CHAPTER XXIX.

THE SECRET ENEMY.

Among those at the hearing when Dean so unexpectedly obtained his freedom for a time was Colonel Darringford, his countenance showing his disappointment and displeasure as the young prisoner was allowed his liberty.

Prefacing his bitter speech with an oath he exclaimed to a bystander:

“That’s the biggest piece of imposition I ever heard of. But it is just like Judge Oglesby, and if he can stand it I suppose I can. But the people should rise up in justice and hang the young miscreant.”

Dean heard this cutting remark, but did not catch the reply.

In his anxiety to start upon his quest, he did not give the matter a second thought, taking it as a natural product of the enmity of the other.

He knew the _Warrior_ was undergoing expensive repairs and had heard that Colonel Darringford threatened to sue the owner of the ill-fated _Spray_ for damages, but nothing had come of the threat. In fact, it could be shown that the commander of the _Warrior_ had been in the wrong.

Two or three small boats plied between Millville and Landlock, and as the stage had left an hour before, Dean decided to take passage on one of these boats.

He found that a small gasoline launch would start in ten minutes, and having nothing better to do he went aboard at once.

Not over ten passengers could be accommodated, according to the rules, and as Dean made the ninth person he considered himself fortunate.

Dean Mercer had been aboard the little craft with the fanciful name of the _Buoyant_ a few minutes, when half a dozen persons were seen to be approaching at rapid steps.

“They know only one more can be taken on,” remarked the captain, with a smile, as in common with the others he began to watch the newcomers. Presently two were seen to break away from the rest and approach at a run. Then one of this couple began to outdistance the other, and soon he was within hearing of the boat.

By this time Dean Mercer was excited. The foremost person was Marcus Ellison!

“I want passage on the boat!” he cried.

“No; it belongs to me!” shouted the man close at his heels.

“By Jove!” cried the elated commander of the _Buoyant_, “it’s a handsome race, but the lad has outrun you, sir. Old Cap’n Dodge is detarmined to see fair play. The _Buoyant_ can’t take but one passenger more, and he must be the boy.”

The man may not have heard the last portion of this reply, or if he did he did not heed its meaning, for he continued to advance without abating his speed.

Marcus also continued as fast as he could run, and chuckling over his triumph, no sooner had the youth gained the boat, than Captain Dodge ordered that the gangplank be taken up.

“Full number of passengers; can’t take any more. Let on the power, engineer.”

“Hold!” yelled the newcomer, as he heard the command of Captain Dodge. “Don’t you start that boat till you have read this order from its owner, Captain Darringford.”

The next moment the man came quickly aboard, and no sooner had he stepped over the rail than the captain cried:

“I can’t take you both. It’s agin’ the law.”

“Put off the boy then!” cried the man. “I must and shall go. Colonel Darringford says so.”

This statement evidently had some weight with the officer, and it seemed as if Marcus would be ordered to leave the boat. But the youth met him unflinchingly.

“I was here ahead of him,” cried Marcus, “and if anybody gets off it must be him.”

By this time the crowd had reached the dock, and others, attracted by the cries, had begun to collect upon the shore.

Possibly fearing that he might have yet other passengers to get rid of, Captain Dodge ordered the plank to be taken up, and in a moment there was no chance for another to board the _Buoyant_.

The engineer had obeyed orders, and the boat was starting upon her trip.

“One can’t make much difference,” muttered the captain. “If there is a complaint I reckon I can show how you fellers were to blame.”

Marcus showed no surprise at sight of Dean, though he did not attempt to get near him and did not speak to him. Something in his manner warned Dean that he had better remain silent, so the greeting he was about to make was not spoken.

Wondering what it all could mean, Dean watched and waited for a word or hint from the other. This did not come until they had been an hour on the water, and the little craft was bowling merrily along her way.

Marcus had managed to get a seat near to his friend, and finally he whispered:

“Glad to see you, Dean, but we have got to be awful careful how we act and what we say.”

“What’s up?”

“Notice that man who came aboard right at my heels?”

“Yes.”

“He’s Colonel Darringford’s spy, sent to watch you and get you into trouble.”

Dean started slightly, but managed to take the bit of news without betraying any evidence of having been surprised.

“How?”

Five minutes later, Marcus found opportunity to whisper:

“I overheard the colonel telling him he would give this fellow five hundred dollars if he would stop you in what you are doing. The man has agreed to do it, if he has to kill you!”

Another silence between the young friends lasted longer than before, when Marcus said in the same cautious tone:

“After I left you last night I sort of hung round to see how you would come out. You were right and I was wrong. But Colonel Darringford is awful mad to think you are free. I knew you had gone to this boat, but I got snarled up and couldn’t come as quick as I wanted to. But it was well I didn’t for I ran across the colonel and that man, and heard it all fixed up between them to get rid of you. He is ready to do anything he can to beat you. You have got to look out awful sharp when you get to Landlock.”

“I believe he is watching us,” whispered Dean, and it was not until they came in sight of their destination that the boys dared to exchange words again.

Five minutes later the _Buoyant_ touched lightly at the pier of Landlock, and the small party of passengers went hastily ashore, glad to have reached the end of their trip.

Dean and Marcus did not fail to see that Darringford’s spy was watching them closely, though the boys had not sought each other’s company.

Dean had not gone far from the landing when the man accosted him, saying:

“Pardon me, young man, but may I ask a favor of you?”

If surprised by the boldness of this request, Dean did not show it, while he answered the other politely:

“Certainly, if it is possible for me to do it.”

“It is. You will stop in town to-night?”

“I think I might fare worse, sir.”

“Good. If you are willing to patronize a friend of mine, I wish you might stop at the Wilkins House. I am sure you will be well treated.”

“I thank you, sir.”

“I may not be there, as I have considerable to attend to. If you will walk along with me I will show you the way.”

“But I have a little matter that needs my attention now. A little later I will try and find the place.”

Dean had discovered a couple of blue-coated officials in the distance, who seemed to be waiting for some one.

He quickly imagined that they were lying in wait for him!