He was interrupted by a rush of feet on the porch, and a shrill voice cried out:
“Hey, Bob! Jerry! Ned! Come on! Noddy Nixon is running off in your motor boat!”
“The rapid-fire chap!” exclaimed his partner.
“That’s right--It’s Andy Rush,” declared Bob.
“Don’t stop to talk, Chunky!” fairly shouted Jerry, giving his stout chum the nickname sometimes applied to him. “Get a move on! If Noddy Nixon is trying some more of his tricks we’ll stop him short.”
By this time Jerry had reached the hall and caught up his hat. His example was followed by his chums and the two Westerners. As for Mr. Baker and Mr. Slade they sat back helplessly in their chairs.
Mrs. Hopkins looked alarmed at first, and then with a resigned air said:
“Oh, well, there’s no use worrying. Noddy and the boys are having one of their periodical outbreaks.”
“That young scamp ought to be sent out of the country,” declared Mr. Baker.
Meanwhile Jerry and his chums had reached the porch, where they found Andy Rush awaiting them.
“Where did he go with our boat?” came from Jerry.
“Up the river!” panted the small chap, still breathing hard from his running and shouting. “I happened to come past the dock--I saw someone down there--it was dark--couldn’t make out who it was--thought it was you fellows--I yelled--wanted a ride--no answer--thought that was funny--ran down--just in time to see Noddy and Bill Berry start off--wow!”
“Told Noddy he’d better not take your boat--said I’d tell you.”
“Just laughed and put on more power. Better hurry, if you want to catch him!”
“Of course we do!” asserted Ned; “but how can we if he has our boat, a good start and is heading up stream? We’d better tell the police----”
“Police nothing!” snapped Jerry Hopkins. “We’ll attend to this case ourselves!”
“That’s the way to talk!” exclaimed Mr. Nestor. “And when we get hold of that Noddy Nixon we’ll make him walk Spanish!”
“But it’s dark,” objected Bob. “We can’t see him, and besides, we have no other boat!”
“Come on!” cried Jerry shortly, as he raced toward the street. “Never mind the dark--we can get a lantern.”
“Down at the club house!” said Jerry, tersely. “We’ll borrow one of the craft--I guess they won’t mind. We’ve got to get our boat!”
“I’m on!” yelled Ned, as he raced beside his chum and Andy Rush, Bob, being heavier, brought up the rear with the two men, who were not used to running. However, all made fair time.