"Yes, we _will_," snarled Grimshaw.
And then they met the object of their anger hurrying away from the
levee which they were approaching.
"Where are you fellows going?" he cried, and then, in a lower tone, he
added, "We've got to get out of here in a hurry, for they are in this
very town and looking for us. I've just come from their boat."
"Who have they left aboard?" asked Grimshaw.
"Only a child," was the answer.
"Let us take a look at it, then, so we will know it as well as you the
next time we see it."
So Mr. Gilder went back to point out the _Whatnot_ to his companions,
and when they sprang aboard and began to cast off the lines that held
it to the levee he followed them, with a vague idea of protecting
Sabella.
The next moment, Solon, who had just finished hitching up Reward, was
startled by the ringing of the engine-room bell. It was the signal to
go ahead. Thinking that the others must have returned and were ready
to start, he obeyed it. Thus the _Whatnot_, in full possession of the
"river-traders," moved slowly out into the stream, and again started in
pursuit of the raft she had followed for so long.
CHAPTER XXVI.
A DISASTROUS COLLISION.
The running off with that boat from the waterfront of a city in broad
daylight was a bold thing to do.
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