Part 17 (1/2)

”We must get to them at once!” returned Captain Sumner.

The party were quickly on the snow, running toward the small boat, Bob and Jack leading.

When they came in sight of the craft a scene met their gaze which filled them with horror.

The madman had boarded the boat and was in the act of shoving off.

Terror-stricken, Mrs. Cromwell and Viola shrank back on the stern sheets.

”Stop! stop!” yelled Bob.

With a snarl the madman bent to his work. Soon the boat was in deep water.

In desperation Bob leaped into the water after it.

Ere he could reach the craft the madman picked up the long ice pole and aimed a vicious prod with it at our hero's breast.

Bob was struck squarely, and on the instant disappeared beneath the surface with the shrill laugh of the crazy sailor ringing in his ears.

Chapter VII.--A Fearful Fall.

”Where am I? Where are mother and Miss Viola?”

It was Bob who spoke. Jack Larmore stood over him in the snow.

”You're all right--I got you out of the water,” Jack made answer.

”And the others?”

”Gone.”

”Gone! In the power of that madman?”

”Yes.”

Bob gave a groan and leaped up. His breast hurt him not a little.

”Where is Captain Sumner?”

”The yacht has given chase. Look!”

Jack pointed up the coast. The yacht was disappearing around a distant point.

But in a hour the vessel returned. The captain's sad face told his story. He had been unable to catch the crazy fugitive and rescue his daughter and Mrs. Cromwell.

What was to be done? Night came on rapidly, and they were compelled to wait until morning.

At early dawn Bob and Jack commenced to climb a near-by hill of ice to look for the small boat.