man meant to use force if necessary. "Keep right on toward Bayport!" he ordered. "Don't turn back." "What's the big idea?" demanded Frank indignantly. "The idea is that I want to go to Bayport, and if you won't take me there of your own free will, I'll just have to persuade you, that's all. This gun is loaded, so don't make any foolish moves." The boys looked at one another, and the stranger began to chuckle.