But there were no oars, and they gazed at one another in dismay.
"We might have known it," said Dick, in disgust.

"He always takes the oars up to the barn with him." The barn was a good distance off and none of the boys relished running that far for oars.

More than this, they felt that by the time the oars were brought the other craft would be out of sight and hearing, and thus the trail of the midnight prowlers would be lost.
"Here is a bit of board," said Sam, searching around.

"Let us use that for a paddle.

The current will carry us almost as swiftly as if we were rowing.