CHAPTER XXV.
THE RAFT AND THE SHOW-BOAT CHANGE CREWS.
It must be remembered that while Winn would have recognized Mr.Gilder, he had not seen the other "river-traders," Plater and Grimshaw.

Of these two, the former had not set eyes on the lad whose raft they had stolen; but the latter had caught a glimpse of him, and now, as he noted Winn's startled glance into the interior of the "shanty," it flashed into his mind who this intrusive boy was.
The "river-traders" had not really expected Winn to follow them.

They imagined that after he escaped from the island, which they hoped he would not do for several days, he would be glad enough to make the best of his way home.

Still, they had taken the precaution of disguising the _Venture_ by throwing the wheat overboard, tearing down the buildings in which it had been stowed, and erecting a tent in place of one of them.

As they were well provided with various changes of wigs and beards, they felt quite safe until Billy Brackett boarded the raft for the second time, and made inquiries for one having three "shanties." Then they realized that a search was being made for them, or, at least, for the craft from which they were operating.
They felt somewhat easier when one of their number, detailed to watch the movements of their unwelcome visitor, returned and reported that he had gone back up the river.