Page:Castlemon--Joe Wayring at Home.djvu/255

, and then the skiff went at a rapid rate across the lake toward the river, the boys chanting a boat song as they steadily plied the oars. They paused a moment at the head of the rapids, and as they gazed at them, Arthur said— "How do you suppose Matt Coyle ever succeeded in getting that big heavy punt of his down there? I wouldn't make the passage in her for all the money there is in Mount Airy."

"It's a wonder to me that he didn't smash her all to pieces," said Joe. "She's in Sherwin's Pond now, I suppose, and there she will have to stay, for there is no way to get her out. I wonder what Matt has done with my canoe?"

"Oh, he has snagged and sunk her before this time," replied Roy, consolingly. "I wonder what he has done with the rod he stole from me?"

"Some black bass has smashed it for him most likely," said Arthur. "At any rate you will never handle it again."

The boys had from the first given up all hope of ever recovering their lost property. The deputy sheriff and constable, stimulated to extra