Page:The Eight-Oared Victors.djvu/49

Rh of the boat. We assumed what had happened, but we saw nothing of any box of cups and jewelry. Then we rowed away and met you."

"I'm much obliged to you for the information," said Mr. Farson, "and I—of course—I'm bound to believe you," he went on, a bit awkwardly. "Then you didn't see a trace of them?"

"Of course not!" cried Phil. "Don't you believe us?"

"Oh, yes—yes, of course. I only thought that maybe, as my boat is so broken up, and the parts scattered about, that you might have looked farther along the shores of the island. The box may have held together, and be lodged somewhere."

"Perhaps it has," said Frank, calmly. "I'd advise you to look thoroughly. You might find it. Come on, fellows," and he led the way back to the boat.

Tom Parsons acted as though he intended to speak, but Sid nudged him in the ribs, and the youth kept quiet.

Mr. Farson stared after the boys as though much disappointed at their desertion, and then, looking to the fastening of the rowing craft in which he had come ashore, he began walking along the edge of the island, where many signs of the high water still remained.

"What did you want to come away for in such