CHAPTER IV.
HIRAM PRIES A SECRET LOOSE When he left home Fred Ripley had no clearly defined idea as to what he meant to do.
However, he had in one pocket a keen-bladed pocket knife.

Well wrapped in paper a short but sharp-edged chisel rested in one of the side pockets of his coat.
At the outset his only purpose was to do irreparable mischief to the war canoe.

The means of accomplishing that purpose he must decide upon when he reached the boatyard.
How dark it was, and how hot! Late as the hour was the baking heat of the day did not seem to have left the ground.

Fred walked along rapidly, fanning his perspiring face with his straw hat.
"They'll have their war canoe in the water in a few days, will they ?" the lawyer's son muttered.

"Humph!" Through the side streets he went, keeping a sharp lookout.