But you just wait, Fred, and we'll show that Varmint II a
clean pair of heels."
"I hope so," said Fred, his courage quickly rising again.
"By the way, Fred," said John, "you never told us any more about
that man who came for the bond."
"I haven't any more to tell," said Fred quietly.
"Now look here, Peewee," spoke up Grant. "That bond wasn't yours.
It belonged to the Go Ahead boys. I don't see why you assume all
the rights of ownership."
"I don't," protested Fred. "The bond was registered in my name at
the bank and so I had to go with my grandfather to see about it."
"Did that canal-man steal the bond?" asked John.
"I can't tell you," replied Fred.
"Do you mean you can't, or you won't tell?"
"A little of both," laughed Fred, eager to change the subject.
Throughout these conversations Sam Hodge seldom spoke. Indeed, as
the time drew nearer the day of the race, his anxiety manifestly
increased. He was busy on or about the boat throughout the day
and even when night fell it was difficult to persuade him to
retire to his room in the boat-house.
Once when Fred looked out of his bedroom window, in the moonlight
night about twelve o'clock, he discovered Sam pacing back and
forth on the dock. Just why he was so uneasy Fred did not
understand and Sam did not offer any explanation.
On the following night not long after the boys had retired, they
were awakened by a loud call from Sam Hodge.
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