“I hardly think so, for they didn’t know I was coming.”

“You can’t tell what those fellows know,” commented the engineer.  “But, anyhow, I don’t suppose they could have gotten here from Sandport as soon as you did.”

“Oh, yes they could, in their automobile,” declared Tom.  “But I don’t believe they knew I was coming.  They knew we were away, however, and thought it would be a good time to steal something, I guess.  Are you sure nothing has been taken?”

“Perfectly sure, but you and I will take a look around the shop.”

They made a hasty examination, but found nothing disturbed and no signs that anyone had tried to break in.

“I think I’ll telephone dad that everything is all right,” decided Tom.  “It is as far as his inventions are concerned, and if I tell about seeing the men it will only worry him.  I can explain that part better when I see him.  But when I go back, Garret, you will have to be on your guard, since those men are in the neighborhood.”

“I will, Tom.  Don’t worry.”

Mr. Swift was soon informed by his son over the telephone that nothing in the shops had been disturbed, and the inventor received the news with evident satisfaction.  He requested Tom to come back to the hotel in the morning, in order that the three of them might go for a ride about the lake in the afternoon, and Tom decided to make an early start.

The night passed without incident, though Tom, who kept the gun Mr. Duncan had given him in readiness for use, got up several times, thinking he heard suspicious noises.  After an early breakfast, and having once more cautioned the engineer and housekeeper to be on their guard, Tom started back in the arrow.

As it would not be much out of his way, the young inventor decided to cut across the lake and stop at the sanitarium, that he might inquire about Mr. Duncan.  He thought he could speed the arrow up sufficiently to make up for any time he might lose, and, with this in mind, he headed out toward the middle of Lake Carlopa.  The engine was working splendidly with the new spark plugs, and Tom was wondering if there was any possible method of getting more revolutions out of the motor.  He had about come to the conclusion that a new propeller might answer his purpose when he heard the noise of an approaching boat.  He looked up quickly and exclaimed: 

“Andy Foger again, and Pete and Sam are with him.  It’s a wonder he wouldn’t go off on a trip instead of cruising around so near home.  Guess he’s afraid he’ll get stuck.”

Idly Tom watched the red streak.  It was cutting through the water at a fast rate, throwing up curling foam on either side of the sharp bow.  “He seems to be heading this way,” mused Tom.  “Well, I’m not going to race with him to-day.”

Nearer and nearer came the speedy craft, straight for the arrow.  The young inventor shifted his helm in order to get out of Andy’s course, but to his surprise he saw that the red haired lad changed the direction of his own boat.