Chapter 22

The Canoe Docks

The Canoe Docks were half-way between Mrs. Oliver’s house and Tramp’s.

“We don’t have a slot,” Colin said. “Doesn’t matter. We don’t have a canoe. Who has time for paddling around a lake anyway. I hate the orange vests, sitting still, going where dad says. Not for me.”

Tramp had followed Bobby Sigley as he paddled to Deserted Island in a silver canoe. He had paddled towards the canoe docks after dumping Calico. Tramp led Colin to the docks.

“C’mon, Tramp, we have to get home. What’s with the canoes. Okay, I’ll follow, but just for a minute.”

Tramp sat in front of the canoe in slot #10. Bobby’s scent said this was the one he had used to take Calico to the island.

Colin ran his hand over the wooden frame and stopped at a metal tag on the top left rack holding the silver aluminum canoe. “Hey, Tramp, it says ‘Sigley.’ Maybe Big Bob’s slot?” Colin said. He looked down at Tramp. “I wonder if I should check at Big Bob’s? Maybe he knows something about the cat.”

Big Bob was the problem, not the answer, Tramp knew.

“C’mon, Tramp. I think we should call the pet store and ask Big Bob about Calico.”

“Bad idea,” Tramp barked.

Colin looked frustrated. “Tramp. You got me here. What do you know that I don’t?”

Tramp ran to Carp Beach. Colin followed him down to the edge of the water. Tramp struck his water dog pose, nose pointing straight out to Deserted Island, his back straight, tail straight out. All this while a carp rolled near his front paws. The smell of it almost made Tramp forget Colin and Calico and Bobby Sigley. But not quite.

“So, what’s out there?” Colin asked. Tramp took one step forward, made another magnificent point with his nose and tail, and dove into the water, barking, “Follow me.”