CHAPTER XX
Seizing the Boats
"What are you going to do, Frank?" shouted Joe Hardy.
"They're going after their boats. We know the cove they're in, and if we can get there first I'll tow them out to sea. Then they can't follow us!"
Thus Frank briefly outlined his daring scheme to his brother. He knew that the gangsters would not expect any such intention and he knew as well that only by some action of this kind could he avoid danger of capture. If the gangsters followed in their own boats there was every chance that they might overtake or outmaneuver the Sleuth. Even if they did not, as long as they retained possession of their own motorboats they could make good their escape. But once marooned on the island, they would be at the mercy of the Hardy boys.
"We'll have to hurry!" said Joe anxiously.
He watched the progress of the flashlights on the shore. The Sleuth was well ahead, but
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