This page has been proofread, but needs to be validated.
104
THE EIGHT-OARED VICTORS

there, and Ruth, Helen and Mabel are going to spend some time with her."

"They are!" cried Frank.

"Why didn't you say so at first?" asked Sid, indignantly.

"I—er—I guess I can fix it to camp there," spoke Phil, just as if he had never intended spending his vacation at any other place.

"Oh, you fellows were so sure you knew your own business that I didn't want to butt in," went on the pitcher. "But, boys, what do you think of that?" and he indicated the card and silk.

"It's the same material," spoke Frank after a bit, as he compared the shreds Tom had pulled from the window-sill of the shack on the island, with the torn strip found near the looted jewelry box.

"And what would you say if I told you that Bossy had a handkerchief of that same pattern, with a strip torn off?" asked Tom, slowly. "

Has he?" asked Frank, looking sharply at his chum.

"He has."

"Then, by crimps! He's the fellow who has the cups and jewelry!" cried Sid.

"Go easy," advised Phil. "That's the worst of you—always jumping to conclusions."

"And why shouldn't I, when I can land on 'em