Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1929-07-14
INSTALLMENT I.

TED PRICE was already busily at work aboard
the "Skiddo" which rode gently at
anchor in the st. Thomas River, her trim
white sides glistening In the early morning sun
light. Attired in sleeveless jersey, wide duck
trousers and canvas shoes, he looked quite the
sailor, hut his occupation was more in keeping
with kitchen than with a ship. For he was
slowing away fsod in one Of the lockers in the
tiny cabin of the sailboat.
The Skiddoo was a neat little sloop which
measured just % feet from stem to stern, a fact
that had led directly to the choice Of her
name. She was owned by Ted and his best
friend. Harry Hanley, and had been acquired
secondhand after much working, saving and
planning by the two boys.
Ted and Harry lived in Thomas Harbor, a
little town on the shore of Lake Erie and for
years the ownership of sailboat had been the
chief passion Of their lives Finally their great
ambition had been realized, the Skiddoo had
been acquired. and the boys settled down to
Summer Of nautical adventuring. 50
1t had taken them some weeks to acquire
proficiency in the handling Of the little craft.
Both had jobs early in the Summer, and most
Of their sailing had to be done on Saturdays
and in the evenings but now that vacation was
nearing its close they had quit work to take
real holiday. On the morrow they expected to
sail out of the little river-or rather, motor"
out under the power of the Skiddo's one
cylinder engine. for the river was too narrow
to make sailing convenient. Once in the lake
they intended to follow their own PROV, pushed
by the breeze wherever it cared to take them.
And because they wanted to eat while on the
tTip, the work Of slowing away food in the lock-
ers was very necessary, If, not so nautical.
RACoN potatoes, SALT crackers, several jars
OF Clipped beef, cans containing milk,
vegetables, fruit, bag of apples-Ted checked
over the items. closed the locker and climbed
out from the cabin to the cockpit Shading
his eyes with his hand, he looked toward the
bank Of the river, and was rewarded by the
sight OF Harry approaching, his arms laden
with pile Of blankets.
Shouting greeting, Ted jumped into the
dinghy that was tied to the stern of the boat,
and with few strong strokes of the oars sent
the little rowboat in to meet his friend.
Where have you been all morning, sleepy?"
ne inquired with q grin. st thought you'd
never get here"
Big news" replied Harry, as he tossed the
blankets into the boat with a sigh of relief.
Il stopped at the Yacht Club on the way down.
and that's what kept me. Say, what do you
think? Powells cabin cruiser the Constance,
was stolen last night"
An-n! Teos voice was incredulouS. "You
mean it?"
Absolutely. saw the chief of police over
at the Yacht Club, and that's why / stopped.
Somebody broke open the lock on the boat
house during the night and got away with the
Constance as slick as whistle. Isn't that the
limit? That's the third boat that's been stolen
from the club In 10 days. and they've taken
the finest and fastest craft in town. Talk
about nerve!"
We'll. I'll be doggoned." said Ted. in an
effort to express his establishment He knew
that this latest theft from the Yacht Club would
arouse the whole town. Thomas Harbor was
the Summer mecca for a number Of Million
aires from neighboring cities, and some Of the
finest boats on the lake were kept at the Yacht
Club.
Ten days earlier, the frst boat had been
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