The windows of the house were open, the curtains flapping in the gentle breeze, but the doors at either end were tightly closed.
Having failed to attract any attention from the "Red Rover" the Tramp Boys returned to camp, tied up the motor boat and sat down to watch and wait.

Nine o'clock came, then ten, but still no sign of life on board.
Captain George grew a little uneasy.

He did not know that the Meadow-Brook Girls had eaten their breakfast more than an hour before that, and that the girls were watching the boys, chuckling over the perplexity of the latter.
Once more the motor boat was taken out.

As they neared the houseboat for a second time they saw Harriet Burrell come out to the after deck, and stooping over examine the anchor rope.
"Halloo, there!" shouted George.
Harriet paid no attention to the "halloo." Apparently she did not hear them.

George called again, and when Harriet turned and entered the house, without having once glanced in George's direction, he grew red in the face.
"She didn't hear you," chuckled Larry.