He had just seated himself after a short walk, when a sound out on the river arrested his attention.  At first he thought that he must be mistaken.  But, no, he was sure now that he could hear the noise of a boat cutting through the water.  This brought him to his feet, and he strained his eyes in an effort to see what it could be.  And as he looked he beheld a dim object in the distance, which was growing more distinct.  It was moving when he first saw it.  Then it slowed down and seemed to be drifting.  There was hardly a sound made now, and the watcher on the shore could tell that the boat was drawing closer to where the logs were lying.  This looked serious, and he believed that it was there for no good purpose.  He waited a few moments, however, to be sure.  He did not wish to give a false alarm, and thus bring upon himself the ridicule of the other scouts.

The boat was now near enough for him to discern it quite plainly.  Presently it stopped and a small boat put off, and made straight for the logs.  Rod hesitated no longer, but turning, sped swiftly along the shore and then up the path leading to the Anchorage.  Reaching the house, he pounded upon the door, which was opened almost immediately by the captain.

“They’re there!” Rod gasped.

“After the logs?” the captain enquired.  “Are you sure?”

“Yes.  Come quick, or it will be too late!”

Stepping to one corner of the kitchen, the captain picked up his rifle, and swiftly followed Rod to the shore.  There they paused and listened.

“Ye’re right, by gum!” the captain whispered.  “The skunks!  But I’ll stop their fun.  Into the tender now, and make no noise.”

With Rod seated astern, and the captain at the oars, it took but a few minutes to come close to the tug.  A long line had already been made fast to the raft, and the small boat with two men on board was returning from fastening the warp.  Captain Josh ceased rowing and waited.  Then he caught up his rifle, and held it in readiness.

“Hold on there!” he roared.  “What’s the meanin’ of all this?”

“None of your business,” was the gruff and somewhat startled reply.  “Get out of the way or we’ll run ye down!”

“Is that so?” and the captain drew back the hammer of his rifle.  “Bluff all ye like, but I’ve something here which does more’n bluff.  Stop rowin’, I tell ye, or I’ll blow yer heads off!”

It was remarkable what an effect these words had upon the night-prowlers.  They could see, as well, the levelled rifle, and they believed that the man holding it meant business.  They stopped rowing, but the boat still glided onward.

“Back water, and keep away from the tug!” the captain commanded.

The men obeyed, and soon the boat was lying but a few yards off.

“There, that’s better,” the captain commented.  “Now, what have yez to say about yer actions here?”