CHAPTER VIII 

IN THE SWAMP 

"There she is!" 

"She seems to be all right!" 

"Shall we go on board?" 

Such were the cries from the Rovers and their friends as they came in sight of the _Dora_. The view of the houseboat filled them all with pleasure. 

"Wait!" said Harold Bird. "Don't show yourselves!" 

Dick at least understood and held the others back. 

"Keep out of sight--we want to investigate first," he said, in a low tone. "There is no use in our running our heads into the lion's mouth." 

"Mine cracious, vos der a lion aroundt here?" demanded Hans, turning pale. 

"Maybe you'll find a lion if you don't keep quiet," answered Sam, with a snicker. 

After that but little was said. Gradually they drew so close that they could see from one end of the _Dora_ to the other. Not a person was in sight. 

"Really does look as if the craft was deserted," was Harold Bird's comment. "Perhaps they got scared when they saw what a crowd was following them." 

"I move two of us go on board and the rest stay here," said Tom. "Then, if there is trouble, the crowd to stay behind can come to the rescue." 

"That's a good scheme," answered his elder brother. "Supposing Sam and I go? You can lead the rescuing party, if it becomes necessary." 

This was also agreed to, and a minute later Dick and Sam, with their pistols in hand, crawled from the bushes and made for the side of the houseboat. A gangplank was out and they saw the footprints of several men and also two horses. 
Is there anyone on the boat?
"Really does look as if the craft was deserted