d.i.c.k's face took on a reddish hue.

"And do you remember escorting the girl home?" continued Shirley, "and disappearing before she had an opportunity of thanking you? Do you remember me now?"

d.i.c.k hung his head sheepishly.

"Yes, I remember," he said.

"And how is it," demanded Shirley, "that I find you mixed up in this affair? How do you happen to be on such friendly terms with that scoundrel Jones?"

"Well, it's a long story," returned d.i.c.k in some confusion.

"I didn't think it of you, d.i.c.k," said Shirley. "You proved such a valiant champion, that I believed I should always find you fighting on the side of the right."

"And so you shall," responded d.i.c.k, lifting his head, "if you have further need of me. I didn't really know who Jones was when I got mixed up with him. And had I known he was plotting against you I would have had nothing to do with the affair. I am ready to help you, if you can make use of me."

"I knew I couldn't be wrong," said the girl with a bright smile, "and I am glad to have you on our side. Perhaps you can tell me why Jones has kidnapped Jimmy?"

"He is planning to keep him from riding in the Derby. He says that without Jimmy, Gabriel cannot possibly win."

"I see," said Shirley. "It's just as I thought. And where is he taking him now?"

"I do not know," was the reply. "He has some safe place in view, though."

While the _Sybil_ paused to pick up d.i.c.k, the other launch forged ahead, and now had disappeared from view around a bend in the creek.

Shirley turned to the owner of the boat.

"Can we catch them?" she asked anxiously.

"Just leave it to me," returned the man grimly. "If they stay in the water we'll come up with them before long."

Rounding the bend they again came in sight of the other launch, and as they did so Shirley uttered a cry of dismay.

Close into the sh.o.r.e the pursued launch rode gently upon the water. Her engines had been stopped, and she had been deserted. There was not a soul aboard.

"Where do you suppose they have gone?" demanded Mabel.

"They have taken to the woods," replied Shirley, "and the chances are we have lost them altogether."

Jenkins, for as such the owner of the _Sybil_ introduced himself, ran his launch close beside the other, and all stepped quickly ash.o.r.e. In the soft mud, footsteps leading toward the woods nearby were plainly visible, showing that the fugitives had gone in that direction.

"We'll follow them, if you give the word, Miss Willing," said d.i.c.k.

"And Mabel and I will go too," said Shirley.

d.i.c.k looked at young Wolfe somewhat dubiously.

"It is hardly girls' work," he replied.

"Right you are," agreed Leonard. "You girls stay here by the boat."

"But we want to go," Mabel pouted. "We are more interested in this than any of you."

"The young men are right," said Jenkins firmly. "Jones must be a desperate man. You girls are safer here."

"We do not wish to be obstinate," said Shirley. "We know that you are doing this for us, and if you tell us to stay here, we shall do so, of course."

Jenkins and the two young men breathed a sigh of relief, as did the two policemen.

"You wait here until we return then," said Leonard. "Come on, men."

The five disappeared in the woods, leaving the two girls beside the boat alone.

"I hope they get them," said Shirley grimly.

"So do I," agreed Mabel.

"I am glad d.i.c.k is with us," said Shirley slowly. "Somehow I have a lot of confidence in him. You know I have seen him in action and know what he can do."

"He is a likeable boy," declared Mabel. "It's too bad he has mixed with such bad companions."

"I am going to see if I can't get father to help him," said Shirley.

"Maybe he would be willing to work on the farm."

"From the way he looked at you," said Mabel, "I should say that he would be glad to work any place where you might be."

"The idea, Mabel," said Shirley, but nevertheless her face grew red.

Suddenly both girls were startled by a stealthy tread behind them. They wheeled about, and looked into the sneering countenance of Jones.

And beside him was Briggs, and between the two, his hands bound and a gag in his mouth, was Jimmy.

"So," said Jones, with an evil smile, "we have captured two more of the enemy, eh?"

Neither girl replied.

Jones motioned toward the launch.

"Climb aboard, there, quick!" he commanded.

Both girls hesitated.

"You hear me?" demanded Jones, taking a step forward. "I am not to be trifled with. Move now!"

Shirley and Mabel thought better of their hesitancy, and without a word climbed aboard the _Sybil_. Jimmy was shoved aboard after them, and then came Jones. Briggs stopped to shove the boat off and then clambered aboard.

"Straight down the creek," ordered Jones, as Briggs stooped over the engine.

The launch moved off slowly.