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diff --git a/.gitattributes b/.gitattributes new file mode 100644 index 0000000..d7b82bc --- /dev/null +++ b/.gitattributes @@ -0,0 +1,4 @@ +*.txt text eol=lf +*.htm text eol=lf +*.html text eol=lf +*.md text eol=lf diff --git a/LICENSE.txt b/LICENSE.txt new file mode 100644 index 0000000..6312041 --- /dev/null +++ b/LICENSE.txt @@ -0,0 +1,11 @@ +This eBook, including all associated images, markup, improvements, +metadata, and any other content or labor, has been confirmed to be +in the PUBLIC DOMAIN IN THE UNITED STATES. + +Procedures for determining public domain status are described in +the "Copyright How-To" at https://www.gutenberg.org. + +No investigation has been made concerning possible copyrights in +jurisdictions other than the United States. Anyone seeking to utilize +this eBook outside of the United States should confirm copyright +status under the laws that apply to them. diff --git a/README.md b/README.md new file mode 100644 index 0000000..baf74b1 --- /dev/null +++ b/README.md @@ -0,0 +1,2 @@ +Project Gutenberg (https://www.gutenberg.org) public repository for +eBook #63561 (https://www.gutenberg.org/ebooks/63561) diff --git a/old/63561-0.txt b/old/63561-0.txt deleted file mode 100644 index a5c3c5f..0000000 --- a/old/63561-0.txt +++ /dev/null @@ -1,7741 +0,0 @@ -The Project Gutenberg EBook of Wrecked on Spider Island, by James Otis - -This eBook is for the use of anyone anywhere in the United States and most -other parts of the world at no cost and with almost no restrictions -whatsoever. You may copy it, give it away or re-use it under the terms of -the Project Gutenberg License included with this eBook or online at -www.gutenberg.org. If you are not located in the United States, you'll have -to check the laws of the country where you are located before using this ebook. - -Title: Wrecked on Spider Island - Or, How Ned Rogers Found the Treasure - -Author: James Otis - -Release Date: October 27, 2020 [EBook #63561] - -Language: English - -Character set encoding: UTF-8 - -*** START OF THIS PROJECT GUTENBERG EBOOK WRECKED ON SPIDER ISLAND *** - - - - -Produced by Richard Tonsing, Melissa McDaniel, and the -Online Distributed Proofreading Team at https://www.pgdp.net -(This file was produced from images generously made -available by The Internet Archive) - - - - - - -[Illustration: THE WRECK OF THE STEAM YACHT ZOE.—Page 85.] - - - - - WRECKED ON SPIDER ISLAND; - OR, - HOW NED ROGERS FOUND THE TREASURE - - - BY JAMES OTIS, - - _Author of “The Castaways,” “Runaway Brig,” “Search for the Silver - City,” “With Lafayette at Yorktown,” “Treasure Finders,” etc., etc._ - - - NEW YORK: - A. L. BURT, PUBLISHER. - - - - - Copyright, 1896, by A. L. BURT. - ------------------------------------------------------------------------- - - - - - CONTENTS - - - CHAPTER I. NED ROGERS. - CHAPTER II. AT SEA. - CHAPTER III. THE PLOT. - CHAPTER IV. MAROONED. - CHAPTER V. A DISCOVERY. - CHAPTER VI. THE ZOE. - CHAPTER VII. THE DISASTER. - CHAPTER VIII. WRECKING. - CHAPTER IX. GHASTLY VISITORS. - CHAPTER X. TREASURE-SEEKING. - CHAPTER XI. THE YACHT. - CHAPTER XII. THE MYSTERY. - CHAPTER XIII. AFLOAT. - CHAPTER XIV. UNDER WAY. - CHAPTER XV. AT SEA. - CHAPTER XVI. AN ANXIOUS CREW. - CHAPTER XVII. IN PORT. - CHAPTER XVIII. HAVANA. - CHAPTER XIX. SUSPICIONS. - CHAPTER XX. AN ILL-ADVISED START. - CHAPTER XXI. PRISONERS. - CHAPTER XXII. SUCCESS. - - - - - WRECKED ON SPIDER ISLAND. - - - - - CHAPTER I. - NED ROGERS. - - -Ned Rogers had but few acquaintances in the city of Portland, Maine; but -those few were positive the boy had run away from home. - -It was quite natural such should be the general idea among those who saw -him trying from day to day to earn the small amount of money necessary -to provide him with food. - -As a matter of course it was essential he should also have clothes and a -bed at night; but Ned had found it such hard work to get sufficient to -satisfy his hunger that it would have seemed a willful waste of money to -expend it on anything save provisions. - -He very often found shelter in the store-houses on the wharves where he -sought employment. Sometimes the crew of a fishing vessel would allow -him to remain on board during the night, and more than once did he walk -around the streets because of his inability to go elsewhere. - -As for clothing, the badly patched suit he wore, which had originally -been made for a full-sized man, was quite as much as he aspired to until -“luck came his way,” and to have new garments was a dream he never -allowed himself to indulge in, because of the apparent impossibility. - -Now, while Ned presented every indication of a boy who has run away from -home in order to better his fortunes, and wishes heartily that he could -run back, he had never been so foolish, for the simple reason that so -long as he could remember there was no home for him in all this wide -world. - -His first remembrance of anything even approaching an abiding-place was -when he had reached his fifth birthday, and then understood he was -supported by an uncle, who seldom lost an opportunity of telling him -what a useless article he was, more especially on a farm. - -After that he remembered a funeral, with his uncle in the coffin, and -from the moment the hard-hearted farmer was carried to his last -resting-place Ned’s journeyings began. - -First one neighbor and then another had some work by which he could earn -enough to pay for the small amount he ate, and finally, as he grew -older, even these opportunities ceased. - -He did not know that he had a single relative in the world to whom he -could go, and while perfectly willing and even anxious to work, the -townspeople called him a “lazy good-for-nothing, whose only desire was -to eat the bread of idleness.” - -“It’s mighty little of any kind of bread I get,” Ned once said to Deacon -Grout, when the latter had made use of this remark because the boy -applied to him for work. “I allers have done whatever I could find that -would give me a square meal or a place to sleep; but it looks as if you -folks wasn’t willin’ to spare that much. I s’pose you think a feller -like me oughter pay for the privilege of stayin’ in this blamed old -town.” - -There is no question but that Ned’s provocation was great, yet it was an -ill-advised remark, for from that day he not only had the reputation of -being lazy, but impudent as well. - -The deacon predicted he would “come to some bad end,” and the deacon’s -friends fully expected each morning to hear that “the Rogers boy” had -been sent to jail, because of having committed some terrible crime. - -Despite this very unpleasant and unsatisfactory method of gaining less -than half a livelihood, Ned remained in the town until he was fourteen -years old; not for love of the place, but owing to his inability to -leave. - -The city was so far away that he did not think it possible to walk, and -as for paying his fare on the stage-coach, he might just as well have -cried for the moon. - -The cost of riding from Jonesboro to Portland, in both stage and cars, -was $7, and Ned had never been the possessor of a tenth part of that -amount, although he was really as industrious as the townspeople would -allow him to be. - -From the day he was ten years old the unhappy boy had said to himself -that he would go to the city at the first opportunity; but as the weeks -went by and he could see no possibility of carrying out such a plan, he -grew discouraged. - -“I expect what the deacon said will come true,” he thought, “an’ it -won’t be my fault. The people ain’t willin’ to give me a job, an’ if I -do get a chance now an’ then, nobody wants to pay cash.” - -It was when the future looked darkest, and he had begun to ask himself -whether it would not be possible for him to walk to Portland, even -though the distance was more than two hundred miles, that the longed-for -opportunity arrived. - -A drover passed through the town, or was about to do so, with a hundred -head of cattle, when one of his drivers was taken sick, and he inquired -for some one to fill the man’s place. - -The stock was to be driven to the nearest shipping point on the -railroad, and from there taken by cars to Portland. - -Ned heard of the drover’s necessities and applied for the situation, -agreeing to do the work, provided he was taken as far as the city and -supplied with food during the journey. - -On such terms there was but little difficulty in making a trade, and the -boy left his native town, determined never to return until he could show -Deacon Grout and his friends that it was possible for him to rise in the -world when he was among those who would allow him an opportunity. - -The journey, slow and fatiguing though it was, delighted Ned. - -Everything around him was strange and wonderful, and those with whom he -came in contact treated him like a human being, which was a pleasing -contrast to his experience in Jonesboro. - -The other drivers told him of what could be seen in the great world to -which he was going, and related more than one story of poor boys who had -started out to seek their fortunes under even more distressing -circumstances than those from which he suffered, coming back some day -rich and respected, until he began to think it was only necessary to -gain the city in order to be wealthy. - -With such dreams as these was his time occupied, and when the journey -was finally finished he began to look around for one of those very -charitable men whom he fancied were waiting in large cities to welcome, -with outstretched arms and plenty of money, all poor boys. - -As a matter of course he found nothing of the kind, and before -forty-eight hours had passed began to realize that the people in one -place were very much like those in all others. - -No one seemed to have any especial interest in him, and it was quite as -difficult to find an opportunity to work in the city as in the country. - -After the first day he understood that there would be but little chance -for him to get an engagement in a store while his clothing was in such a -condition, and he relinquished that portion of his plans to seek work -around the docks. - -Here he succeeded in earning about as much as while in Jonesboro; but -his life was more pleasant because he was treated more like a human -being and less as a criminal. - -During the summer season it made but little difference where he slept; -but winter was near at hand, and it became absolutely necessary he -should make such arrangements as would provide himself with a shelter. - -Until this time he had resolutely set his mind against going to sea, for -he was quite certain it would not be an agreeable life, and there would -be but little chance for him, without influence, to rise above the level -of a sailor. - -“It’s no use, I’ve got to try it,” he said to himself one morning when, -after sleeping under a pile of lumber on a pier, he awakened to find -everything covered with hoar-frost. “I’m pretty nigh frozen now, an’ -what’ll be the position of affairs in another month?” - -Having once determined his course, Ned lost no time in acting upon it. - -He was very well acquainted with the waterfront of the city and knew -where to find vessels bound for a foreign port. - -Since it seemed necessary for him to go to sea he did not intend to ship -on board a fishing vessel or one engaged in the coast-wise trade, for -the very good reason that in such craft he would not receive sufficient -advance to purchase the much-needed outfit. - -The brig Evening Star was loading for Manila, and this seemed to him the -proper kind of a voyage to take. When the trip was ended he would have -wages enough due him, provided he spent no money except for clothing, to -admit of making himself presentable for a situation in a store. - -Captain Bragg was on the quarter-deck talking with one of his officers -when Ned clambered over the side and stood by the port rail amidships -waiting until the master of the brig should be at leisure to speak with -him. - -“What do you want?” the captain asked five minutes later when, the -interview having come to an end, he condescended to notice the boy. - -“I’d like to ship on this brig if you need a boy.” - -“What can you do?” - -“Almost anything in the cabin; but I don’t believe I’d make much of a -fist goin’ aloft.” - -“So you’re no sailor, but want to go to sea?” - -“I had rather stay on shore, sir; but I can’t get a job, so made up my -mind to try it aboard ship if any one is willin’ to take a green hand.” - -“What about wages?” - -“I’ll leave that to you, sir, providin’ I can have advance enough to -give me a decent fittin’ out. These clothes I’ve got on are all I own, -an’ I reckon more’n them will be needed before the brig gets back.” - -“Would you like to ship as cabin-boy?” - -“At what wages, sir?” - -“Ten dollars a month and an advance of two months’ wages out of the -slop-chest.” - -Ned did not understand that by taking his outfit from the vessel’s -stores he might be forced to pay a great deal more than the same -articles would cost ashore, and readily engaged on those terms. - -“Here, Mr. Stout, see that this boy gets what he needs from the chest, -and then set him to work cleaning up the cabin,” the captain said to the -first officer, and the latter motioned for Ned to follow him. - -Leading the way below he brought out a pair of woolen trousers, two -shirts and a reefing jacket, which he gave to Ned as he said: - -“So you’re goin’ to sea, eh?” - -“Yes, sir.” - -“First voyage?” - -“Yes, sir.” - -“Run away from home, I reckon.” - -“No, sir; I’ve never had any since I can remember, an’ if I knew of one -you wouldn’t see me here. I’ve only shipped because I can’t help myself. -This livin’ on wind ain’t what it’s cracked up to be, an’ I want to get -under cover for the winter.” - -Mr. Stout looked at the boy almost pityingly, and said half to himself: - -“It’s kinder tough to strike this pertic’lar craft on the first cruise.” - -“Isn’t she a sound vessel, sir?” Ned asked, fearful lest there might be -good reason for him to remain ashore. - -“Oh, yes,” the mate replied quickly, looking like one who fancies he has -been so indiscreet as to say too much. “There’s nothin’ wrong with the -Evenin’ Star. I was thinkin’ of somethin’ else when I spoke. Get inter -them clothes so I can show you where to go to work. I reckon the duds -you’ve taken off will be about fit to throw overboard; they wouldn’t -hang together many days longer.” - -Ned would have insisted on knowing what the mate meant by his words in -reference to the vessel; but that gentleman did not appear inclined to -continue the conversation, and the boy was forced to follow him into the -cabin without the desired information. - -Ten minutes later Ned had forgotten that anything odd or unusual had -been said, so interested was he in his work. - -The cabin was in a shockingly dirty condition, and he resolved to put it -so thoroughly to rights that the captain could not fail to be pleased at -having hired such an industrious boy. - -He had had no breakfast; but the loss of a meal was something to which -he was accustomed, having missed more than he got while on shore, -therefore this trifling matter did not disturb him. - -When noon came he had not finished, and the cook insisted that he stop -until dinner should be served. - -As a matter of course he obeyed, and was assisting in laying the table -when the captain entered. - -“Is this what you call cleaning the cabin?” he cried in a rage, pointing -to a pile of dirt which Ned had left in one corner until he finished -sweeping. - -“I only stopped to help set the table, sir,” Ned replied promptly, -little thinking there could be any cause for complaint. “I shall be all -through before supper-time.” - -“How many hours do you want on a job like this?” the captain asked -angrily. - -“I’m getting along right well, sir; but it was so dirty that a feller -couldn’t make his work show till he was almost through.” - -“You’ve got too much chin to suit me,” the captain cried, and at that -instant Ned was forced to pass very near the man, who appeared as if -trying to make himself angry when no reason for a display of temper -existed. - -Conscious that he had not offended in any way, Ned hardly expected to -receive punishment, therefore was wholly unprepared for what followed. - -The captain struck him a vicious blow which sent him headlong toward the -companion-way at the very instant the cook was descending with a basin -of hot soup. - -As a matter of course Ned had no control over his own movements, neither -had the cook, and the result was that the two came together with a force -and suddenness which sent both to the floor, the scalding liquid flowing -over their faces and limbs. - -“What do you mean by that?” the captain cried, as running swiftly toward -the injured boy, he seized him by the coat collar, struck him on the -face several times with full force, and then hurled him to the deck -above. “I’ll teach you to spoil my dinner!” - -Ned did not hear this last remark. His head had struck against one of -the rail stanchions, and he lay unconscious, while the captain turned -the vials of his wrath on the unoffending steward. - -When the new cabin-boy recovered his senses he was in the galley and the -cook was applying oil and flour to the blisters on his own face and -hands. - -“What was you doin’ when the captain came in?” the master of the galley -asked. - -“Nothin’ more’n you saw. I’d been to work all the forenoon, an’ only -stopped when you wanted me to help set the table. I can’t tell what made -him fly at me so.” - -“It’s a way he has when he gets two or three drinks aboard,” the cook -replied with a smothered threat. “One of these days he’ll try that trick -too often.” - -“Did he do anything to you?” - -“Not so very much,” and the man pulled up his trousers to show two ugly -bruises on his leg. “That’s where he caught me before I could get on to -my feet.” - -“Did you say anything?” - -“It don’t pay to do very much chinnin’ when the captain is around,” was -the sage reply; “but he’s got to carry sail different from this, or the -Evening Star won’t have a cook on board when she leaves port.” - -“He can hunt for another cabin-boy mighty quick,” Ned said angrily. “I’m -willin’ to do my work or stand a flogging, but he shan’t knock me down -when I’m trying my best.” - -“I don’t see how you can help yourself now.” - -“What do you mean?” - -“Nothin’ except that you’ve shipped, an’ it won’t be so easy to get -away, for the police would arrest you on his complaint.” - -“But I haven’t reg’larly shipped.” - -“Oh, yes, you have. The minute you received what they handed out from -the slop-chest you was one of the crew. It’s a case now of makin’ the -best of it, and if you take my advice you’ll show up bright and smilin’ -when he sends for you.” - -It was only natural Ned should be very angry because of the cruel and -undeserved treatment; but before the cook finished giving him good -advice he realized that there was nothing left but to make the best of a -bad job, since without money or friends it would be very difficult to -avoid going to sea in the Evening Star, in case the captain insisted on -his remaining aboard. - - - - - CHAPTER II. - AT SEA. - - -Ned was not fit for duty during this day and the next. - -Both his eyes were blackened, his cheek cut and swollen, and his face -blistered in several places. - -After ministering to his necessities as well as possible, the cook -carried him into the forecastle, and there, alone, he had ample -opportunity to reflect upon what kind of a life he might be forced to -lead while it was necessary he should remain aboard the brig. - -On the evening of the first day, the chief mate, Bob Stout, came below -to inquire how the boy felt, and before he had been in the ill-smelling -place five minutes Ned decided that he should like this officer, no -matter how brutal the others might be. - -“Got knocked ’round pretty lively for a few minutes, eh?” the mate said -in a cheery tone as he seated himself on a chest by the side of Ned’s -bunk. - -“Indeed I did, an’ all for nothin’. I was doin’ the best I knew when he -begun, an’ then how could I help tumblin’ the cook over when the captain -fired me at him?” - -“You don’t want to bother your head about that, my lad. The least said -in such cases is the soonest mended. A boy at sea must learn to hold his -tongue.” - -“Even when he’s gettin’ a floggin’ he don’t deserve?” - -“Of course; that’s the very time when it’s most dangerous to talk. -You’ll soon get used to the captain’s ways.” - -“It’ll take a mighty long while for me to get used to bein’ fired from -one end of the cabin to the other, an’ then on deck.” - -“Wait three weeks, an’ see what you say about it. I went to sea as boy -with a master who was as liberal with his blows as Captain Bragg; but I -got in the habit of dodgin’ ’em before we’d been outside three days, an’ -after that it was fairly smooth sailin’, except when he caught me -unawares.” - -“But there’s no reason why I should stay on board. I’d rather starve -ashore than have the best of everything that’s on this craft.” - -“The cook says he told you what risks you’d be takin’ by tryin’ to run -away.” - -“So he did; but I won’t believe that man can keep me here if I don’t -want to stay.” - -“He can, an’ all the cook said is true. The only thing left for you is -to make the best of it, an’ get along as easy a possible. Now cheer up, -an’ have some heart in you.” - -With these words the mate left the forecastle, and Ned turned the advice -over in his mind until he came to the conclusion that it would be better -to act upon the friendly hints. - -The result of this conversation was that on the following afternoon the -cabin-boy returned to duty by taking up the task which had been left -unfinished when the unprovoked attack was made upon him. - -The captain entered shortly after the work was recommenced, but made no -comment whatever. He did not deign to so much as look at the little -fellow, and when the evening meal was served Ned succeeded in waiting -upon the table without a mishap. - -After the third day came to an end the new cabin-boy felt quite well at -home. He had remembered the mate’s advice in the matter of dodging -blows, and on several occasions avoided what might otherwise have been -as serious as the first flogging. - -Finally the time came when the Evening Star was ready for sea, and Ned -congratulated himself upon the fact, for, once under way, it was hardly -probable the captain would have a great deal of time to devote to him. - -His first experience at sea was so much like what other fellows, who -have ventured upon the ocean for sport rather than from necessity, have -known, that there is no reason why it should be given in detail here. - -The brig sailed out of the harbor in the early morning, and before -twelve o’clock poor Ned was in the forecastle believing his last hour -was very near at hand. It seemed to him that the sailors were a -particularly hard-hearted set of men to laugh and make sport of a dying -boy, for he was fully convinced he would not live until morning. - -Death was not as near as he had fancied, however, although he did not -feel very much better at sunrise. - -Then the mate came into the forecastle, and, after asking how he felt, -said: - -“You had best come aft, lad. The room off the pantry is the proper bunk -for you, and once clear of this foul place you’ll get well a great deal -faster.” - -“Where is the captain?” - -“In his room. He hasn’t turned out yet, and you’ll have a chance to get -settled in the new quarters before he shows up.” - -Ned was more than willing to make the proposed change. The odor, the -jokes of the sailors, as well as the fumes of tobacco smoke, were -decidedly trying to a weak stomach, and he managed to crawl from the -berth unaided, thanks to the promise of an improvement in the -surroundings. - -Mr. Stout so far unbent from the dignity of a first officer as to assist -him across the deck and into the tiny room which was half-filled with -stores of various kinds; but, regardless of the limited accommodations, -Ned felt he was very fortunate in getting quarters where he could be -alone. - -“I shall see that you show up to-morrow morning,” the mate said as he -turned to go. “I don’t reckon the captain will let you loaf any longer, -even though a sick waiter isn’t the most pleasant person one can have -around a table. The skipper of this craft don’t believe in keeping cats -that can’t catch mice.” - -“Do you s’pose he’ll let me stay here as long as that?” Ned asked -piteously. - -“I reckon so, for I shall make it out you’re worse off than really is -the case; so fix yourself as comfortable as possible, an’ I’ll see to it -that the cook brings you a bowl of soup before noon.” - -“I couldn’t eat a mouthful.” - -“Nonsense. You’ll be as ravenous as a bear by night, an’ I’ll answer for -it you can get away with quite a mess by the time it is ready.” - -Ned felt certain he should never again want anything in the way of food; -but when, two hours later, the captain of the galley brought a bowlful -of liquid, steaming hot, which gave forth a most appetizing odor, he -succeeded in swallowing more than half of it, feeling very much better -immediately afterward. - -By nightfall he had so far recovered that the nausea did not trouble -him, save when he attempted to rise to his feet, and he had no -difficulty in eating a large piece of meat and two ship’s biscuit, which -the good-natured mate gave him. - -“I reckon you’re all right now, an’ shall turn you out bright an’ early -in the morning,” Mr. Stout said as Ned literally devoured the -provisions. - -“Did the captain say anything because I was sick so long?” - -“Yes, he got into a reg’lar mad fit; but I made it out that you wasn’t -able to come into the cabin in any decent shape, an’ he didn’t say any -more. The old man has been like an angel all day, an’ I can’t understand -the meanin’ of it. Anybody would say he was tryin’ to play me for some -kind of a favor; but of course that can’t be, now we’ve put to sea.” - -It was destined Ned should know very soon what the “favor” was which -Captain Bragg wanted of the mate, although he little dreamed then that -it would cause him so much alarm. - -From the time Mr. Stout left him until late in the night Ned slept -soundly, and then he was awakened by hearing the familiar voice of the -captain say in a loud tone just outside the door of his state-room: - -“There’s no need of your bein’ on deck for the next half-hour, Mr. -Stout, so let’s go into the pantry for some grog. That lazy steward -hasn’t left any in the cabin.” - -“I’ll bring it to you there, sir, if you’ll wait a minute.” - -“There’s no occasion for it. We can go in here as well, and there’ll be -less chance any one overhears us while we’re talking.” - -Ned heard the door of the pantry opened, and then it was as if the -captain had entered the boy’s room, so far as the latter’s ability to -hear all that might be said was concerned. - -The partition between the two apartments was composed of only one -thickness of thin boards, and a whisper would have sounded distinct in -the confined space. - -“It seems rather odd to see the captain of a craft like this huntin’ his -own lunch,” Mr. Stout said laughingly. - -“I’d rather do it just now while the second officer is in his room, for -I’ve got something private to say to you which wouldn’t be safe even in -the cabin.” - -There was a few moments of silence, and then the mate said, as if about -to partake of some liquor: - -“Here’s to your health, sir.” - -“Same to you,” was the reply; and then it was possible for Ned to hear -the sound as the glasses were replaced on the shelves. - -“Mr. Stout,” the captain began in a serious tone, “I believe you are not -a rich man.” - -“There’s no question about that, sir, for I’m even poorer than a -churchmouse.” - -“How would you like a chance to make a thousand dollars or more of extra -money this trip?” - -“There’s precious little need of my answerin’ such a question, sir. I -never had a thousand dollars at one time in my life.” - -“What would you be willing to do in order to get that much within the -next two months?” - -“Without stealin’ it, do you mean, sir?” - -“It isn’t likely I’d ask you to turn thief; but if this craft never -reached Manila there might be more than that in your pocket.” - -“Do you mean to wreck her?” Mr. Stout cried as if in alarm. - -“Hush! Don’t make such talk so loud that everybody on board can hear -you.” - -“It strikes me there are worse things than stealing,” the mate said -slowly. - -“But this isn’t one of them. The brig is insured way up on what ain’t in -the hold, and suppose she founders off the Florida Keys, who is going to -be any the wiser? There’s no need that even the men should know, -providing you and I work together, and we can take to the boats without -a smell of danger.” - -“It is a clear case of cheating somebody, even though we don’t risk the -lives of the crew.” - -“Nonsense! Every cent will come from the rich insurance companies, and -you can’t say that is wronging any one in particular. What would be the -difference to a stock company which rolls up thousands of dollars in -profits every year, if they had to pay an extra risk or two? It’s such a -chance for us as a man seldom gets in this world, and we’ll take it if -you say the word.” - -There was quite a long interval of silence, and then Ned heard Mr. Stout -ask: - -“Have you made your preparations for scuttling her?” - -“No, there wasn’t need of that until you and I had come to an -understanding; and even then we don’t want to do anything until we’re -off the Keys where there’ll be no very great tumbling around in the -boats.” - -“How is it to be done?” - -“We’ll scuttle her from the stern. I’ve seen to it the cargo was stowed -in such a manner that we can get down to her skin without any trouble. -It might be a slight explosion in the forward hold—not enough to do any -damage, but sufficient to start the men into a panic—would work to our -advantage.” - -“I don’t like it,” the chief mate said in the tone of one who is willing -to be convinced; “but there’s a pleasant ring to a thousand dollars.” - -“Of course there is, and your share will be even more than that.” - -“It isn’t so easy to scuttle a craft as one might think, and when the -job was done if some of the crew should happen to be suspicious, we’d -stand a good chance of takin’ a trip to prison.” - -“If anything like that should happen at the last minute it would be -unlucky for the man who saw us, or thought we were up to mischief. He -shouldn’t leave this craft alive. I’d rather send the whole crew to the -bottom than run a risk of being caught at such a job. But take another -drink Stout, an’ think over this matter till morning. There’s plenty of -time to discuss it, for we’ve got at least four days before us, if not a -week.” - -Then the conversation ceased as the captain left the pantry, and Ned -heard the mate, who had remained behind an instant, mutter to himself: - -“I knew the old man was up to something, or he wouldn’t have been so -sweet for the last twenty-four hours. It’s a big scheme he’s got, an’ I -don’t see why it couldn’t be worked without trouble. A thousand dollars -is a pile of money to a man who never had any more than I’ve got.” - -This was sufficient to show Ned that the chief officer would not -hesitate to assist in wrecking the brig, provided it could be done -without taking too big a risk, and the boy began to wonder what would -become of him if the crime was finally committed. - -The captain had said that if any one on board had a suspicion the brig -was deliberately scuttled, such person should never leave the craft -alive. - -Now Ned was in the possession of the secret, and in case the captain -discovered that his words could be heard so plainly from one apartment -to the other, it was only reasonable to suppose he would carry his -threat into execution, more especially when it was a person of so little -importance as a cabin-boy without a relative in the world. - -“I don’t believe Mr. Stout would do such a thing to me,” Ned said to -himself; “but I’ll talk with him about it the first chance I get.” - -It was impossible for Ned to sleep any more on this night, and next -morning there was no reason why the chief mate should awaken him, for he -was at work in the cabin as soon as the first gray light of the coming -dawn could be seen. - -“Feelin’ better, eh?” Mr. Stout asked as he came below while Ned was -placing the dishes on the table preparatory to serving breakfast. - -“Yes, sir, an’ I’ll be able to do my work now if I don’t get taken -again.” - -“There isn’t much chance of that. You’ve served an apprenticeship, and -won’t have any more trouble this voyage.” - -Then the mate went into the pantry for some of the same liquid which had -played an important part in the conversation during the previous night, -for it is as strange as it is true that as soon as a man contemplates -villainy of almost any kind, he invariably flies for courage and -consolation to liquor. - -Ned made up his mind to speak with the mate that very morning in -reference to what he had heard; but the opportunity was denied him. - -Before the first officer returned from the pantry the captain came out -of his room, and the two spent considerable time at the forward end of -the cabin conversing in whispers. - -Then breakfast was served, after which Mr. Stout went to his apartment, -and there was so much work for the cabin-boy to do that he had not -finished when it was time to prepare for dinner. - -The captain was in such a good humor during the noon-day meal that Ned -was not even reprimanded when he tripped over a chair and spilled a -portion of a cup of coffee, and after dinner the master and his mate -went into the pantry once more. - -The cabin-boy was tempted to enter his own room in order to hear what -was said, for most likely the mate was giving an answer to the question -asked; but the risk of being detected was so great that he did not -venture on any such hazardous experiment. - -No until his work in the cabin was finished did the two emerge from -their conference, and then it was apparent that Mr. Stout had agreed to -join the captain in the commission of the crime. The master of the -Evening Star was evidently on the best of terms with his mate, and the -two showed very plainly that they had a secret in common. - -“If I don’t talk with Mr. Stout pretty soon he’ll be jest as bad as the -captain,” Ned said to himself as he noted the change which had come over -the mate during the past few hours. “I’ll watch my chance to-night after -the old man has turned in, for if this thing is to be done inside of a -week the best way is to get ready for the worst right soon.” - -The captain did not interfere with the new boy on this day, and had it -not been for the short but sharp experience before putting to sea, Ned -would have believed he was sailing under one of the most amiable men to -be found in the world. - -When night came the cabin-boy finished his tasks as quickly as possible -and then went on deck, where he remained by the rail amidships until -after the first officer had had another interview with the captain in -the pantry. - -“What are you doing out here?” Mr. Stout asked as he came on deck, and -since he knew the officer was willing to commit a crime, Ned fancied his -voice had lost that cheery ring which pleased him so much when he first -heard it. “Ain’t gettin’ homesick, are you?” - -“How can a feller feel like that when he hasn’t got any home to go to?” -Ned asked with a mirthless laugh. “All the same, I wish I was on shore.” - -“Why? You seem to be gettin’ along well enough here.” - -“I am so far as the work goes; but there’s more that’s worryin’ me.” - -“What is it, lad? You’re too young to have very big troubles.” - -“If you’d promise me somethin’ I’d feel a good deal better.” - -“Then out with it, for a boy like you don’t want to keep anything very -serious on his mind too long at a time.” - -Ned looked around to make certain there was no one in the immediate -vicinity who could overhear him, and whispered: - -“Will you promise that I shan’t be left behind when you sink the brig?” - -Mr. Stout started as if having received a heavy blow from a weapon, and -an instant later grasped Ned by the arm with sufficient force to cause -considerable pain, as he asked in a hoarse whisper: - -“What do you mean by that, lad? Where did you learn anything of the -kind?” - -“You was talkin’ in the pantry, an’ I could hear every word while I was -sick in my room.” - -“Come here! Let’s find out jest how easy that can be done,” and in his -excitement the chief mate dragged Ned roughly into the pantry. “Now you -speak here, while I go where you was.” - -An instant later the boy heard him say from the opposite side of the -partition: - -“Now go ahead, an’ talk low.” - -“You can hear me if I whisper,” Ned replied, suiting the action to the -words. - -An exclamation of surprise and dismay told that the mate was convinced -of the truth of the story related by Ned. - -Coming into the pantry once more he said sternly: - -“Now I want you to go over everything you heard us say! Don’t skip a -single word more’n you can help, for this is gettin’ to be a serious -matter.” - -Wondering why Mr. Stout should have allowed himself to become so -excited, the boy obeyed, saying in conclusion: - -“You won’t let the captain leave me behind, will you, Mr. Stout? You -know he threatened that was what he’d do to any one who had a suspicion -the brig was sunk by him, an’ I’m afraid he may find out I could hear -all you said.” - -The mate looked at the boy very oddly for a few seconds, and then -replied in a voice which trembled despite all his efforts to make it -sound firm: - -“I’ll see you’re not left here in case she is scuttled; but I reckon the -best thing we can do now will be to give up that job, since there’s -another besides ourselves who knows about it.” - -“Who do you mean?” - -“You, of course,” and the mate spoke as if in a rage. - -“But you know I wouldn’t tell.” - -“No, we must take good care of that,” and to steady his shaken nerves -the mate had recourse to the liquor bottle, pouring out for himself a -dram which very nearly filled the glass. - -“You see I thought it was best to speak to you about it the first chance -for if it is to be done so soon I might wait too long,” Ned continued, -little fancying what thoughts were in the mate’s mind. - -“That is right, lad. I’m glad you did, an’ now we’d better go on deck. -See to it that you don’t stay up too late to-night, for you must be on -hand bright an’ early in the mornin’ to have things ready for -breakfast.” - -“I’m goin’ to my room now. I only went on deck to speak with you.” - -“All right; but be sure you don’t get to talkin’ with anybody else about -what you heard, or there might come a row which wouldn’t be pleasant.” - -“There’s no danger of that,” Ned replied cheerily, perfectly contented -in mind since having spoken on the subject to the man whom he felt -certain was his friend. - -Mr. Stout was so attentive as to go with the boy to the door of his -room, and when Ned was inside, the mate turned the key without the -knowledge of the young occupant. - -Then Mr. Stout visited the pantry once more, poured out another glass of -liquor for the purpose of steadying his nerves, and muttered to himself -as he went on deck: - -“The skipper must hear of this before morning. It won’t do to let that -kid run around the craft with such a secret as he has got; but the -question is how we can put him out of the way?” - - - - - CHAPTER III. - THE PLOT. - - -Meanwhile Ned was positive that everything had been arranged -satisfactorily. - -It never came into his mind that Mr. Stout might think it in the highest -degree unsafe for a boy to be possessed of a secret which could send him -and the captain to prison for a long term. His only idea was that in -case the brig was scuttled he would be in no danger, and this was -sufficient for the time being. - -There was no occasion for him to leave his room, therefore he had no -intimation he had been made a prisoner, and lay down to sleep with not a -care on his mind, save, possibly, whether he should succeed in pleasing -the captain as well on the following day as during the one just passed. - -Matters would have worn a very different complexion to him had it been -possible to have overheard the conversation which Mr. Stout had with the -captain in the latter’s room about midnight, when the second mate went -on deck. - -The master of the Evening Star was wrapped in a slumber superinduced by -frequent draughts from the liquor bottle, and his chief officer had some -difficulty in awakening him. - -“What’s the matter?” he cried in alarm when finally it was possible for -the visitor to make his presence known. “Anything wrong?” - -“Not with the brig; but there’s some one aboard who must be attended to -mighty quick if you count on carrying out the plan we spoke about the -other night.” - -“What do you mean?” - -“There was a listener while we were talkin’ in the pantry.” - -“Who?” and now fear caused the captain to be very wide awake. - -“The boy. He can hear even a whisper from the pantry while lying in his -berth. I tried the experiment a little while ago, an’ know that not a -word could have escaped him.” - -“And he heard what I said?” - -“That’s the size of it. He came to ask me not to leave him behind when -the brig was scuttled, an’ you can fancy what a turn it gave me. He -didn’t seem to think it anything out of the way to tell the whole story, -an’ I’ve taken the precaution of lockin’ him in his room.” - -“That was right. He must fall overboard before daylight, or we shall -stand a good chance of going to jail if we ever show up on shore again.” - -“Now don’t talk foolishness,” Stout replied impatiently. “In the first -place, I won’t have murder committed; it’s bad enough to scuttle a -vessel. Then, again, it couldn’t be done without some of the crew -knowing about it, and even if they simply had suspicions the loss of the -brig immediately after the boy was silenced would show up the whole -matter.” - -“But what shall we do?” - -“That’s what I don’t know. All I can say is as to what mustn’t be done -an’ leave you to figger out the rest.” - -The captain was silent for fully a minute, and then said abruptly: - -“I wish you’d bring the bottle in here; I need something to clear my -head a bit.” - -Mr. Stout obeyed at once, and when he returned the master of the brig -had seen a way out of what promised to be a very serious difficulty. - -“We’ll soon settle him, and I’ll answer for it that the crew will be -glad enough to help us.” - -“What is the scheme?” - -“Keep him a close prisoner from now out. Say that we have discovered he -has some contagious disease——” - -“But anybody with half an eye can see he’s well and hearty.” - -“There are plenty of things which can be hatched up. Say leprosy; that -will startle every man jack, I’ll go bail.” - -“Then what? We can’t leave him on board when the brig goes down.” - -“How thick-headed you are to-night, Stout! Take a drink to brighten you -up. Suppose the men believe he’s a leper? The result will be that -they’ll insist on our setting him ashore, as we should do in case he was -really afflicted with the disease. We can land him on some small key, -and the matter will be settled.” - -“But he’ll talk all the same when he gets back.” - -“If he ever does.” - -“Then it is really murder you are thinking of!” - -“Not a bit of it! We’ll simply maroon him, with plenty of grub, and -trust to chance for the rest. We’ll make Spider Key for the first land, -and once he is there I’ll guarantee he stays.” - -“But I don’t fancy the idea of such a thing as that,” Mr. Stout replied -thoughtfully. “It is different, this scuttlin’ a vessel for the purpose -of doin’ the insurance companies, while to maroon a boy is very much the -same as puttin’ a knife into him, and perhaps more cruel.” - -“Look here, Stout, it is too late for you to be squeamish. He has heard -the plan and knows you agreed to it. Once his story has been told on -shore, even if we back out now and put the brig into port, the cargo can -be examined, and it’s good-by for you and I. Death wouldn’t be half so -bad in my eyes as ten or fifteen years in jail, and that’ll be the size -of it if he’s allowed to run around with our secret.” - -“I s’pose you’re right,” the mate replied with a sigh; “but it’s mighty -tough for the poor little fellow, all the same.” - -“Not so much so as it would be for us. I’ll see to it that he has enough -in the way of grub and weapons to keep him going for a year, and at the -end of that time it won’t do much harm if he should tell the yarn.” - -One would have said from the expression on the captain’s face that he -felt certain Ned would not be alive at the end of a year; but the mate -was willing to soothe his conscience with the thought that he might find -some means of escaping from the key, and thus the matter was settled. - -It only remained to decide upon the room which should answer for Ned’s -prison until he could be sent ashore, and Mr. Stout said: - -“I reckon we may as well leave him where he is, eh?” - -“By no manner of means. Didn’t you say he could hear all that was said -in the pantry?” - -“Yes; but what of that? We needn’t go there to talk any more.” - -“You’re still thick-headed, Stout. If he can hear so plainly, what’s to -prevent him from chinning with some of the crew or the steward? It’s a -chance we mustn’t take, for if we give out that he’s a leper and he -manages to tell one of them that he was never away from the State of -Maine in his life, there would likely be a very big question as to the -truth of our statement.” - -“Then the only vacant room is the one next to mine.” - -“Exactly. We’ll put him there and leave the crew to say what shall be -done with him. I’m ’way off my reckoning if they don’t insist on his -going ashore the first chance. When that has been done we’ll make a big -show of burning the bedding, and the thing is over.” - -“Very well, sir, I shall have to give in that you can handle this matter -better than I. Now, if you’ll take care of the balance of the job it’ll -be a big weight off my mind. I couldn’t face that boy, knowin’ what -we’re goin’ to do, without standin’ a chance of givin’ the whole snap -away.” - -“Leave it to me; I’ll attend to everything, and you shan’t see him again -till the day we take him on shore.” - -Mr. Stout went to his own room after this promise; but it is safe to say -that his sleep was neither sweet nor refreshing. - -Two hours later Ned was awakened by a heavy hand laid on his shoulder, -and as he raised his head the captain’s voice was heard. - -“I want you to shift rooms, lad. The carpenter is going to make some -changes here, and you’ll lose the best part of the night’s rest if you -try to stay.” - -The words were spoken in the most friendly of tones, and Ned, wondering -not a little why it was the master of the Evening Star had suddenly -grown so kind, hastily dressed himself. - -Captain Bragg stood in the doorway until he was ready, and then led him -to the room adjoining the chief mate’s, saying as he opened the door: - -“It ain’t a bad swap for you to make, my son. We keep this for -passengers because it is so big, and don’t usually count on givin’ it up -to one of the crew; but it seems necessary in this case. You needn’t try -to turn out early in the mornin’; I shan’t have a regular meal served -till the repairs are made, so lay in bed as long as you please.” - -Then the captain closed the door, locking it so gently that the turning -of the key could not be heard, and Ned undressed himself again in a -perfect maze of bewilderment. - -The captain’s excessive kindness caused wonderment not unmixed with -fear, for he remembered what Mr. Stout had said the day previous when -the gentleman was so affable. - -“There’s no need for me to fuss about it,” he said after trying in vain -to fancy some good reason for this almost affectionate manner. “Of -course he don’t want me to do anything for him, else he’d asked with his -fist. Perhaps he’s been drinkin’ too much, an’ I’d better turn out the -same time as usual.” - -This last supposition seemed the most reasonable, and, believing he had -hit upon the true cause for the change of demeanor, he devoted his -entire attention to sleep. - -At what time Ned awakened next morning he was unable to say; but it -seemed quite late when he opened his eyes, and jumping quickly from the -berth, began to dress hurriedly as he muttered to himself: - -“I reckon I shall have to walk mighty straight this morning, for the -captain will be crosser than a bear.” - -After making a hurried toilet he attempted to go into the saloon, and, -to his great surprise, found the door was locked. - -It did not seem possible at first that such could be the case; but after -trying in vain for several moments to open it, he was forced to admit he -was a prisoner. - -“Some one has turned the key, not knowing I was in here,” he thought, -and then began to pound on the door in order to attract attention. - -It was not necessary to do this many seconds before succeeding in his -purpose, and he heard the captain’s voice from the outside: - -“If you don’t keep quiet I’ll break every bone in your body!” came in -low, but angry tones. - -“But the door has got locked somehow.” - -“I did that myself. You’ll stay where you are till I make up my mind -what shall be done with you.” - -“But why am I kept here?” - -“You’ll find out soon enough. Behave yourself, and there’ll be no harm -done; but if I hear so much as a single yip, you’ll know what the cat -tastes like.” - -Then all was silent once more, and Ned literally staggered back to the -bunk, trying in vain to understand the meaning of this very strange -performance. - -He could think of nothing he had done or neglected to do which would -warrant such treatment, and after studying over the perplexing matter -until his head swam, he lay down again. - -An hour later the door of his room was opened, and the captain entered, -bringing a supply of food. - -“Here’s enough to eat and drink till morning,” he said gruffly as he -placed the tray on a locker. “Take hold and enjoy yourself as much as -you can, for this terrible thing isn’t any fault of yours.” - -“What do you mean?” Ned cried. “What have I done?” - -“Nothing, lad; but the men are not willing to have you around.” - -“The men!” Ned repeated in bewilderment. “What can they have against -me?” - -“They’re afraid of catching the disease, and I can’t say I blame them.” - -“But I ain’t sick.” - -“Do you mean to tell me you didn’t know you had the leprosy?” and the -captain now appeared to be thoroughly surprised. - -“Have I?” and Ned in turn evinced astonishment. - -“There’s no question about it. If I had noticed you more carefully the -day you came on board, I should have known what the trouble was. Now it -will be necessary to stay here quietly until we can set you ashore where -there’s a hospital, for you need immediate care.” - -Ned was so bewildered that he did not question the man further; but -threw himself on the bunk once more, entirely at a loss to understand -anything in regard to the matter, save that the crew had suddenly grown -afraid of him. - -“You must keep very quiet,” the captain continued. “Don’t exert yourself -by moving around, and I will see you have everything that’s needed until -we put you on shore, which will be by to-morrow, or the next day at the -latest.” - -Then the master of the Evening Star left the room, locking the door -behind him, and Ned tried in vain to realize his position. - -After a time he remembered that he had not asked the captain what -leprosy was, and examined his face in the glass to see such evidences of -sickness as would warrant people in being afraid of him. - -His skin seemed of a healthy color, and he asked himself if he felt ill -in any way; but without receiving a satisfactory answer. - -“I can’t make out that I’m different from what I always was; but there -must be something wrong, or the captain wouldn’t act so awful good.” - -Since he was not sensible of being an invalid, and had a very clear idea -he felt hungry, there appeared to be no good reason why he should not -partake of the plentiful supply of food which had been brought. - -He made a hearty meal, and then lay down again as he muttered to -himself: - -“All I can say is that it ain’t very bad to be sick with leprosy, for I -feel first class, an’ oughter be willin’ to stay here a long while if -they feed me up in this shape.” - -During the day he slept considerable, but during the night was more -wakeful. Now and then it was possible to hear the hum of voices from the -cabin; but he could not distinguish the words, and, from the “heel” of -the vessel, knew she was reeling off the knots in fine shape. - -When another day dawned and the rays of the sun, coming through the -port-hole, lighted up the tiny apartment, he expected to see the captain -with a second supply of food; but the hours passed on, and his door -remained locked. - -Then came the thought that perhaps they were making preparations to -scuttle the vessel, and he would be left behind to drown. - -The chance of this seemed so great that he had made up his mind to pound -on the door in order to attract attention, despite the threats of the -captain, when that gentleman entered. - -“Well, my lad,” he began in a cheery tone, “I am glad for you that it -won’t be necessary to stay here many minutes longer.” - -“Have you found out that there is nothing the matter with me?” Ned cried -eagerly. - -“I wish I had; but there’s no such good luck as that. We are off Spider -Key now; the brig will soon be hove-to, and you are to go ashore. I’m -sorry we couldn’t fetch up on the other side of the island where the -village is, but, under the circumstances, you won’t mind walking a -couple of miles. We shall give you enough so there’ll be no chance of -wanting anything, even though you should stay here a year, and when it -comes right down to facts, you’ll be better off than if you remained on -board.” - -“Will I have any trouble in findin’ the village?” - -“Not a bit. Walk straight across till you come to it.” - -Ned was satisfied. He had had so many hard rubs in his life that this -being set ashore did not surprise him, and the fact that he would have -enough to keep him for a year seemed like a wonderful show of generosity -on the captain’s part. - -Just then the tramp of feet overhead, mingled with cries of command, -told that the brig was coming up into the wind. - -Captain Bragg went to the companion-way a mo—and then returned with Mr. -Stout. - -“Are you going ashore with me?” Ned asked in glad surprise. - -“Yes: the men backed out from the job, an’ since somebody must do it, I -allowed you’d rather it would be me.” - -“Indeed I had,” Ned replied, and if he entertained any suspicions -previously, they were dispelled now the one man on board whom he -considered a friend was to accompany him as far as the shore. - -The captain enveloped the boy in a rubber coat which partially hid his -face, saying as he did so: - -“You should be careful about taking cold. There’s a damp wind comes off -the water, and it’s best to keep your face well covered until you are in -the hospital.” - -Ned, now firmly convinced that the master of the Evening Star was his -very good friend, obeyed orders to the letter, and Mr. Stout led him on -deck. - -The brig was hove-to off a low-lying, sandy island about half a mile -away, and a more desolate-looking place could not well be imagined. - -Far down on the opposite shore was something dark which might be a clump -of trees, otherwise there was not so much as a blade of grass in the way -of vegetation. - -The boat was alongside, and, standing well forward, as if afraid of -having the leper pass them, were the crew, looking very much disturbed. - -“You can see how frightened they are of you,” Mr. Stout said in a low -tone. “It was all the captain an’ I could do to prevent them from -setting you adrift in one of the boats.” - -“How funny it is that they should have got scared when I look the same’s -I ever did.” - -“But you don’t, my lad. There’s a big change in your appearance since -you come aboard.” - -“I feel jest the same, anyway.” - -“Yes, folks with that disease always do; but come on, we must get to the -island as quick as we can, or the brig may go on without me.” - -“I wish you was goin’ to stay ashore too.” - -Ned was clambering over the rail as he said this, consequently did not -see an expression of what was very like fear which passed over the -mate’s face, and it seemed impossible for him to make any reply. - -On stepping into the boat Ned noticed a number of packages in -sail-cloth, and asked what they were. - -“Provisions an’ sich like as you may need while stoppin’ here. The -captain tells me he has given you a first-class outfit, large enough to -keep you like a prince for a year.” - -While speaking Mr. Stout had begun to row toward the shore, and when -they were so far from the brig that his words could not be overheard by -the captain, who was watching them from the quarter-deck, he said as he -motioned with his foot toward a small bundle which lay under the -stern-sheets: - -“I found a lot of fish-lines, a pocket knife, an’ a quantity of matches -in my room this mornin,’ so I put ’em aboard thinkin’ they might come in -handy for you.” - -“What would I want with such things if I’m goin’ to the hospital?” Ned -asked in surprise. - -“Is that where you’re bound for?” the mate inquired, and now it was his -turn to show astonishment. - -“Of course. Didn’t the captain tell you?” - -“I ain’t certain as he did. I’ve been pretty busy on deck since you was -taken sick, an’ haven’t had much chance to talk with him.” - -“But I haven’t been taken sick. Captain Bragg says I’ve got leprosy; but -that’s all.” - -Mr. Stout acted very much as if he did not care to prolong the -conversation. - -He rowed as rapidly as possible with his head half-turned, as if to -avoid looking the boy in the face, and pretended not to hear when Ned -asked relative to the location of the village. - -When the bow of the boat grated on the sand he leaped ashore and began -pulling out the packages with feverish haste, while Ned, throwing off -the rubber coat because of the heat, leisurely stepped on the land. - -[Illustration: NED WATCHES THE MATE ROW BACK TO THE SHIP.—Page 49.] - -In a very few seconds Mr. Stout was ready to return to the brig, and -stopped as if to shake hands with Ned; but evidently changed his mind, -for instead of so doing he leaped in the craft. - -“Perhaps I’ll see you when we come back,” he cried, and then pulled at -the oars with all his strength, keeping his eyes fixed on the bottom of -the boat to shut out from view the boy who stood at the very edge of the -water, gazing after the man whom he believed to be his friend. - - - - - CHAPTER IV. - MAROONED. - - -Ned remained exactly as Mr. Stout had left him until the little craft -was alongside the brig, hoisted on board, and the Evening Star, swinging -around into the wind, was standing off on her course once more. - -During all this time the mate had not, so far as he could tell, looked -at him for a single instant, and this apparent lack of sympathy puzzled -Ned. - -“I don’t see what makes him so queer,” he said to himself as he watched -the vessel rapidly drawing away from the tiny island upon which he had -been landed. “The captain seemed kind enough while I was locked in the -state-room; but neither he nor the mate acted as if they felt bad -because I had to go away.” - -Then once more he wondered what leprosy was, which necessitated his -leaving the brig so suddenly, and to neither of these mental questions -could he give a satisfactory reply. - -The packages which had been brought ashore were too numerous to admit of -his carrying them at one load, and he decided to leave everything, -except the articles given him by the mate, on the beach until he could -locate the village. - -The fishing-lines, knife, and matches he put in his pockets, covered the -other goods with the rubber coat, and when the Evening Star had faded -away in the distance to a mere smudge on the horizon, he set out in -search of the inhabitants of the island. - -It was about noon when he came ashore, and since then fully two hours -had been spent watching the brig. - -The heat seemed intense, and the glare of the sun on the white sands -nearly blinded him. - -“There’s no use standing here any longer,” he said aloud after one more -glance at the faint shadow which marked the brig’s position. “If I don’t -start it’ll soon be dark, an’ then there _would_ be trouble, for a -fellow can’t find his way around a strange island very well when it’s -impossible to see anything. It seems kinder queer that I was so sick it -wasn’t safe for me to stay aboard the Evening Star, an’ yet the captain -thought it was all right for me to walk a couple of miles when it’s hot -enough to melt the boots off a fellow’s feet!” - -Then, with his eyes fixed on what appeared to be a clump of trees, in -order that he might be certain of traveling in a direct course, Ned set -out, trudging along resolutely, regardless of the heat, which brought -the perspiration from his face in tiny streams. - -The hard lessons of life which Ned had already received stood him in -good stead now. Without them he might have weakened before this, the -first of many troubles yet to come; but he had known a number of -instances where a good deal more labor than that of walking two miles -had been required of him, with no prospect of a reward when the task was -finished, and the question of fatigue hardly entered his thoughts. - -He believed he should soon arrive at a village where he would be -hospitably received as soon as he informed the inhabitants that he had -been set ashore because of suffering from leprosy, therefore the thought -of what he would soon enjoy served to pass the time more rapidly. - -After half an hour’s steady walking he saw that the point toward which -he had been making his way was indeed a clump of trees. - -The grove was situated at the head of a small bay which made in on the -western side of the island, and here the vegetation was almost -luxuriant. - -Trees covered an extent of land fully half a mile square, and sloping -down from the higher portions of the island to the water’s edge were -bushes and small plants in profusion. - -To a fellow who wanted to “camp out” where he would be free from -intrusion, it was a beautiful place; but to one in Ned’s situation, who -hoped to see houses as a sort of guarantee that he might find something -to eat, it was not cheering. - -“I reckon the village is on the other side of the grove,” he said to -himself. “If I’d known where to look for it in the first place I might -have saved quite a long walk.” - -He was beginning to grow tired, and the heat had caused such a thirst -that water seemed an absolute necessity. - -Fortunately he was not forced to travel very much further without a -plentiful supply of this most precious liquid. - -After passing about half-way through the grove, he came upon a small -natural spring which apparently gushed out of the coral rock, and here -he made a long halt, satisfying his thirst gradually because of the -intense pleasure of drinking when his tongue was so parched. - -The thing which struck him as most strange was the fact that during all -his travels he had not seen a sign of human beings. - -From what he had noticed of the island while on the brig, it did not -appear to be very large, and he failed to understand how it could be -populated and this portion so completely deserted. - -“I mustn’t sit here thinkin’ about it,” he muttered, rising to his feet. -“It’ll be night before I strike the hospital if I don’t keep moving.” - -Straight through the grove he went, then on the other side within sight -of the water, but seeing no signs of life, save when the birds swooped -down past him as if trying to find out what sort of creature this was -who had come among them so suddenly. - -He quickened his pace, and continued on with grim determination until -the sun sank behind the waste of waters, and the shadows of night were -gathering more rapidly than he had ever seen them before. - -“I have surely walked three miles an hour,” he said to himself, “and if -it was two o’clock when I started, I’ve got over not less than twelve -miles. Say it was three across from where I landed to the grove, and -that makes nine I’ve footed it around the shore with——” - -He ceased speaking very suddenly, and stood silent and motionless -staring in front of him on the sand near the water’s edge. - -He had returned to the very place where Mr. Stout put him ashore, for -here were the packages just as he had left them. - -During at least five minutes he remained like a statue gazing at the -inanimate objects as if expecting they would give him some solution to -what was a perplexing riddle, and then like a flash of light the truth -came into his mind. - -“What a fool I have been not to understand the whole thing before!” he -exclaimed. “When I told what I had heard from the pantry, the mate went -to the captain, and the two decided that it wouldn’t be safe to let me -go among the men, for fear I might give away the secret. The idea of my -bein’ sick was cooked up, I was kept in the state-room so none of the -crew could see me, an’ landed on the first desolate island the brig came -to. There’s no show of people livin’ here, for I’ve followed the water -around, and nearly all the time could see half-way across, so that part -of the business is settled. Now I’m to stay here till I die so’s I can’t -tell about their wreckin’ the brig.” - -There was only one thing that prevented Ned from giving way to the -despair and grief which came into his heart with the knowledge of the -cruel deed of which he was the victim, and that was the certainty the -Evening Star would soon be scuttled. - -“Perhaps I’m lucky in only bein’ set ashore here. They might have kept -me on board till the last minute, an’ then left me to go down with the -vessel.” - -Boy though he was, Ned understood that it was in the highest degree -necessary he should retain control of himself, and instead of indulging -in useless grief, he set about making the best of what was a very bad -plight without a single redeeming feature. - -“There’s no use in goin’ hungry, an’ I may as well see what we’ve got -here in the way of grub,” he said to himself as he unfastened the -largest package. - -A cry of anger and disappointment burst from his lips as the contents -were disclosed to view. - -The square of canvas contained nothing but oakum and bits of rope. - -Feverishly he opened the others, only to find them filled with rubbish -of all kinds. - -The captain had doomed him to starvation, and the different bundles were -prepared to deceive the crew, some of whom might have been suspicious -had the poor boy been set ashore with nothing to eat. - -Captain Bragg believed death would soon close the lips of the one who -had unwittingly learned his secret. - -Ned no longer tried to act the manly part. - -Anger was the first sensation after the terrible discovery that he had -been sentenced to a lingering death, and he attacked the rubbish in a -frenzy, throwing it on every side and stamping upon the fragments like a -madman. - -Then came grief and despair. - -Seated on the sand by the side of what he had believed was a generous -supply of provisions, he gave way to tears, and when this fit passed it -was night. - -He was too tired to retrace his steps to the grove, the only place where -could be found the semblance of a shelter, even had he been disposed to -battle against the fate which seemed to beset him on every side. - -Stretching out at full length on the sand, he pulled the rubber coat -over him, and finally fell asleep with a partially defined hope that -death might overtake him before he could awake to consciousness. - -For a boy who had just been marooned and who neither had provisions nor -the means of procuring any, Ned Rogers slept remarkably well. - -Although the sand was by no means as soft as the hard mattress in the -state-room of the Evening Star, he did not awaken until the rays of the -sun falling across his face banished the slumber from his eyelids. - -For an instant he gazed around in wonderment, not knowing how such a -change could have been made in his surroundings, and then the full -knowledge of all that had occurred came to him once more. - -His first impulse was to cry, and then he checked himself resolutely as -he said: - -“Look here, Ned, it won’t do at all. I don’t remember that you’ve ever -been in quite as hard a scrape as this; but I’m certain you know what it -is to be hungry, and this island ain’t half as tough as runnin’ ’round -Jonesboro hearin’ the folks say you are bound to come to some wicked -end. You’re pretty near as bad off as Robinson Crusoe, an’ yet he come -around all right.” - -Then Ned regretted not having read the book more carefully when Frank -Hubbard loaned it to him, because if he had done so he might the better -have been able to decide upon his future course. - -Rising to his feet and mechanically plunging his hands in his pockets, -he became aware of the fish-lines, and with this very pleasant -remembrance came the thought that Mr. Stout had given him these few -articles with the kindly hope that he might prolong his life. - -“Perhaps he didn’t dare to do any more while the captain was watching. -Anyway, I oughter be able to catch some fish if I can find bait, and -with what matches I have got there won’t be much trouble about building -a fire.” - -The mere fact that he knew what to do seemed to give him no slight -amount of mental relief, and he started at a rapid pace for the tiny bay -which ran up into the grove. - -“There will be fish in that place if anywhere, and after breakfast I -reckon it won’t be such a very hard job to rig up some kind of a -shanty,” he said to himself as he walked along, keeping a sharp lookout -meanwhile over the surrounding waters in the hope of seeing a sail. - -There was not a craft of any kind in sight, and if he had known exactly -the position of Spider Key, he would have understood that his chances of -seeing a vessel were very slight. - -On arriving at the shore of the bay his first work was to dig in the -sand for worms, as he would have done at Jonesboro; but on reaching the -foundation coral without finding other form of life than fleas, he gave -it up as a bad job. - -Then he walked around the beach until he found what looked like mussels, -and breaking the shell of one of these soon had his hook baited. - -The shores of the bay were very bold, and it was hardly necessary to use -a pole in order to cast the line into deep water. - -To the anxious fisherman it seemed as if the hook had hardly reached the -surface before the bait was seized by a silvery fish, and a second later -he had the first portion of his breakfast on shore. - -“With three fellers like that I’ll have all I can eat this morning,” he -said in a tone of satisfaction. - -It surely seemed as if the fish of the bay were eager to accept his -invitation to breakfast, and before one could have counted fifty he had -a plentiful supply. - -The task of cooking them was more difficult than the catching, because -of his inexperience. - -Instead of burying them among the ashes as he should have done, Ned -could think of no other way than to toast the fish, by placing them on -short sticks stuck in the sand near the blaze. - -This was a tedious and unsatisfactory way of cooking, because while one -portion was burning the opposite side of the fish was growing cold; but -he succeeded after a certain fashion, and his hunger was appeased. - -There was no especial reason why he should work very industriously, or, -at least, he did not think there was, and he seated himself within the -shade of the trees, remaining there until he fell asleep once more. - -When he awakened again it was afternoon and time to think of getting -supper. - -“This won’t do,” he said ruefully. “I mustn’t go on simply eatin’ and -sleepin’, otherwise when it storms I shall be badly left. I wonder if -the queer clams I used for bait wouldn’t go well roasted? It won’t take -so long to cook them, and perhaps I can yet make a good start on -buildin’ a shanty.” - -To kindle the fire and throw among the coals an armful of mussels was -not a long job, and then Ned walked slowly through the grove to decide -upon the location of his proposed house. - -He finally, after considerable discussion with himself, concluded that -it would be wisest to erect the building within a short distance of the -spring, and near the head of the bay. - -In order that he might have no difficulty in finding the spot selected, -he half broke, half cut down a sapling, and then went back to the scene -of his culinary operations. - -The mussels were well roasted; but, lacking salt, they were not as -palatable as the fish. - -“These go a long way ahead of nothin’,” Ned said grimly, “but fall -mightily short of some grub I’ve tasted in my day. After the shanty is -built I shan’t have anything to do but hunt ’round for provisions, an’ -it’ll be queer if I can’t manage to catch one or two of these birds.” - -He was rapidly getting rid of that terrible feeling of utter desolation -which had at first come upon him, and appeared as well able as any boy -could have been to provide against want. - -The remainder of the day was spent in house-building, and a slow task it -proved to be. He had no other tool than the pocket knife, and it was not -particularly well adapted to the hewing of trees. - -He contrived to lop off some of the small limbs and break down saplings -enough to make the roof of his shanty; but before anything more could be -done night had come. - -Again he slept under the rubber coat, and despite the fact of the -noon-day nap his slumber was long and profound. - -He was awake by sunrise, however, and fully determined to have something -to show for this day’s labor. - -In order to economize time he made a breakfast of roasted mussels, and -then began to work with a will on the building. - -Before the sun set again he had put up a dwelling which pleased him very -much, save as to size. - -It was not more than six feet square and about five high, but it would -serve to shelter him from the rain, although a heavy wind might level it -in short order. - -To four small trees which grew at nearly equal distance from each other -he had lashed the main timbers of the building, using creeping vines for -ropes, and placing them at as high a point as it would be convenient to -work. - -Across these were tied other poles about four inches apart, and over -them were laid the broad leaves of what appeared to be a species of -banana plant, the whole being bound down with vines. - -The sides and one end of the shanty were inclosed in leaves, and while -the wind was not too boisterous he had a very comfortable dwelling. - -On this night Ned slept for the first time in his life beneath his own -roof, and there was such a sense of satisfaction and proprietorship in -the fact that he almost forgot his desolate condition. - -Next morning he was in no hurry to arise. Having worked so hard on the -previous day, it seemed only fair he should indulge in a prolonged -resting spell. - -Hunger forced him to venture forth before the forenoon was very far -advanced, however, and for the second time he served up a meal of fish, -which were captured as readily as before. - -After this two or three hours were spent trying to snare some of the -birds by making a slip noose with one of the fishing-lines and placing -within the circle fragments of mussels. - -He had no difficulty in enticing the feathered visitors to an -examination of his bait, but they refused in the most provoking manner -to alight long enough for him to fasten the string around their legs, -and he was forced to relinquish this method of replenishing his larder. - -“You’ve beaten me this time,” he said with a laugh; “but just wait -awhile till I rig up another kind of a trap, and we’ll see who comes out -best.” - -The next most pleasing method of passing the hours seemed to be by an -examination of what he had already begun to call “his farm,” and he set -out intending to make a full exploration in two days, going half-way -around on each excursion. - -“If I only had a dog I believe this would be a jolly sort of a place in -which to live for a month or so,” he said aloud, as if there was a -certain sense of companionship in the sound of his own voice. “It’s -goin’ to be mighty lonesome after awhile.” - -He had started on his exploring trip by following the same course taken -when he was searching for the supposed village; but on this occasion he -walked nearer the water’s edge and kept a sharp lookout for anything -which might serve as food. - -A few yards from the edge of the grove he found a portion of the coral -not covered by the sand, and on this was a fine white powder which he -tasted of eagerly. - -“It’s real salt!” he exclaimed in surprise and delight. “I reckon the -sea-water has washed up on it, an’ then the sun has dried the salt out. -That’s the way I’ve heard Deacon Grout say some folks found it.” - -As may be supposed, he was careful to gather up the small amount which -had been prepared by the elements, and while doing so resolved to make -arrangements for getting as much as might be needed in the future. - -A leaf served as a salt-dish, and he carried it carefully back to the -hut, saying as he deposited the precious powder where it could not be -blown away: - -“To-morrow I’ll go after those pieces of canvas the captain wrapped his -bogus grub in and begin this part of my housekeeping in ship-shape -fashion. The fish will taste mighty good to-night if I can manage to -cook them all over alike.” - -When this had been done to his satisfaction he started once more on the -exploring tour, and after having walked fifteen or twenty minutes was -rewarded by another “find” which seemed even more valuable than the -first. - -This was neither more nor less than what appeared to be the hull of a -small vessel almost entirely buried in the sand, the ends of the -framework only showing above the surface. - -“Now I can build me a house that won’t be in danger of goin’ to sea when -the first storm comes on,” he said triumphantly. “The only thing is to -rig up something which will answer as a spade, and the rest is just a -question of hard work.” - - - - - CHAPTER V. - A DISCOVERY. - - -Although Ned had never been shipwrecked, nor, except in the case of the -story about Robinson Crusoe, had he ever read of such disasters, yet he -understood that before he gathered a supply of food, in case such a -thing should be possible, it was necessary to have a substantial -building in which to keep it. - -It was his intention to lay in a quantity of salt; but in case he was -forced to store it in the shanty of leaves the stock would be destroyed -by the first storm of rain, and in fact it seemed as if all his hopes of -being able to hold out until some craft should come within hail depended -upon his having a building sufficiently strong to resist the weather. - -Therefore it was that he hailed the discovery of the wreck as of the -highest importance, and resolved to work at her incessantly, save when -it was necessary to prepare food or sleep, until he had accomplished his -purpose. - -In view of the fact that the only tool he possessed was a pocket knife, -the task was gigantic; but it was as if the difficulties in his path -only served to increase his courage. - -He had said that all he needed was something which would serve as a -spade; but even with such a modest want in his mind he was brought to a -standstill. - -To hew down a tree sufficiently large to provide him with material for a -wooden shovel an ax would be absolutely indispensable, and it was quite -positive there was no lumber to be found on the shores, for he had -already made nearly an entire circuit of the key. - -His joy at the discovery was lessened considerably by the difficulty in -the way of utilizing it, and he studied over the problem a long while -without having arrived at a conclusion which was satisfactory. - -“It’s certain I can’t have a spade or anything like one,” he said -thoughtfully; “so the question is, what else can I find to throw the -sand away with? I reckon those timbers are buried pretty deep, and a -fellow couldn’t do very much with only his hands.” - -In order to ascertain exactly what might be accomplished with nothing in -the way of implements he began to kick and shove away the sand; but in a -short time his fingers were made sore by the sharp particles, and he -realized that in less than an hour of such work his hands would be -blistered and cut. - -Then he walked slowly back to the grove and looked around as if for an -inspiration. - -This was neither more nor less than a waste of time, for the saplings -were the only objects which could be cut down with the knife, and these -he attacked at once. - -“A fellow can’t make very much of a fist diggin’ sand with a stake,” he -said as he worked; “but so long as I couldn’t use my hands more than -half an hour, these poles will go, way, ahead of nothin’.” - -After cutting down half a dozen small trees, the trunks of which were no -larger than his wrist, he whittled the thickest ends flat and proceeded -to the work. - -It was very much like trying to dig with a spoon; but yet he made a -certain amount of progress, and when inclined to grow down-hearted -because so much labor was necessary in order to accomplish very little, -he repeated to himself again and again that when a fellow has more time -on his hands than he knows what to do with, it can matter very little -how long it takes him to perform a certain piece of work. - -When the night came he had uncovered a couple of timbers down to where -the planking of the vessel still held comparatively sound, and found -that he was at the stern of the craft. - -“She run head on to the key,” he said as he stopped to rest before -returning to his hut. “The crew must have been asleep to strike here, -for the island shows plain enough.” - -If Ned had been more experienced in such matters he would have -understood that the vessel unquestionably came ashore many years before, -when the coral island was much smaller, and the work of the minute -creatures which have formed the fringe of keys or reefs around the -Florida coast had gradually built under her, until now she was twenty or -thirty feet from the water’s edge. - -Even to Ned’s inexperienced eyes the marks of great age could be seen; -therefore he had no hope of finding anything amid the timbers which -could serve him in the slightest degree, except in the way of materials -for a hut. - -“I don’t fancy there’ll be much of any trouble in knockin’ the timbers -apart,” he said as he went slowly toward the place he was beginning to -call “home.” “By to-morrow night I ought to have a couple of pieces -loose, an’ I’ll set them up outside my shanty. I can build around it, -an’ when the wooden house is done it will only be necessary to pull the -camp of leaves out.” - -A supper of fish seasoned with salt gave him a most appetizing meal, and -when he lay down to sleep his eyes were soon closed in blissful -unconsciousness because of the weariness of body. - -On the following morning but little time was spent in the preparation -for breakfast, and he began once more the task of unearthing the wreck. - -Having simply been pushing the sand up, quite a high bank was formed, -and it became necessary to level this before the work could be -continued. - -By noon he found a prize in the shape of a short piece of plank, -perfectly dry despite the length of time it had been covered by the -sand, and an hour’s labor with his knife served to convert it into a -rude shovel, with which he could do twice as much as when the stakes -were his only tools. - -The outside of several timbers were laid bare, and then, preparatory to -wrenching them from their fastenings, he shoveled from the inside near -the fragments of the stern-post. - -About half an hour before sunset the wooden scoop struck against a hard -substance which he knew could not be the “skin” of the vessel, since it -was much too high up from the keel. - -Merely from curiosity, and not with any idea that he might be making a -valuable discovery, Ned labored only to ascertain what was concealed -beneath the sand, and before the night had fully come, he was gazing in -surprise at a small box covered with rawhide and bound with iron. - -It was about ten inches long and eight high, so tiny that he anticipated -no difficulty in raising it, but, to his astonishment, found it required -the exercise of all his strength to pull it from the bed of sand in -which it had lain so long. - -“I’d like to know what’s inside,” he said as he stood looking at the -small but exceedingly heavy package. “There’s no hope of breaking it -with one of the poles, for the rawhide would hold it together, even if I -should splinter the wood. I reckon it wouldn’t be a bad idea to burn one -end off.” - -This last thought seemed to be a happy one, and the boy set about -carrying the “find” to the hut. - -It required all his strength, and more than once was it necessary for -him to rest, but he finally succeeded, the last portion of the journey -having been made after nightfall, and once at the place where the -camp-fire was usually built, he forgot about supper. - -He was curious to see the contents of the odd box, and this desire was -greater than his hunger. - -Building a glowing fire, he placed the case in such a manner that only -one end would be affected by the flames, and as the rawhide began to -crackle and shrivel it suddenly occurred to him that the package might -be filled with cartridges. - -“If it is I reckon this is no place for me,” he said in something like -alarm, moving off a short distance, and then recovered his composure as -he added: - -“The danger can’t be great, no matter how much powder may be there, for -the box must have been under water a long time, an’ I don’t allow fire -could do it any harm.” - -Now he approached sufficiently near to heap the coals up as the wood -began to smolder; but despite the amount of fuel expended, it was fully -an hour before his purpose was accomplished. - -One end of the case was now so charred that he anticipated little -difficulty in forcing it open with a stake from the roof of his hut, and -the package was drawn back to a comfortable distance from the flames. - -A heavy blow with the largest piece of wood he could find, a dull, -metallic sound, and Ned stood transfixed with surprise. - -From out the half-burned box poured a veritable stream of silver coins, -more money than Ned had ever seen before in all his life. - -During several moments he remained silent and motionless, gazing at the -wonderful find as if fearing it might suddenly disappear should he take -his eyes from it, and then he needed no further proof that it was -real—not a phantom conjured up by a weak or disordered brain. - -There could be no question as to the fact that the pieces were silver, -and mostly of the denomination of dollars from the Mexican mint. -Although Ned had never had the pleasure of handling many such coins, he -knew there was no deception about the contents of the box, and during a -certain length of time he was literally beside himself with astonishment -and joy. - -He had forgotten how he chanced to be on that lonely key, and heeded not -the fact that it might be years before he would find an opportunity of -reaching the mainland, or the chances of being unable to carry his -treasure with him when, if ever, he did go. - -The only thing clear to his mind was that he, the pauper of whom it had -been predicted that “some bad end surely awaited him,” was virtually -rich. - -Without making any attempt to count the coins, he believed there was -sufficient to satisfy his every want no matter how long he might live, -and this crowded aside all other thoughts. - -Two hours later he, like every other person who has unexpectedly come -into possession of a fortune without being forced to toil for it, -suddenly bethought himself that he had been content with a single box. - -If one had been hidden there so long, why might there not be many more -in the same place? - -A few moments previous he had been perfectly content with what he had -and his own forlorn position. Now his greatest desire was to find more; -but yet he could not leave unguarded the precious metal. - -It is true that there was no one on the island to rob him; but yet it -did not seem safe to go away even for a single instant while it was thus -exposed to view, and at once he set about making a hiding-place, first -heaping high the fire with branches which he tore from the trees with a -fictitious strength born of his excitement. - -Then—and this time he regarded not the fact that the sand would cut his -fingers—he scooped away the loose soil with his hands until the -foundation of coral was brought to view. - -On this, placing the coins in even piles, he stacked up the treasure -until it covered a space of six or seven square inches, after which it -was carefully covered with sand once more. - -Then came the thought that the box might betray him in case any one -should come suddenly, and he flung it on the fire, watching jealously -until every portion had been consumed. - -The hiding-place of his wealth was trampled upon until even the most -scrutinizing search would have failed to reveal the fact that the -surface had been disturbed to any great depth, and then he started once -more toward the location of the wreck, hardly giving heed to the fact -that the key was shrouded in darkness. - -He was made sensible of this before trying to walk very far, however, -for after having taken twenty steps he ran into a small tree, striking -his nose such a blow that the blood flowed freely. - -This had the effect of restoring to him at least a portion of his -scattered senses, and he made his way back to the fire, stanching the -flow of blood with the sleeve of his coat. - -“It seems a good deal as if I’d been makin’ a big fool of myself,” he -said with a nervous laugh, “an’ I don’t know that it’s to be wondered -at. When a feller who never owned a whole dollar in his life has ’em -come tumblin’ in on him the way them did, he’s likely to get rattled. I -needn’t be in such a hurry to get at the rest, in case there’s more to -be found, for, ’cordin’ to the looks of things, I shall have plenty of -chance to dig the old craft over two or three times before anybody -happens this way to help me off. Most likely Captain Bragg took good -care to land me where vessels never come, for it would go hard with him -if I should get back to tell my story when he was anywhere around. The -best thing is to get some sleep now, an’ in the mornin’ I’ll have a hunt -for more dollars. I wonder what they’d say on board the brig if it was -known I’d fallen into such a snap?” - -Ned looked once more at the place where he buried his treasure to be -certain he left no traces which might show what had been done, and then -lay down beneath his shelter of leaves; but sleep did not come at his -bidding as quickly as on the previous night. - -Then he had not a penny or the means of getting one, so far as he knew, -and yet his rest was unbroken and refreshing. Now that he was -comparatively wealthy slumber refused to visit his eyelids, and the -sensation of perfect repose was denied him. - -As he lay there thinking over the good fortune which had come to him so -unexpectedly, a pattering on the leaves above caused him to start up in -alarm. - -Then he laughed heartily, for the noise was occasioned by the falling of -rain. - -“Here I am playin’ the fool again,” he said grimly. “If it hadn’t been -for that money I should never have thought of bein’ frightened just -because of such a little noise. But say, if it storms very hard I shall -be likely to have a rough night of it in spite of all my silver!” - -The rain descended more rapidly, the wind moaned among the trees, and -the sullen roar of the surf came from the beach. - -“The sand I shoveled out this afternoon will all be blown or washed -back,” he muttered, “an’ I shall have to do the work over again; but I -reckon it won’t be so hard now I know what it’s possible to find.” - -The storm came up rapidly. - -In less than ten minutes from the time the first drops of water fell, it -seemed to Ned as if a perfect hurricane was raging. - -The fire was extinguished with many an angry hiss and splutter, and -shortly after the illy secured roof of the shanty was blown away like a -dry leaf, while the sides and end soon went to keep the other company. - -It was useless attempting to avoid the down-pour. In less than three -minutes from the time his shelter was borne off on the wings of the -storm, Ned was as wet as if he had been indulging in a bath without -undressing, and the only thing he could hope to do was to prevent his -precious matches from getting wet. - -The salt had taken French leave with the first puff of wind, and to save -his only materials for kindling a fire, Ned deprived himself of his -coat, wrapping the garment around the small supply of “fire sticks.” - -The bundle he carried under his arm, or, rather, held it there while he -clung to a tree to prevent himself from being blown bodily into the sea. - -In this manner he passed the remainder of the night, and it seemed as if -the morning would never come. - -He did not dare to leave the spot to which he had first fled for safety, -although many times it seemed as if the tree would be uprooted, for the -darkness was so intense that he could not have seen his own hands if -held within a few inches of his eyes. - -But in the midst of all this discomfort, and even danger, he thought of -the treasure continually, wondering if he would have much trouble in -finding the place where the silver was buried after the rain had -obliterated his landmarks. - -The morning broke gray and forbidding. - -The huge waves rolled up on the beach as if intent on submerging the -tiny key, and breaking on the shore with a force that caused the island -to tremble under the blows. - -There was no promise in the sky that the storm would soon subside, and -Ned gazed in dismay at the ruin which had been wrought. - - - - - CHAPTER VI. - THE ZOE. - - -Although Ned had not progressed very far in the way of building a -habitation, it seemed to him as if the gale had swept away what little -he could call his own. - -Not only was the hut demolished, but he had great difficulty in deciding -where it had been located. The last vestige of the fire was effaced, and -with it was gone all accurate means of ascertaining the exact place -where the silver was buried; but this did not trouble him particularly, -because he knew it would not require any very lengthy search to find it -again. - -In the grove more than half the trees had been leveled to the ground, -and one glance was sufficient to show that he would have quite a task -before him in order to make his way through the tangle of boughs and -foliage. - -All this he took in at one hasty glance, not troubling himself with -regard to the details, for just at that moment his chief concern was as -to what he should do for food and shelter during the day. - -“I reckon it’s a case of holdin’ on here a while longer,” he said to -himself, “for if I once let go my hold it might be hard work to get back -again, and, besides, it’s easier to keep the matches dry as I’m standin’ -now. There don’t seem to be much of a show for gettin’ anything to eat -yet awhile. Even if it was possible to build a fire I wouldn’t be able -to catch any fish or find the clams. If I hadn’t made such a fool of -myself over the silver I’d got supper last night, an’ shouldn’t be so -hungry now.” - -Regrets were useless, however, as he soon realized, and all he could do -was to cling to his tree and hope the strength of the wind might abate -as the day grew older. - -In this last respect his wish was granted. - -By ten o’clock the force of the gale had sensibly abated, although even -then the wind was blowing harder than Ned ever experienced it before. - -It was now possible to leave the shelter of his tree without incurring -imminent danger, and he worked his way further among the fallen timber -in the hope of finding some place where the matches could be left, for -even the strain of holding them so tightly was beginning to tell upon -him. - -There were plenty of opportunities to deposit his precious package, but -not with any certainty that it would be kept dry, for there was water -everywhere, until it seemed certain the key must be submerged. - -He finally decided to leave the bundle under the trunks of two small -trees which had been uprooted, and then crept out to where a full view -of the sea might be had. - -An exclamation of fear and dismay burst from his lips as he stood where -he could gaze out over the angry waters, for in full view, and not more -than a mile away, was a small craft, tossed to and fro like an -egg-shell, but being driven rapidly toward the key. - -It was some time before Ned could discern her rig, and then he -discovered that she was a steamer, but a tiny one. Probably some -pleasure yacht which had been driven to sea by the fury of the gale and -was now unmanageable. - -She was almost on her beam-ends, and each time the gigantic waves lifted -her on high Ned fancied he could see two forms lashed to the port rail, -which was to windward. - -Every few seconds she would be carried down, down into the trough of the -sea until it seemed as if the storm king was bent on sending her to the -bottom, and when she rose again it was with that uncertain, sluggish -movement which tells of the weight of water within the hold. - -“If she strikes here those poor men are doomed,” Ned cried, much as if -fancying some one could hear his words, “and there’s nothing I can do to -help them! A fellow would be swept off his feet the instant he so much -as touched the surf line!” - -That the yacht would strike the shore there could be no question. - -If it was possible to guide her into the little bay there might be some -chance for those on board to save their lives, for there the surf was -not quite so violent; but the apparently doomed ones could not alter the -course by so much as a hair’s-breadth. - -The beautiful craft was but a plaything for the waves, and as helpless -as a wounded bird. - -Ned gazed at the terrible scene as if fascinated. - -For the first time since the discovery of the treasure did he forget -that such a metal as silver had an existence. All his thoughts were -centered on this evidence of the storm’s fury, which must apparently -soon be blotted from view, and with it would go the lives of two human -beings. - -Almost unconscious of what he did, Ned walked down toward the water -line, until he was as far as it was safe to venture, and once there, -fancied he saw one of the figures wave its hands as if imploring him to -render some assistance. - -[Illustration: THE WRECK OF THE STEAM YACHT ZOE.—Page 85.] - -“I wish I could do it!” he shouted, as if thinking the sufferers could -hear him. “I haven’t got a boat, an’ even if I had, she couldn’t be -launched in this surf!” - -He took no heed of time. - -He only knew that the yacht was coming broadside on very rapidly; but -whether five minutes or five hours had elapsed from the moment he first -saw her, it would have been impossible to say. - -When she was not more than a hundred yards from the shore the waves -swung her around until he could see in gilt letters on her stern the -name Zoe. - -Then she went down once more into the chasm of waters, and on rising -again, it was apparent that the end had come. - -Up, up, up until it seemed she was directly above his head did the -wounded craft rise, and then, as if impelled by some terrible force from -seaward, she shot landward, coming so near where Ned stood that he -involuntarily leaped aside, fearing the hull might crush him. - -There was no very heavy crash as she struck, or if there was Ned failed -to hear it. - -It seemed to him as if the waves had left her gently on the sand and -then ran back to gather fresh impetus before pounding her to pieces. - -During such a time as one might have counted ten she was literally high -and dry, and in that short interval Ned had sufficient presence of mind -to shout: - -“Jump! Jump now while you’ve got the chance, an’ I’ll catch you!” - -One of the two obeyed, throwing himself, rather than leaping, from the -deck, which was almost perpendicular, and Ned rushed forward, seizing -him by the coat just as the waves returned with an angry howl and roar. - -Instantly on touching the sand the sufferer staggered forward and fell -on his face, where he lay like one dead; but Ned managed to drag him -beyond the reach of the surf and turned his attention to the other. - -“When the water goes back you must jump!” he shrieked, and this command -was emphasized by the violent rolling of the little craft as the sea -nearly turned her over. “One more wave like that an’ it will be too -late!” - -The words were understood, and two minutes afterward Ned was dragging -the second body high up on the beach; but whether or no he had succeeded -in saving life it was impossible to say. - -Both the rescued ones lay on the sand as if dead, and Ned gazed at them -helplessly, not knowing what should be done. - -To his surprise, for until this moment he had not had any time to note -details, he saw that both were boys about his own age, and even at this -dreadful moment, when it was a question whether they were yet alive, he -wondered how it was that two young fellows should be alone on a yacht -like the one which promised speedily to become food for the waves. - -While he stood looking at them helplessly, the one who had first reached -the shore opened his eyes, stared around in alarm, and then attempted to -rise to his feet. - -He was too nearly exhausted to permit of such an exertion, and would -have fallen backward had Ned not seized him by the coat collar again. - -“Better lay still awhile,” he said soothingly, “an’ you’ll soon get your -strength. There isn’t such a thing on the island as a house, or I’d try -to get you under cover. As it is you’ll have to stay out of doors till -something can be rigged up for a shelter.” - -“I’m all right; but where is Roy? Didn’t he get ashore?” - -“If you mean the fellow who was with you, you’ve only got to turn around -in order to see him. He don’t show up very lively yet awhile, but I -guess he’ll come ’round all right after a time.” - -As a means of bringing the yet unconscious boy to his senses, Ned shook -him violently and persistently until the sufferer opened his eyes in a -languid sort of way. - -“Are we safe, Vance?” he asked feebly. - -“Indeed we are, even if it did look so blue a few minutes ago. The yacht -was thrown directly up on the bank, almost above high-water mark, and -all we had to do was to drop off.” - -The knowledge that he was safe when death had seemed positive served to -revive the boy wonderfully, and before five minutes had passed both the -shipwrecked ones were staring at Ned as if asking how it was he happened -to be there. - -“I s’pose you want to know if I live here?” he said cheerily, for the -fact that he had companions was a wonderful relief in his loneliness; -but even as he spoke there came the thought that the arrival of these -two might put an end to his treasure-seeking unless he should be willing -to share with them. - -“How did you get here?” the boy who had been called Vance asked. - -“I was set ashore from the brig Evening Star so’s Captain Bragg could -wreck her; but it’s too long a story to tell now. Wait till things are a -little more comfortable, an’ then I’ll give you the whole yarn. Where -did you come from?” - -“Key West.” - -“Were you running the steamer alone?” - -“We had three men with us,” Vance replied with a shudder, “but all of -them were washed overboard during the night. I’d rather not talk about -it just now. How do you feel, Roy?” - -“As if somebody had been beating me until every bone in my body is -broken. What’s your name?” he added, turning to Ned. - -“Edward Rogers.” - -“My name is Roy Harland, and this is my cousin, Vance Stewart. Have you -been here long?” - -“Since the day before yesterday.” - -“Isn’t there any place where we can get in out of the storm? It seems as -if I should feel better if I could get dry once more.” - -“I built a shanty of leaves and poles, but the wind moved it for me last -night in fine style. It took about ten seconds to get rid of the whole -establishment.” - -By this time the boys thought of the yacht, to which no attention had -been paid since Vance first recovered consciousness. - -She was laying on her beam-ends with the waves pounding against the -timbers with a force that threatened to convert the hull into kindlings, -but Ned fancied the waters had receded somewhat since he first ventured -down to the shore. - -“I suppose she is bound to go to pieces,” Roy said mournfully as he -gazed at the little craft. - -“I’m not so certain about that,” Ned replied. “It strikes me the sea -isn’t runnin’ quite as high as it was an hour ago, and if you’ll notice, -the water doesn’t come up as far as it did.” - -As he spoke he pointed to the line of foam and drift which had been left -on the sand some time previous, and all three watched it several -moments. - -“It’s certain the waves are not reaching that mark,” Vance said with a -sigh. “Perhaps the little craft won’t go to pieces after all.” - -“It ain’t likely you’ll ever see her afloat again.” - -“That may be; but if she holds together we shall have a good supply of -provisions, and I don’t fancy you’ve got more than you need.” - -“My stock is yet to be caught. All I’ve had so far is fish, with a few -clams that weren’t very good, an’ I couldn’t get breakfast this mornin’ -because of the storm.” - -“The Zoe is well fitted out, and in addition to plenty of provisions, we -shall be able to get from her canvas enough with which to make a tent.” - -“If that’s the case we’d better keep a mighty sharp lookout, so if she -does go to pieces we can save some of the stuff,” Ned replied eagerly, -for the idea of having a shelter which would be water-tight was -particularly pleasing to the boy who had had a short but rather -unpleasant experience in a less substantial dwelling. - -Vance suggested that they go into the grove, where the party would be -partially sheltered from the wind, but Ned refused to leave the beach. -He insisted that it was in the highest degree important to be on hand in -case the yacht went to pieces, and the others would not venture alone. - -Inch by inch the water receded until the wreck was in such a position -that it would be possible to board her by wading a short distance, and -Ned proposed that the work of salvage be begun at once. - -“I can send down a lot of stuff by going aboard an’ riggin’ a block on -the flag-staff,” he said, but the others thought it best to wait until -the storm had cleared away. - -By noon the rain ceased falling, and Ned built a fire after some -difficulty, owing to the dampness of everything, including the matches, -and then, as Roy and Vance began to feel the pangs of hunger, they -agreed that it was time to get some of the stores ashore. - -Ned clambered aboard, the boys directing his movements, and if Vance had -not interfered, he would have landed each article as it came to hand. - -“There is no sense in doing that until we have something in the way of a -tent to keep the stuff dry. There’s little danger of another storm right -away, and we may as well do the thing properly.” - -“Well, what do you want first?” - -“Get enough out of the pantry for dinner, and after we’ve had something -to eat we’ll set at work on the tent. There are a lot of old sails in -the forepeak, and we shall have canvas in plenty.” - -Ned selected about three times as much provisions as the little party -could eat at a single meal, for the yacht had everything on board to -tempt one’s appetite, and the castaways made a hearty dinner of the -choicest canned goods. - -Ned sent ashore cooking utensils in abundance, and Roy, who proved to be -no mean cook, served up the different dishes in a manner far excelling -anything in the culinary line Ned had ever seen. - -“Now, this is what I call comfort,” the marooned boy said when he had -rather more than satisfied his hunger, and the sun came out from behind -the clouds, thus giving them an opportunity of drying their clothing. -“It wouldn’t be a bad idea to get a little sleep; I didn’t close my eyes -once last night, except when the sand was flying so thick that it was -necessary.” - -“Neither did we,” Roy replied, “and I’d like a nap this minute, but I -don’t think we can afford the time just now. We ought to get at least -one tent up before dark.” - -Ned was by no means a lazy fellow, and thinking it incumbent to do the -largest share of the work since his new acquaintances were supplying all -the provisions and comforts of life, he leaped to his feet at once. - -Vance went aboard the wreck with him, and in less than an hour they had -on shore the sails, tools with which to do the necessary labor, and an -additional supply of food. - -Bedding sufficient for the party was the last on the list, and after -this had been procured the boys began the work of hut-building. - -His previous experience had taught Ned how essential it was to secure -everything in such a manner that it could not be blown away, and the -tent which was to be used as a sleeping apartment was erected in a -workmanlike fashion. - -Two trees growing at the desired distance apart, near the spot where the -silver was buried, served as the uprights for the ends of the camp, and -to these a ridge-pole was lashed firmly. - -Across it was spread the largest sail, and the edges pegged down until -one would have said a hurricane could hardly make any impression upon -it. - -The ends might be closed with blankets, or sail-cloth if necessary, but -owing to the warm climate it was not thought advisable to shut -themselves out from a plentiful supply of fresh air until a storm should -render it imperative. - -It was nearly nightfall when this work had been completed to the -satisfaction of all hands, and then Vance went on the wreck once more -for lanterns. - -“We may as well make things look as cheerful as possible,” he said, “and -it’s a good deal more pleasant to have a light after the fire goes out -than be in the darkness.” - -“If you say the word I’ll get the stove from the cook’s quarters,” Ned -suggested. “It isn’t very large, an’ I could almost handle it alone.” - -“I think we’d better leave that until morning. It will take quite a -while before we got it going, because coal must be brought ashore, and -Roy can get us up one more meal on your fire.” - -Ned was satisfied with any arrangement they might wish to make, but he -insisted on having a couple of pails for fresh water to prevent the -necessity of running to and fro from the spring so often, and these -Vance brought with the lanterns. - -The amateur cook prepared as tempting a supper as he had the dinner, and -when all had done it full justice the dishes were placed outside the -tent to be washed in the morning, for night had now fully come. - -Ned piled the fire high with wood, for since he had an ax the labor of -preparing fuel did not seem very great to a boy like him, who had always -been forced to perform such laborious tasks, and then he lay down on one -of the yacht’s mattresses, feeling that he had every reason to be -thankful for the change in his surroundings. - -“Now tell us how you happen to be here,” Roy said. “We’ve got plenty of -time, for we don’t want to go to sleep immediately after supper, and -when you have finished Vance and I will explain how it is the yacht came -ashore with only us two as a crew.” - - - - - CHAPTER VII. - THE DISASTER. - - -Ned not only told the story of his being marooned, but gave a detailed -account of his life from his first recollections to the present day, and -when this rather long narrative was ended, Roy began according to -agreement. - -“Vance’s father and mine live at Tampa, in Florida, during the winter, -but they haven’t come down yet. We were allowed to start ahead of the -two families because just at this time it is a question to be decided -whether we attend school any longer or call our education finished and -go into some kind of business. - -“The Zoe hails from Key West, but she has been chartered by Vance’s -father for the season, and we had permission to cruise in her as far as -Savannah, with her regular crew, of course, at which port we were to -meet our parents and carry them around to Tampa. - -“We had on board day before yesterday a sailing master, an engineer and -his assistant. Vance and I acted as stewards. I don’t know where we were -when the storm came up, but had heard the master say he should run close -up the chain of keys. Of course you know the hurricane began in the -night, and since Vance and I were both below, we had no idea of the -nearest land. - -“I was awakened by the pitching and tossing of the yacht, and as it made -me feel rather sick I thought it would be wisest to remain where I was -instead of venturing on deck, where there was little chance of seeing -anything. - -“It was nearly daylight when Vance realized that something unusual was -going on, and then he felt so nearly the same as I that it was a case of -both remaining where we were until I thought I heard a scream from the -deck. Twice it appeared as if some one was calling me by name from a -distance, although Vance declared I must be mistaken, and then I managed -to get on deck to investigate. - -“Even then it seemed as if the little craft was under water more than -half the time, and while I stood in the companion-way wondering whether -it was safe to attempt to go forward, a wave broke over the stern and -literally drowned Vance out of his berth. He yelled for me not to make a -fool of myself by keeping the door open at risk of swamping the steamer, -but to come back, and just at that instant I saw the engineer in the -pilot-house waving his hand for me to join him. - -“From the expression of his face, and the fact that he was at the wheel -instead of where he belonged, I knew there was something wrong; but -since it would have been worse than useless to have gone across the deck -just then, and I’m inclined to believe the best sailor in the world -couldn’t have done it, I ran below, through the passage into the -engine-room, and from there to the pilot-house. - -“You can fancy how startled I was at seeing no one attending to the -machinery. Both Vance and I had been taking lessons in running the -craft, and the engineer continually impressed on our mind the necessity -of always keeping a strict watch on the engine. After learning that this -portion of the yacht was ‘going it alone,’ I got to the wheel as soon as -possible, and there found no one but the engineer. - -“Without waiting for me to ask any questions he said that the master and -his own assistant had been washed overboard and drowned half an hour -ago. It seems the engineer had sent the young fellow to the wheel-house -to carry some coffee which had been prepared on the boiler during the -night, and the poor man slipped just as he opened the door leading from -the deck to the wheel. A big wave carried him over the side, but he -clung to the rail, and the sailing master ran out to help him. - -“Just at that moment another wave swept the yacht fore and aft, carrying -both the unfortunate men with it, and the engineer saw the whole thing -without being able to aid them in the slightest. The steamer, with no -one at the helm, began to yaw, and would have been swamped then and -there if he hadn’t run to the helm. From that moment until I appeared at -the companion-way he had been shouting for us. The engine and the fires -needed attention, but he couldn’t go below until some one relieved him -from the steering. - -“I knew a little about such things, and since we were running on a -course which it had been the sailing master’s intention to hold until -noon, there was nothing to do but keep her by the compass. The engineer -went below, and after what seemed like a very long time, Vance, worried -because I had not come back, went into the engine-room. Ten minutes -later he was with me, looking about as pale as any fellow you ever saw.” - -“I couldn’t have been much whiter than you was,” Vance retorted. - -“I’m willing to admit that,” Roy replied, “for I was as frightened as I -well could be, and the thought that two out of our crew of three were -dead didn’t tend to make the situation seem any more cheerful.” - -“Could you have run the yacht to Savannah if she hadn’t got wrecked?” -Ned asked. - -“We might, but only by pure chance, and then it would have been -necessary to heave to at night. The engineer confessed that he couldn’t -do it, so you can see that even then matters appeared to be about as bad -as possible, though we soon had good proof they were not. For two hours -more we staggered along as best we could, and it seemed to me that the -yacht was completely under water half the time. Then the engineer came -to tell us that Vance must come into the engine-room with him. Something -had gone wrong and he needed assistance. - -“Vance went, and when they arrived there the engineer discovered that -several of his tools were in the forepeak. He started after them. I saw -him come on deck and tried to make him go back. At that moment the -engine stopped suddenly; the yacht seemed to be filled with steam, and -when it was possible to see anything more the engineer had disappeared, -probably washed overboard as the others had been. - -“Of course it was useless to stand at the wheel while there was no -steerage-way on, and Vance and I had begun to discuss whether it would -be possible for us to hoist one of the sails in order to keep her before -the wind, when the final disaster came. - -“I can’t describe how it happened, but in an instant she was on her -beam-ends, and every movable thing, including both the boats, was washed -away. I didn’t feel so very bad when the tenders went, because they -would have been of no service to us in that sea, even if we could have -gotten them free from the davits, which I doubt. - -“From that hour until you saw us we could do no more than cling to the -rail waiting for the last moment to come, and many times did it seem -certain the wreck was going to the bottom. I gave up all hope when the -engineer was washed overboard, and never saw a ray of promise again, -even when you shouted for us to jump.” - -“Well,” Ned said reflectively after a brief pause, “now we’re here, -what’s the chance of ever gettin’ away? The yacht might be floated, but -the question is whether you could run her.” - -“I don’t know but that the machinery is injured so badly we couldn’t -even turn the screw. Don’t you suppose some kind of a craft will come -along this way pretty soon?” - -“I’m afraid not,” Ned replied. “You see, Captain Bragg most likely set -me ashore in a place where there wasn’t much chance anything like that -would happen, otherwise I might have told my story before he had an -opportunity to collect the insurance.” - -“That’s true,” Vance replied sleepily. “I’ll venture to say, though, -that we shall come out all right in a few days, even if it is necessary -to take to a raft. So let’s go to sleep now. I feel as if I hadn’t -closed my eyes for a week.” - -Roy was quite willing to act upon this suggestion, and in a very short -time the two were sleeping soundly; but Ned could not compose himself -for slumber so readily. - -The question of the treasure troubled him considerably. - -If he should reveal the secret the boys would most likely claim their -share, and although he now had very much more than he had ever expected -to own, it was hard to part with a single piece. - -In case he did not tell them, how could he take it away? - -If any craft came along and they had an opportunity of leaving the key, -he could not carry the treasure with him unknown to his companions, and -would also be debarred from searching for more. - -“I shall have to let them into the snap,” he said, with a sigh. “It’s -too bad, but I don’t see how it can be helped. In the morning I’ll show -what I found, an’ we’ll begin work on the wreck.” - -With this resolve his mind was freed from the greater portion of the -trouble which had weighed heavily upon it, and he fell asleep. - -When the boys awakened on the following morning the scene which met -their gaze was really a cheerful one, save for the disabled steamer -lying half-submerged on the shore. - -She alone told of disaster. - -The waves were shimmering like gold in the rays of the sun; the foliage -was of the densest green, with the white tent at the edge of the grove -like a jewel on a piece of rare enameling, and as a background the -yellow sands, which sparkled like silver. - -Ned stood at the door of the tent drinking it all in until Vance, -awakening, cried: - -“What is the matter? Do you see a craft?” - -“There’s nothin’ in sight. I was lookin’ around and thinkin’ that, -accordin’ to the way things appear this mornin’, it isn’t such a -terrible thing to be either marooned or shipwrecked.” - -“Not after a fellow has gotten safely ashore; but as for going through -the experience, I’ve had enough in mine. I don’t believe I shall ever -again feel perfectly safe on the water, no matter how big a craft I’m -in.” - -The hum of conversation awakened Roy, and he heard the last remark. - -“Nonsense!” he cried with a hearty laugh. “If we get off this island -safely, it won’t be a week before you’ll be trying your luck in the -first boat that comes at hand.” - -“Wait and see.” - -“That’s what I shall have to do. I reckon I’m booked for the most of the -cooking, as I did on the Zoe, and I happen to fancy some fried fish. If -you two fellows will get the stove on shore, I’ll try my luck with one -of Ned’s lines.” - -Ned was eager to see what Roy could do in the culinary department when -he had every convenience. He had proved himself such a success as a cook -on the evening previous with nearly everything lacking that the -breakfast should be a marvel, and he started on without waiting to hear -what Vance had to say on the subject. - -Lying on her beam-ends as the little steamer was, the task of getting -the stove ashore was not a difficult one. - -The kitchen was on the port side, and she had been flung upon the -starboard rail, consequently they would not be impeded by the water. It -was only necessary to pull the small range up, and then let it slide -down the almost perpendicular deck. - -Roy had not brought his labors as a fisherman to a close when the stove -was in position near one end of the tent, and Ned began making a -swinging-cap to the pipe in order that it might not be necessary to move -the entire apparatus whenever the wind shifted. - -Vance brought another supply of provisions on shore, and marked out a -site for the cook-tent, saying as he did so: - -“The sooner we get a second camp up, the sooner we can begin to bring -the stuff ashore from the steamer. I figure that we’ve got enough canvas -to make another tent as big as the first, and it will give us ample room -for all our supplies.” - -“And we can’t get them on shore any too soon, according to my way of -thinking,” Roy added as he finished cleaning the fish. “No one knows -when another storm may spring up, and I don’t believe the poor old Zoe -would stand a second such beating as she got yesterday. It may be we -haven’t many days left in which to strip her.” - -“We’ll begin as soon as breakfast is over. It won’t take more than two -hours to put up the other tent, and by nightfall there should be enough -here to last us a good many months, if we don’t get too extravagant and -serve bacon with our fish,” he added laughingly as he saw what Roy was -preparing to do. - -“If you knew very much about cooking you wouldn’t grumble at anything -like this. All first-class cooks, including myself, serve bacon with -fish.” - -“Not when they are cast away with no chance of replenishing their -stores.” - -“I can’t say as to that until after making inquiries, but I’ll let you -know at the first convenient opportunity. Breakfast is ready, if the -boarders will please arrange themselves on the ground in proper -attitudes.” - -“I’ll start the thing,” Ned said as he seated himself near the stove, -“an’ after we’ve eaten our full I’ll show you fellows something that’ll -make your eyes stick out more’n they ever did before.” - -“Something connected with the island?” Vance asked. - -“Yes.” - -“Then tell us now, or I shall spoil my breakfast trying to guess what it -is.” - -“It would spoil your breakfast for a certainty if I should even hint at -it, and this grub is too good to be wasted.” - -Neither Roy nor Vance fancied for a moment that their companion could -have any very important secret, but they bantered him to reveal it until -the last fish and slice of bacon had disappeared, when he said with an -air of seriousness which surprised them: - -“Put the dishes away while I go aboard the steamer for a shovel, an’ -when I come back you’ll get the biggest kind of a surprise.” - -The boys understood from the tone in which Ned had spoken that he was -not trying to make sport of them, and both watched him earnestly as he -returned with the necessary tools for unearthing his treasure. - -“Now keep your eyes peeled,” he said as he began the work, “an’ tell me -what you see.” - -Exclamations of surprise burst from the lips of the boys when the piles -of silver were exposed to view, and Ned turned the pieces over much like -a miser counting his hoard. - -“Is this all yours?” Vance cried as soon as he had recovered from his -surprise sufficiently to be able to speak. - -“I reckon it is, seein’s how I’m the first one to find it.” - -“Find it?” the boys cried in concert. - -“That’s what I said. It was in a box, but I didn’t have anything to open -the cover with, so had to burn it off, an’ after that there was nothin’ -left in which to put the money.” - -“How many dollars’ worth are there?” - -“I haven’t had time to count them. I didn’t find the beauties until the -night of the storm.” - -“And was it on this island you discovered them?” - -“Of course. You don’t fancy Captain Bragg would send that much ashore -with me, do you?” - -“Where did it come from?” Roy cried, pale with excitement. - -“I’ll show you, an’ it seems as if we ought to be able to get more, for -I didn’t hunt very much.” - -Ned led the way through the grove, his companions urging him to greater -speed, so eager were they to see the exact spot from which the treasure -had been taken. - -“There it is,” he finally said as he pointed to the blackened timbers -which could be seen above the sand. - -“A pirate vessel!” Vance exclaimed. - -“I don’t think so,” Ned replied decidedly, although his ideas as to what -a piratical craft might be like were very hazy. “It don’t seem as if -they’d keep money boxed up the same as that was which I found. I was -after the timbers to build a hut of, an’ dug the sand away with sticks, -so you can fancy I didn’t have a chance to search over very much space.” - -The storm had obliterated all signs of his labor, but he remembered -exactly which of the ancient timbers he had counted on first taking -away, and was thus able to point out the exact spot where the treasure -had reposed so long. - -“Let’s overhaul the whole place, and see what we can find,” Vance cried -excitedly, and would have started at full speed after a shovel but for -Roy, who caught him by the arm as he said impressively: - -“Wait a minute. There is plenty of time, and we’d better talk this -matter over. No one can say how long we may be obliged to stay here, and -perhaps the hour will come when food seems more valuable than gold. If -there is other treasure in this place it will stay, and that is what -can’t be said for the yacht.” - -“You think we’d better get the grub ashore before foolin’ ’round here?” -Ned asked. - -“Yes, most decidedly. When we have taken from the yacht all which may be -useful, we shall still have plenty of time to dig over this sand. Or, -even if it happens that we are rescued very soon, our fathers will be -willing to come here after hearing Ned’s story.” - -“Very well, let’s get to work at once, for I’m eager to see how many -more of those dollars can be found,” Vance said with a laugh. “I don’t -suppose they’ll do us any good while we’re prisoned here, but it must be -mighty pleasant work digging them out.” - - - - - CHAPTER VIII. - WRECKING. - - -As nearly as could be ascertained after the boys were on board the wreck -once more, she had not sustained any very serious damage so far as the -hull was concerned. - -Ned lowered himself down over the port side by means of a rope, and -reported that the timbers appeared to be intact. - -“I can’t see that a single plank has been started, an’ it wouldn’t be -such a terrible job to get her afloat once more.” - -“I guess we won’t try anything of that kind yet awhile,” Roy replied -with a laugh. “It’s positive that some accident happened to the -machinery, and neither Vance nor I could repair it.” - -“I thought you said you had been learnin’ how to run her.” - -“So we did; but we weren’t so far advanced in the study as to be able to -repair a broken engine.” - -“Perhaps there isn’t so very much the trouble. I’ve seen boilers in -Treat’s sawmill blow out a tube or two, an’ it didn’t require any skill -to repair that kind of damage.” - -“There must have been something more serious than that happen, otherwise -she wouldn’t have stopped so suddenly,” Vance replied. “At all events, -we needn’t talk yet awhile of trying to float her. We’ll get the movable -property ashore, and tackle your old hulk before doing anything more in -the way of wrecking.” - -The boys had not anticipated having such a task as was really before -them, until after working at it an hour. - -Very many of the fittings they were most eager to save belonged, or had -fallen, on the starboard side, and in order to reach these it was -necessary to dive, for the hull was filled with water to about half its -breadth. - -When noon came they were glad of a breathing-spell. - -The tent had not yet been put up, and that labor was to be performed -immediately after dinner. - -They had on the shore a large collection of goods, however, and Ned said -as he surveyed the pile: - -“It won’t take us much more than a week to finish the job in great -shape.” - -“Have we got to wait all that time before finding the dollars?” Vance -grumbled. - -“It isn’t certain we shall ever see any more, so there’s no use in -worryin’ about what may not exist.” - -“That’s where you’re right, Ned,” Roy cried. “It may be Vance will have -a chance of learning that there are other things in this world more -valuable than money, although I hope he won’t get the lesson in quite so -rough a manner as is possible.” - -“It isn’t so much the money as it is the pleasure of finding it that I’m -after,” Vance replied laughingly. “To hear you fellows talk any one -would think I had suddenly turned miser.” - -“Then don’t be so impatient to dig,” Roy replied, and just then it was -necessary for him to cease his part in the conversation because the soup -he was making needed his immediate attention. - -Despite the fact that he appeared so eager to hunt for treasure, Vance -was not willing to cut the “nooning” short by so much as a single -minute, for the unusual exertion had tired him thoroughly, and he -insisted that the party should rest not less than two hours. - -“If, as you say, we are likely to be here a long while, there isn’t any -very great need of hurrying, and I feel as if I’d been shoveling coal -for a week.” - -The others were quite as willing as he to delay the labor during the -heat of the day, and the result was that the task of wrecking was not -resumed until nearly three o’clock, when the greater portion of the -remaining time was spent in putting up the tent. - -It was necessary this work be done in a thorough manner, lest the next -gale should level it to the ground, and each fastening was looked to -carefully. - -When the task was finished the young wreckers had good reason to feel -proud of their arrangements for “housekeeping.” - -The cook-tent was placed at right angles with the other, so that one end -of the sleeping apartment would be partially screened from the wind, and -both were lashed together in such a manner as to add to the solidity of -each. - -“It will be a case of losing both or holding all,” Roy said in a tone of -satisfaction as he surveyed the result of their labors. “Now when such -provisions as have not been spoiled by the salt water are under cover, I -shall feel as if we were in fair condition for a long stay here.” - -“Don’t you suppose your fathers will search for you when the yacht fails -to show up at Savannah?” Ned asked. - -“Of course; but the chances they will ever find this little island seem -to me mighty slim,” Roy replied. “It won’t pay to discuss the matter -just now, though, for all that stuff on the shore should be under cover -by sunset. Come on; we shall have to work mighty hard to finish before -dark.” - -And the young wreckers soon learned that Roy was correct. - -The sun had been behind the sea fully an hour before the last package -was sheltered from the weather and the labor of getting supper could be -begun. - -It had been unnecessary to light the lanterns in order to finish the -job. There was not a cloud in the sky, and the stars gave sufficient -light to enable them to see their way to and fro from the beach to the -tent. - -Both Ned and Vance assisted the cook in preparing the evening meal, and -what a delicious sense of comfort was theirs when, supper having been -eaten, all three lay on the soft beds where they could look out over the -ocean! - -“For shipwrecked mariners I think we’re fixed mighty well,” Vance said -dreamily. “We’ve got as good a shelter as could be asked for in this -climate, plenty of water, provisions enough to last several months with -economy, a supply of fish whenever we feel disposed for such food, and a -bank on which to draw for what gold and silver we need to pay with.” - -“Don’t count too much on that, for your checks might not be honored,” -Roy replied with a laugh. “Say, are we going to leave Ned’s treasure out -of doors all the time?” - -“Certainly not. It must be hidden in the store-tent to-morrow. - -“Why do you call it mine?” Ned asked. “I’m livin’ on the stuff brought -by you fellows, an’ it’s only right we should divide the dollars as -well.” - -“I don’t think that would be fair,” Roy replied. “If we find any more -it’ll be the square thing to whack up even, but the pile near the fire -belongs to you entirely.” - -“That’s so,” Vance added, and although Ned insisted he should divide it, -his companions stated positively that they would not take a single -dollar. - -This decision afforded Ned no slight amount of satisfaction, for, even -though he would not have envied them the possession of a full -two-thirds, he felt very much relieved in mind when they refused to -allow him to share the treasure with them. - -But little time was spent over the matter, however. All hands were so -sleepy that even in the midst of quite a heated argument one after -another fell asleep until the camp was in a state of complete repose. - -The sea, which had been so cruel to two of them a few hours previous, -now sang the softest lullaby, and the stars twinkled above them as if -their faces had never been hidden by the angry storm clouds which sent -the wind and rain to overwhelm travelers upon the ocean. - - - - - CHAPTER IX. - GHASTLY VISITORS. - - -On the next morning work was resumed upon the wreck, and, following -Ned’s suggestion, the party made a proper division of time, during which -certain tasks were to be performed. - -Seven o’clock was the hour set for Vance and Ned to begin whatever task -might be the most important; but Roy would not join them for an hour -later, in consideration of the fact that he, as cook, had been at work -fully sixty minutes before the others. - -In order that dinner might be ready at a regular time, Roy was to cease -all outside labor an hour before noon, and remain in camp an hour later -than his friends in order to set the “house” to rights generally. At -night he would return from wherever the others might be toiling an hour -sooner than either of his companions, and both were to assist in washing -the dishes used at supper. - -By this division of labor it was certain there could be no complaint -that one was doing more than another, and regularity of movements would -be insured. - -The work of wrecking was continued in a more workmanlike fashion, thanks -also to Ned. - -He rigged a tackle to one of the short masts, and by such means the -goods could be hoisted out of the hold with a great deal less exertion -than was necessary in pushing and pulling by hand. - -This contrivance was particularly useful when they wished to send ashore -a portion of the coal to be used in the range, and, thanks to it, very -much more could be accomplished in a given time with less labor than by -the former haphazard fashion of working. - -Roy’s proposition was to dismantle the yacht entirely, saving everything -possible, even to the machinery, and Ned raised no objections, for all -this would be necessary in order to carry into execution a plan he had -already formed. - -It was his intention to float the little craft if possible. - -While engaged in wrecking he examined thoroughly every portion of the -hull, and became convinced that she was as sound as ever, unless, by -chance, some of the starboard timbers, which it was impossible to see -because of her being heeled over on that side, had been stove. - -Without saying anything regarding this matter to his companions, he was -mentally calculating how the task might best be performed with the -limited appliances at their disposal, and this problem occupied his mind -even to the exclusion of the supposed treasure. - -It must not be fancied, however, that because Ned put from him all -thought of the wealth which might yet be gained from the hulk, the -subject was dropped entirely. - -Vance talked of little save what they would do when the work of -treasure-hunting was begun, and Roy was quite willing to join in such -conversation. - -When the second day of wrecking had come to an end and while the cook -was yet busy over the range with a certain mysterious compound which -Vance declared would be either a stew or a roast as it chanced to turn -in the process of cooking, Ned proposed that his store of silver be -taken better care of than by allowing it to remain under the sand, where -there might be some trouble in finding it quickly should such a -necessity happen to arise. - -Vance was all the more willing to assist in the work because he had a -most intense desire to learn how many dollars there were in the pile, -and the two set about the task, having first converted three -pillow-cases into bags. - -Counting the money proved to be a long job. - -When Roy insisted that his companions postpone the work until after -supper lest the “compound” should be spoiled by getting cold, they had -set out only seventeen piles, in each of which was $100, and the main -portion of the coins seemed nearly as large as ever. - -“There is more than twice that amount in the lot,” Vance said as with a -sigh of regret he ceased his very pleasing occupation of handling the -money long enough to eat, “and it was a lucky day for you when the -captain of the Evening Star decided to scuttle her.” - -“It seems so,” Ned said just a trifle doubtfully; “but both the money -and I are here on a key which doesn’t appear to be in the track of -sailing vessels, and it is a very serious question whether the silver -will do us much good.” - -“We’re bound to get away some time,” Vance replied in a positive tone. -“We must be somewhere off the coast of Florida, and I don’t believe we -can stay such a very long while without being discovered.” - -“What do you call a long while?” Ned asked. - -“Two or three months.” - -“Suppose a year should roll around, and we were still in this place?” - -“Before then I should advocate trusting ourselves to a raft.” - -“Built out of what?” - -“There is plenty of stuff. We could cut down trees enough to make a -famous craft, with what might be taken from the yacht.” - -“But you forget that she is likely to go to pieces in the next gale.” - -“Stop discussing the future possibilities,” Roy cried impatiently. -“There will be time for that after all the work has been done, and just -now I want you to find out whether I’ve got a roast or a stew. It isn’t -such a great while ago since Vance was worrying terribly about it, and -now the stuff is getting cold.” - -Ned was perfectly willing to sample Roy’s cookery, but he did not intend -that the subject which he had brought up should be dropped without a -thorough discussion. - -He was most eager to interest his companions in the task of saving the -little steamer, and mentally resolved to broach the matter again at the -first convenient opportunity. - -There was no mistaking the savory dish Roy set before them for anything -but stew, even though it had been made of canned meat, and the tired -boys ate until even the counting of silver seemed very much like a -hardship. - -A short siesta seemed absolutely necessary after such a hearty meal, and -not until an hour had passed was the work of stowing away the treasure -resumed. - -Then all three assisted in the counting, and when the task had been -completed they knew Ned’s find amounted to exactly twenty eight hundred -Mexican dollars. - -“The pile looked as if it was much larger,” Vance said in a tone of -disappointment as the last piece was placed in one of the pillow-case -bags. - -“Considering the fact that it was got without very much labor, I don’t -think there is any reason to kick,” Roy replied with a laugh. “To hear -you one would fancy you thought you were an injured individual because -the money wasn’t counted, placed in bags bearing your monogram, and -tagged in proper shape.” - -“No, that’s where you’re wrong,” Vance said gravely. “I’m willing to do -the counting and stowing away, but I don’t like to make such a mistake. -I figured that there couldn’t be less than $6,000 in the lot.” - -“Well, now that you have been undeceived, what do you propose to do -about it?” - -“Turn in as soon as we hide this stuff somewhere.” - -The question of where the money should be concealed was not easily -settled. - -Ned proposed that it be stored with the goods in the cook-tent, but -neither Vance nor Roy would agree to anything of the kind. - -Although there was not a living being on the island except themselves, -it did not seem safe to leave so much wealth lying around loose, and -Vance actually appeared afraid some portion of it might be spirited -away. - -He suggested that the bags be placed under the mattresses, and this plan -was tried, but only to be rejected, for although it is pleasant to have -a great many dollars, it is not comfortable to lie on them, and the -possession of the treasure promised to deprive the boys of no little -amount of sleep. - -It was nearly ten o’clock when the matter was finally settled by -depositing the silver in a tool chest which had been brought ashore from -the yacht, and then the castaways were able to gain the necessary rest. - -Two more days were spent in wrecking, and by the end of that time -everything worth saving, except the machinery, had been brought ashore. - -The store-tent was well filled, and it was so difficult to find any -particular article which might be needed that Roy insisted one day -should be devoted to repacking the goods in such a manner that they -could find what might chance to be needed without being forced to -overhaul the entire stock. - -Thus another day went by without their searching for more treasure or -making any progress toward regaining the mainland. - -During all this time a strict watch had been kept, as a matter of -course, in the hope of sighting a sail, but nothing larger than a -sea-gull’s wing had come within their range of vision. - -They were beginning to realize that it might be weeks, perhaps months, -before they would succeed in leaving the key. - -It was on the morning after the store-tent had been put in proper shape -that Roy, who in his capacity of cook was forced to rise earlier than -the others, electrified his companions by shouting as he went outside -the camp to build the fire: - -“Here’s a boat heading this way, fellows!” - -It can readily be fancied how quickly the boys leaped to their feet at -the summons, and running with all speed to where Roy was standing, they -saw the object to which he referred. - -There certainly was _something_ on the sea a long distance from the key, -but whether it was actually a boat or not neither was able to say with -any degree of certainty. - -“I believe I can see her bow as she rises on the swell!” Roy cried after -they had stood gazing in silence several moments upon the floating -object. - -“That can’t be, unless she is empty, for if so much could be -distinguished, we should see the oars as they were raised or lowered.” - -“Perhaps those on board are asleep.” - -“That isn’t very possible, if they are shipwrecked sailors, as seems -likely.” - -“Why couldn’t they be pleasure seekers?” Vance asked. - -“Because it isn’t probable they’d fool around here in such a craft as -that appears to be. There isn’t so much as a mast to be seen, and if -anybody was coming here for fun they wouldn’t depend on oars all the -time, when the wind would send them along very much faster.” - -There could be no question but that Ned’s argument was a good one, and -the boys watched eagerly for some signs of life. - -An hour passed, and neither had thought it might be well to economize -the time by getting breakfast. - -Now the floating object could be seen quite distinctly, for both the -current and the light breeze was setting it directly toward the key. - -There was no longer any question as to what it was. - -They could distinguish the bow and stern as the little craft was raised -on the gentle swell, and Ned finally said: - -“She’s a boat about the size of the three I saw on board the Evening -Star, and most likely has gone adrift from some vessel. If there was -anybody on her we should have seen them before this.” - -“It’ll be a mighty lucky thing for us if she comes ashore here, for we -shall be able to leave this place as soon as we have dug up the rest of -your silver,” Vance suggested. - -Singularly enough, the others had not thought of this, and it seemed as -if fortune was favoring them wonderfully. - -“It won’t be much of a job to rig up a spar and make a sail out of our -canvas,” Roy said, and Ned began to regret her coming, for with such a -means of departing from the island he feared his companions would not be -willing to assist in saving the Zoe. - -“We might as well have breakfast,” Vance suggested. “It will be at least -two hours more before she comes ashore, and there’s no reason why we -should stand here like statues.” - -This remark reminded Roy of his duties, and he went at once to the -range, where he was soon engaged in preparing the morning meal, stopping -every few moments to look at the on-coming boat. - -When breakfast had been cooked and eaten the craft was within half a -mile of the shore, and no one believed she had an occupant, because as -yet not a sign of life had been seen. - -Ned was the first to note the fact that she was hardly in as perfect a -condition as had been fancied. - -“Look at her port rail when she comes up on the waves once more!” he -cried. “I believe it has been stove.” - -“It certainly appears like that,” Roy replied after a careful scrutiny, -and as she drifted nearer it was soon ascertained that she was hardly -more than a wreck. - -Such a sea as might have been kicked up by an ordinary breeze would have -swamped her at once, and Roy fancied he had solved the question as to -how she chanced to be drifting around in that vicinity. - -“There has been a collision at sea not far away, and this craft was torn -out of the davits. According to my way of thinking, there must have been -a couple of vessels near here last night.” - -“It’s precious little good that would have done us if they kept out of -sight or passed the key while we were asleep,” Vance grumbled. “Perhaps -we ought to stand watch during the night.” - -“That wouldn’t effect very much, for we shouldn’t be able to see any -great distance, and I don’t suppose an ordinary craft’s lights make much -of a show half a mile away.” - -“It isn’t likely we’d— Look there!” Ned cried excitedly, interrupting -himself as the boat was swung around by the swell just as she was -sliding down from the crest of a wave and the interior was momentarily -exposed to view. - -Both Vance and Roy had seen the same thing which had attracted Ned’s -attention so suddenly, and they were very pale. - -“What did you make out?” the former asked, as if distrusting his own -eyes. - -“A dead man,” Ned replied solemnly. - -“That is what I thought I saw,” Roy added. - -During several moments neither of the party spoke. - -It seemed like an ill omen to have this craft with its freight of death -borne by an unseen force directly to the place where they had been cast -by the wickedness of man and the fury of the elements. - -The boat with her ghastly crew was coming straight for them as if -steered by the lifeless man, and no course could have been more true had -she been fully manned. - -“It’s either some sailor who has lost his vessel at sea and been -drifting around until he starved to death, or one who was in this boat -when the collision——” - -“There are two of them!” Vance cried as the little craft rolled -shoreward once more. - -“Perhaps they ain’t dead!” Ned exclaimed, and the possibility that these -apparent corpses might be sufferers to whom life could be restored took -from the scene much which had appeared uncanny. - -The boys advanced to the very edge of the surf, ready to pull the craft -ashore as soon as she should strike the sand, and ten minutes later she -was so near that everything on board could be distinctly seen. - -There was no longer any hope the occupants were alive. - -Neither was it any question as to how they had died. - -The interior of the little craft was covered with blood, and several -ghastly slashes across the face of one told that it had been a duel to -the death. - -It was left for Ned to add the crowning horror to this terrible tragedy. - -“It’s Captain Bragg and his mate, Mr. Stout!” he cried, and then covered -his face with his hands as if unable longer to look upon the horrible -scene. - -The boys could readily picture all that had taken place on the boat. - -The Evening Star had probably been scuttled as agreed upon between the -two officers, who had most likely left the sinking brig in a boat by -themselves. - -Then a quarrel had arisen, perhaps in regard to the division of the -spoils, and, armed with knives if nothing more, the duel had been -fought. - -To the affrighted three on the beach it seemed as if they could see the -hideous tragedy as the men, frantic with passion, faced each other in -that frail craft. - -How she must have tossed to and fro beneath their heavy tread! How many -waves had been shipped while they were locked in the last wild clutch, -and what must have been the thoughts of the dying survivor as he sat in -front of his lifeless adversary, knowing he would soon join him on the -last voyage, which would end only when they were brought before the -all-seeing Judge to answer not only for this, but all the crimes they -had ever committed! - -“I would be willing to stay on this key a mighty long while rather than -leave in that craft,” Vance said with a shudder, and neither he nor his -companions thought any longer that a way of escape had been opened to -them by the coming of the boat. - -It was destined, however, that there should be no possibility of their -ever putting to sea in the craft which had brought such a cargo of -crime’s evidences. - -Within twenty yards of where they were standing a fringe of coral rose -nearly to the surface of the water, and when the boat was almost over -this a short wave lifted her on high. Then, receding, it allowed the -half wrecked craft to drop directly upon the knife-like coral. - -The timbers were divided as if with a saw, and the dead bodies of the -murderers flung out inside the small reef, where the action of the water -caused them to advance and retreat as if swimming in sport. - -The boys would have thought it possible the men were yet alive, owing to -these grotesque movements, but for the fact that they had been watching -them so long, and after one quick, frightened glance at the hideous -corpses, the castaways, with a common impulse, ran to the tent to shut -out from view the horrible scene. - - - - - CHAPTER X. - TREASURE-SEEKING. - - -Not until they were in the tent cowering among the bedclothes as if -fearing they might have been pursued by specters did either of the party -realize how foolishly he was acting. - -Ned was the first to rise to his feet and step outside the camp. - -“See here, fellows,” he said after gazing toward the place where such a -terrible sight had been seen, and noted the fact that the fragments of -the boat were drifting past the island, “we mustn’t allow ourselves to -be such fools. It was the swirl of the water that made those bodies swim -around in that fashion.” - -“Of course it was; but how horrible they looked!” Roy replied. - -“That’s a fact; but we’ve got to brace up and get them out of the way. -Most likely they’ll stay inside the reef until a storm throws them -ashore, unless we do something.” - -“What do you mean?” - -“We are bound to bury them.” - -“I wouldn’t go within fifty yards of where they are,” Vance said -tremblingly. “It seemed as if they were trying to catch us.” - -“Now you are talking nonsense. We have got to stay here, that’s certain, -and it won’t do to have a place that we’re afraid of. It would be mighty -disagreeable to see those corpses every time we were forced to pass -there, and our only course is to get them under the sand as soon as -possible. It won’t be so bad if we do the work now as if we waited and -imagined all sorts of horrible things.” - -“Ned is right,” Roy said as he stepped to the door of the tent, trying -unsuccessfully to appear brave. “It will be a disagreeable job, and -therefore should be finished at once.” - -“And we’ve got to have their graves where we must look at them every -day? It is horrible!” and again Vance covered his face to shut out the -pictures conjured up by imagination. - -“We’ll drag them to the other side of the island where I was landed, if -that will make the matter any better,” Ned replied. “It’ll be a long, -hard job, but ’way ahead of feeling that we could never go near the spot -again, for now they are in plain sight from where the yacht lies.” - -“How will you haul them across?” Roy asked. - -“Pull them on to a piece of canvas; roll it up and tie it securely, -leaving an end to which a drag-rope can be fastened. It will take the -greater portion of the day, and we’d better get about it at once.” - -Roy forced himself to put from his mind all that was hideous in the -matter and treat it as a necessary, though disagreeable, task which must -be accomplished. - -He and Ned selected from their stores one of the steamer’s jibs, cut it -into such sized pieces as was thought sufficiently large for the -purpose, and marched resolutely out to the spot where the boat had been -shattered. - -Vance was ashamed to remain idle while they were working and after a -brief delay joined them. - -It devolved upon Ned to secure the bodies, which he did by wading into -the surf and passing a noose under and around them. - -Then he also was forced to roll them in the canvas shrouds; but after -this had been done, and the ghastly freight presented the appearance of -merchandise rather than human forms, Vance was ready to assist in the -task of dragging them across the island. - -“We shall need a couple of shovels,” Ned said when everything was in -readiness for the journey. “Vance shall carry them, and he can spell one -of us when we’re tired.” - -This was a division of labor at which no one could complain, and the -fatiguing journey was begun, the heavy weight causing the most severe -labor necessary in order to pull them through the sand. - -It was a great undertaking to convey the bodies so far, but all three of -the boys believed they were fully warranted in such an expenditure of -strength and energy, because of the relief of mind which would be theirs -when the corpses were so far from the camp that even the burial-place -could not be seen. - -It was considerably past noon when they arrived at the opposite shore, -and then it was necessary to dig the grave. - -Owing to the fact that the deposit of sand on the coral foundation of -the island was shallow, this was not a long nor a difficult task, and -the boys felt a decided sense of relief when the canvas shrouds were -hidden from view. - -Both murderers, and both murdered, they shared a common grave where -their bones might at any time be disturbed by the action of the waves, -and there was little doubt but that during the next severe storm the -bodies would be disinterred. - -There was nothing the boys could do to prevent this unless they had been -willing to bury them in the center of the island overlooking their camp, -which would be in the highest degree disagreeable. - -The spot selected was where Ned had been landed, and there was a certain -poetic justice in thus leaving the two where they had left the boy who -had been so unfortunate as to have heard their guilty secret. - -“It’s lucky for me they concluded that I must be marooned,” Ned said as -they retraced their steps over the hot, shimmering sand. “If they hadn’t -done that most likely I’d been taken in the boat with them to prevent my -telling the men what I’d heard, an’ in that case where would I be now?” - -“Overboard, I reckon,” Roy replied in a tone of awe. “It must have been -a terrible fight before the first man died, and you would have been -forced over the side while they were leaping around trying to kill each -other. Spider Key has used you mighty well, according to my way of -thinking.” - -“That’s a fact, and I’m expecting to have yet better luck here. When we -get back to camp I’m goin’ to open up a scheme to you fellows, an’ I -hope you’ll see things in the same light I do.” - -“What’s in the wind now?” - -“I’ll tell you when we get back. The day is so nearly spent that it -won’t pay to begin work until morning, an’ we shall have plenty of time -to talk.” - -The others were obliged to curb their curiosity as best they could, for -Ned absolutely refused to gratify it until they were where a -conversation could be carried on in a comfortable manner. - -After the disagreeable work and the general excitement and horrors of -the morning, none of the party felt particularly hungry, therefore Roy -served a cold lunch for dinner, promising a more hearty meal at night. - -“It’s so late now that if I tried to do very much cooking it would be -sunset before the job was finished,” he explained. - -“This is good enough for me,” Ned replied as he helped himself to some -sea biscuit and a generous slice of cheese. - -“Then while you are eating suppose you give us a glimpse of that famous -scheme. It is better to talk about almost anything rather than sit here -thinking of what we have just seen,” and Vance moved nearer, as if the -closest possible companionship was necessary in order to drive away the -memories of the morning. - -“It isn’t so very much that I’ve got to say, but it counts for a good -deal in my mind. To begin with, we want to get away from here as soon as -we can.” - -“That goes without saying, and especially now,” Roy replied with a -nervous laugh. - -“And it may be a year before any craft comes this way.” - -“I’m not prepared to admit quite as much as that, for a vessel of some -kind must happen around before so much time elapses.” - -“Well, we would get tired in considerably less than six months. While -there is plenty to be done a fellow don’t have a chance to get lonesome; -but how about when there’s nothin’ to do but walk around thinkin’ of -where we’d like to be?” - -“Of course we shall be lonesome then,” Vance replied impatiently. “I -wish we were certain of getting away as soon as we’d overhauled the -hulk, for in the course of a week our folks will understand that -something has happened to us, and it’ll be terrible to know they are -feeling bad when we are all right.” - -“Then instead of waitin’ for a craft to come, which may never happen, -why not do all we can toward rescuing ourselves?” - -“How can we accomplish more than we are now doing?” - -“By launching the yacht.” - -“You’re crazy,” Vance replied impatiently. - -“We never could do it, no matter how hard we might try,” Roy added, as -if the idea was so preposterous that it was worse than useless to -discuss it. - -“You are both wrong,” Ned said quietly. “The job can be done if we set -about it in a proper manner, and if you’ll agree to work with me three -days, I’ll show you it isn’t so much of an undertaking as you seem to -think.” - -“Why, we couldn’t put her on an even keel, let alone get her off the -bank.” - -“I’ll have her swung around in forty-eight hours and ready for launching -two days after that,” Ned said doggedly. - -“How would you go to work?” - -“In the first place I’d carry both anchors as far as the cables would -run, make them fast to the capstan, and, aided by the tide, haul in -until she was pulled up on her keel.” - -“Should you swim out with the anchors?” Vance asked with just a tinge of -sarcasm perceptible in his tones. - -“How long would it take to build a raft?” - -“If you were going to do that it would be best to make one large enough -to carry us to the mainland.” - -“We haven’t the materials for that. A small one would answer our purpose -in floating her, and I can rig up such a craft alone. Say, suppose you -two dig for the treasure and leave me to get ready? I won’t ask you to -help me more than an hour the first day, and then when I call on you for -regular work you may decide whether my plan can be carried out.” - -Ned was so deeply in earnest his companions could not but be impressed, -and Vance, realizing that by agreeing to this proposition he would be -able to get at the treasure-seeking just so much the sooner, replied: - -“I’m willing if Roy is.” - -“And I shouldn’t be surprised if Ned was correct in what he says,” the -cook added thoughtfully. “A few men have moved a large ship before now, -and I don’t see why, with so much in the way of material for working, -the Zoe could not be gotten into deep water.” - -“She can!” Ned exclaimed, rendered even more excited than before by his -partial success in convincing his companions. “What will be the -difference between floating her and finding silver dollars? She is worth -three such lots of coin as I dug up, and even if there is more treasure -in the hulk, the chances are that there isn’t as much as would pay for -her.” - -“She cost $8,000,” Roy replied. - -“Think of it! We know how to earn that much money, or save it, which -amounts to the same thing, and yet are not willing to make one trial. -She isn’t hurt any to speak of, and even if half a dozen timbers have -been shattered, it wouldn’t cost a great deal to replace them.” - -“But we shall probably be unable to work the engine in case you get her -off the bank.” - -“Well, what of that? If a vessel comes along, we can have her towed into -port. She will lay in the little bay as snug as a bug in a rug if we -moor her properly, but is bound to go to pieces in case the next heavy -gale finds her where the surf can beat directly upon her bottom.” - -It was impossible not to be convinced by the arguments which Ned brought -forward, and the boys began to consider seriously the idea of escaping -from the key by means of the yacht. He seemed to be so positive it could -be accomplished that they fancied it was a very much more simple matter -than had at first been supposed. - -Vance insisted, however, that the proposition should stand as first -made. - -“You get things in order for floating the yacht, and Roy and I will see -what there is under the sand which covers the old hulk. We can come up -to help you at any time, and when you are ready for the more serious -part of the business we shall have finished our job.” - -As a matter of fact Ned would have preferred that they work together, -since the task could be accomplished in so much less time when there -were hands enough to carry everything forward at the same moment; but he -could not well object after having been the one to propose it, and -thought he had succeeded very well in effecting this much. - -There was no intention of beginning any new labor now that the night was -so near at hand. - -All were both tired and depressed because of the scenes through which -they had passed, and they remained in the tent discussing Ned’s plan -until it was time to prepare another meal. - -After this had been eaten Ned and Vance were eager to retire, the former -that he might be ready to begin work on the yacht at an early hour, and -the latter in order to commence the search for treasure at the earliest -possible moment. - -Both were awake before the sun showed his face above the waters, and Roy -was surprised by the offers of assistance he received. - -When breakfast had been finished Ned went on board the wreck to map out -his work, but Vance was forced to wait until the cook had finished his -regular morning tasks, for the two were to overhaul the old hulk in -company. - -Ned had no fears as to the result of his labors, providing nothing -occurred to prevent him from doing as he wished, and as the -anchor-laying was the most important, he began that at once by building -a raft. - -Had the others been with him this task would have been comparatively a -light one, but forced to work at a disadvantage because alone, he had -hardly got the first layer of timbers secured in place, when a series of -wildest yells from the vicinity of the hulk attracted his attention. - -“If I thought they’d found another box I wouldn’t stir a step from this -place,” he said to himself; “but it may be they are in trouble of some -kind, and I s’pose I must find out.” - -Making fast his timbers that they might not float away and thus -necessitate the additional labor of preparing more, Ned started at full -speed through the grove, and on arriving at the opposite side saw Vance -and Roy dancing wildly around an excavation in the sand, alternately -calling him by name and yelling after the fashion of a Comanche Indian. - -“They’ve dug out more money!” Ned cried, and for the time being the raft -and the yacht were forgotten, for he could be as enthusiastic over -treasure-finding as either of the others. - -“What have you got?” he cried, dashing forward at a swift pace. - -“Come and see!” Vance shouted. “Hurrah for Spider Key! Hurrah for -ourselves! Hurrah for the pirates’ treasure!” - -There was certainly sufficient to cause excitement. - -When he arrived at the scene of their labors it was only necessary for -Ned to peer over the huge wall of sand which had been thrown up, in -order to see four boxes lying side by side, exactly like the one he had -previously found. - -It was evident they had been stored in the very stern of the craft, -probably under the cabin floor, as was customary when sailing vessels -carried much treasure, and who could say how many years the wealth had -been lying on the shore of Spider Key, awaiting the chance which should -lead to its discovery? - -“That’s the same sort I found!” Ned cried, equally as much excited now -as the others. “Let’s have them out of there. We’ll get back to camp an’ -open the boxes!” - -Two of the packages were much heavier than the rest, and Vance said: - -“These fellows are full of gold! Talk about mining in California! Why, -it isn’t a marker alongside of this way of finding money all coined and -ready to spend!” - -The boys had a difficult task to raise the boxes from their long -resting-place, and the united strength of all three was necessary in -order to place them above the wall of sand. - -“You’ve got the whole of it this time,” Ned said as he wiped the -perspiration from his face and turned to look at the spot from which the -treasure had been removed. “How long did it take you to shovel all that -sand away?” - -“Not such a very great while. We wanted to make certain of getting at -the entire collection, so Roy began on one side and I the other. We had -cleared almost the whole space before striking the boxes.” - -It was fully half an hour before the treasure-seekers recovered from -their excitement sufficiently to take any steps toward conveying their -treasure to the tent, and then it was decided to make a sort of litter -with poles, for the weight of two of the packages was too great to admit -of their being carried by one boy. - -As a matter of course this required considerable time, and it was an -hour past noon when Vance began to chop at the top of the first box for -the purpose of opening it. - -The wood was not so rotten but that a good deal of labor was necessary -in order to effect his purpose, and then exclamations of delight burst -from the lips of all. - -This was one of the heaviest boxes, and, as Vance had predicted, was -filled with gold coins, the majority of them having come from a Spanish -mint. - -Owing to the fact that they were unable to determine the value of many -of the pieces, it was impossible to figure up the amount of the “find;” -but, judging from the weight, in comparison with that of the silver, the -total sum was very large. - -Vance was not satisfied until he had opened all four of the boxes, -finding gold in two and silver in both the others. - -“It isn’t a pirate’s hoard, that’s certain,” he said after looking at -the wealth until his eyes fairly ached. “But never mind who it may have -belonged to once, there can be no question but that it’s ours now by -right of discovery.” - - - - - CHAPTER XI. - THE YACHT. - - -That they were the possessors of a large sum of money there could be no -question, and after he fully realized this very pleasing fact, Vance was -as eager as any of his companions to escape from the key. - -To Ned’s delight he had come to believe that it was in the highest -degree important they should leave the island in the Zoe, and was now as -ready to push forward the work on her as he previously had been to -search for the hidden treasure. - -“If a vessel should come along this minute and offer to take us off, I -don’t see how we could leave,” he said as he stood gazing at the money. - -“Why not?” Roy asked in surprise. - -“Because we couldn’t carry all this wealth away without the fact being -known, and I shouldn’t like to trust everybody with the secret that -these boxes were filled with gold and silver.” - -“Then you are ready to aid in launching the Zoe?” Ned said -interrogatively. - -“Of course I am. We mustn’t waste a single moment. Help me stack these -boxes up under the tool chest, and we’ll get to work as soon as Roy -cooks dinner.” - -“If I’d known how it was goin’ to affect you I’d voted to go ahead with -the treasure-finding two or three days ago; but I thought it would take -very much longer to clear that hulk of sand.” - -“There hasn’t been any time lost. Do you think it will be many days -before we can have the yacht afloat?” - -“I hope not. It seems as if three of us should be able to do a great -deal in a short while. Suppose you and I tackle the raft while Roy is -doing the cooking? That will put us ahead just so much.” - -The treasure had been stowed away near the beds, and Vance was more than -willing to act upon Ned’s suggestion. - -He followed him to the scene of his morning’s labors, and when Roy -finally called them to dinner Vance grumbled not a little because it was -necessary to cease the work in order to eat. - -“We must have the anchors out before sunset,” he said emphatically, much -as if expecting his companion would object. - -“Of course, for then we’ll be takin’ advantage of the night tide.” - -“And we shall get along much faster, because Roy will be here to help -us.” - -Vance hardly allowed his companions time to eat their dinner properly. - -He urged first one and then the other to make more haste, until Roy said -quite sharply: - -“This morning you thought it was the same as wasting time to work on the -yacht, and now you’re not willing to do the thing in a reasonable way. I -shall eat all I want, and even then there’ll be plenty of daylight in -which to accomplish as much as Ned has laid out for this day’s work.” - -Vance was forced to restrain his ardor, since the others were not -willing to keep at the job with such a rush, and the result was that -very much more labor was performed than if he had been allowed the -direction of affairs. - -The raft was finally built as strongly as Ned thought necessary, and the -largest anchor with plenty of cable loaded on it. - -It was no slight task to paddle the unwieldy craft out to sea with the -heavy hawser trailing astern, and dragging back until oftentimes more -advantage would be lost than gained. - -Vance assisted Ned, both using the oars as paddles, and Roy remained on -the wreck to pay out the cable. - -It was necessary to strain every muscle to accomplish the purpose, but -it was finally done, and the boys pulled swiftly back to the yacht to -ascertain, by bringing the rope to the capstan, what kind of holding -ground they had. - -“Now rouse her in!” Ned cried as he took a double turn and prepared to -hold the slack. “Walk her around, an’ we’ll soon know whether that -blessed anchor has got to be picked up again.” - -It was not necessary to make any change. - -When the hawser was hauled as taut as was possible with such a heavy -rope, the anchor held firm, and Ned said in a tone of satisfaction: - -“There’s the biggest half of our work done! Now we must make this cable -fast somewhere else until the other anchor is in place. By working -lively we can finish it before dark.” - -This seemed like rather a rash statement, since the sun was already very -near the horizon, but so rapidly did the little crew work that the task -was accomplished before night had fully come, and the boys had the -satisfaction of seeing the two ropes stretched far out into the water -like strands of iron. - -“I reckon we can call this a full day’s work,” Ned said as he brought -the raft around on the shore side of the stranded yacht. “If we find -those ropes a little slack to-morrow morning, we shall know she has -slipped off just that much.” - -“But suppose it doesn’t happen?” Roy asked. - -“Then it’ll be a question of using our muscle at the next high tide, and -bringing out a portion of the machinery to lighten her.” - -“If we take the engine apart we shall never be able to get it together -again,” Vance said in alarm. - -“That doesn’t make any difference. We shall have to do it if this plan -don’t work, and then try to get her along under sail. We’ve got canvas -enough to fit her out in pretty good shape.” - -“There won’t be any show of going very fast with the screw dragging -behind.” - -“I’ll be satisfied if we make two knots an hour, for that’s more than -we’re doing now.” - -The boys were thoroughly tired when they returned to the tent, but so -much had been accomplished since sunrise that they were hardly aware of -their weariness. - -The treasure was only spoken of now and then, but Vance and Roy talked -almost incessantly of floating the yacht, and Ned felt well satisfied -that before very long they would be sailing in search of the mainland. - -The possibility of getting free from the island suggested to his mind -something which he had paid very little attention to before. - -“How shall we know what way to steer when we are ready to leave?” - -“Jimminey! I never thought of that,” Vance exclaimed. “I haven’t the -slightest idea where the coast of Florida is, except that it seems as -if, it should be in that direction,” and he pointed toward the west. - -Roy felt quite positive they ought to steer a northerly course, while -Ned, having been locked in the state-room so long before coming ashore, -was unable to form any idea whatever. - -“We shall be an interestin’ kind of a crew when we do get started,” he -said with a laugh. “How are we to decide the matter?” - -“I know I’m right,” Vance replied decidedly. - -“And I’m convinced the mainland lies to the north of us,” Roy added in -quite as positive a tone. - -“I don’t know anything about it, so it will be necessary for you fellows -to fight it out among yourselves.” - -“Of course you’ll agree that we want to get back to Key West rather than -attempt to go to Savannah?” Vance said to Roy. - -“Certainly.” - -“Well, suppose this key is on the very edge of the line of shoals, and -we steer due north: there’s a possibility of our striking straight -across to where we were originally bound, which wouldn’t be pleasant.” - -“Well, what if we went to the west?” - -“We are positive this key isn’t south of Key West, and if we run a -westerly course we’re bound to strike some land between here and the -Gulf of Mexico.” - -“It’s my opinion that Vance has got the best of this argument,” Ned said -with a laugh, and Roy replied: - -“I reckon he has, and I’ll get supper if you fellows will turn to and -help. After dragging on those heavy ropes it doesn’t seem as if I had -strength enough to feed myself.” - -All were hungry, but felt at the same time so tired that the exertion of -cooking seemed too great to be thought of, and Ned proposed that they -content themselves with a cold supper. - -“I can soon build a fire on the ground large enough to cook the coffee, -and that will be all we shall need.” - -The others were perfectly willing to agree to this proposition, and the -last work of the day was quickly dispatched. - -Then the boys lay down to rest, and neither of them felt like prolonging -a conversation when their eyes were so heavy. - -Before nine o’clock the three were sleeping soundly, and it seemed to -Vance that he had but just lost himself in slumber, when he was aroused -by what sounded very much like a groan, as if a human being was in -agony. - -There were cold, bead-like drops of perspiration on his face as he -raised himself to a sitting posture and listened. - -The unearthly sound was repeated, and he trembled with fear, while -before his eyes came a picture of the horrible sight he had witnessed -during the forenoon. - -Now Vance was not a boy who believed in ghosts or anything of that kind, -but he knew perfectly well there were no other persons on the island, -and yet here was a noise apparently close at hand, which must have been -made by a human being. - -“Of course those men whom we buried were dead,” he said to himself, “and -if I waken the fellows they’ll insist I’m afraid of my own shadow.” - -He was about to lie down again when the unearthly sound floated on the -night air once more, and this time he fancied it came from some point -nearer the tent than before. - -There was no longer any fear in his mind that Ned and Roy would think -him cowardly. - -Anything was better than listening to such noises while his companions -were unconscious in slumber, and he shook Ned, who chanced to be nearest -him, violently. - -“What’s the matter?” the sleepy boy asked as he rubbed his eyes. - -“Hush! Don’t speak so loud! I’ve been hearing the queerest kind of a -noise. It sounds as if some one was on the island.” - -Ned’s eyes had closed again while Vance was talking, and the latter -shook him yet more violently than before. - -“Wake up and listen. It may be that men have landed, and we must look -out for the treasure!” - -This was sufficient to render Ned very wide awake, and he raised himself -on his elbow as he said: - -“I don’t hear anything.” - -“Wait awhile and you will.” - -It was not necessary for Ned to listen many seconds; Vance had hardly -ceased speaking when the noise was heard again, and one would have -failed to decide which boy was the most frightened. - - - - - CHAPTER XII. - THE MYSTERY. - - -Ned was unable to form any idea as to the cause of such a doleful sound. - -He knew, or thought he did, that there was no one on the key when they -lay down, and yet there could be no mistaking the fact that something -unusual was going on. - -The most natural course appeared to be the awakening of Roy, but this -was not accomplished without considerable difficulty, for the cook was a -very sound sleeper, and on this particular night it seemed as if his -eyelids were glued together. - -It might have been really impossible to arouse him if, just at the -moment when he was more nearly awake than at any time since Ned began -operations, the groan had not been heard. - -This time it was of a most doleful kind, and so loud that one might have -heard it half a mile away. - -Roy was wide awake in an instant, asking wildly as he scrambled to his -feet: - -“What was that?” - -“We’ve been trying to find out,” Ned replied. “I can’t think of anything -around here that could make such a noise. It’s horrible!” - -“Light one of the lanterns.” - -“What good will that do?” - -“If any one attempts to get in here we shall be able to see what is -going on,” Roy whispered. - -“And if the thing which made the noise is bent on mischief, the light of -the lantern showing through the canvas might make matters worse.” - -“But we must try to learn what’s the matter.” - -“I’ll creep softly out if you fellows will follow. I’m willin’ to admit -that it frightens me an’ don’t care to take the chances of going alone.” - -“I’ll stay close at your heels.” - -Ned started, but did not attempt to rise to his feet. - -Convinced that an enemy was near at hand, such a course hardly seemed -prudent, and he wriggled along over the sand until it was possible to -gain a view of that portion of the island directly in front of the tent. - -The stars were shining brightly and he could see surrounding objects -distinctly, but nothing unusual met his gaze. - -As a matter of course it was impossible to peer through the grove in the -gloom, and while he was wondering if some animal was not among the -trees, the fearsome noise was heard again. - -It appeared to come from the rear of the tent, and Ned turned back to -whisper to his companions: - -“I can’t see a thing, but whatever has come must be in our rear. Shall -we go out?” - -“We’ve got to learn what it is.” - -“I think some animal has swum up from the sea. At all events, we’ll soon -know. Don’t make the slightest noise as you follow me.” - -Then very cautiously Ned crept out until he had a full view of the -shores and as far back in the interior as the center of the island. - -There was not so much as a bird to be seen, and what seemed very -strange, the groan was not repeated, although they listened intently -fully five minutes. - -Then he rose to his feet and his companions did the same. - -The most perfect silence reigned save for the soft lip, lip, lipping of -the water on the sandy shore. - -“Well, that beats me!” Ned said aloud after ten minutes had passed and -nothing was heard. “It can’t be that all three of us have been -dreaming.” - -“There was more than a dream in that terrible noise,” Vance replied with -a shudder. - -Ned led the way completely around the tents and then to the edge of the -grove without having discovered anything. - -“It’s certain we haven’t visitors, and the best thing we can do is to go -to bed again.” - -“I shan’t be able to get another wink of sleep to-night,” Vance said in -a voice that trembled woefully. - -“Then you’ll be on hand to let us know if it comes again. But I won’t -make fun of you,” he added as he saw the look of horror on his -companion’s face, “for it was enough to frighten a wooden man, and I was -as badly scared as any one. There’s no use in staying out here any -longer now we’re certain nothing’s in sight.” - -Ned led the way back to the tent, and once there Roy took good care to -light two lanterns. - -“It won’t do any harm to leave them burning,” he said -half-apologetically. “If we hear the noise again we can at least see -each others’ faces, and there’ll be some little comfort in that.” - -Neither of the party felt very much like indulging in slumber for a long -while, and they sat cross-legged on their beds talking in whispers of -what was to them, as indeed it might have been to any one, the most -profound mystery. - -No reasonable theory could be formed regarding it, and after an hour had -passed with nothing to cause additional fear, one after another of the -little party began to grow sleepy, until all were slumbering soundly -once more. - -If there were any more groans on the island during the night the -castaways were in blissful ignorance regarding them, and not until the -sun had been up from his bath in the sea fully an hour did either of the -party awaken. - -Ned was the first to open his eyes, and after rousing his companions he -ran out of the tent to look for strange footprints in the sand. - -If their unwelcome visitor had come from the sea there must have been -some signs left behind, yet Ned failed to find any. - -He returned to the tent with joyful tidings, however. - -“The yacht must have worked herself off some during the night!” he -cried. “The hawsers are considerably slacker than when we saw them last, -and I fancy she isn’t heeled over quite so much.” - -Vance and Roy ran out of doors to assure themselves by a personal -inspection that such was the case, and the former said, after looking -scrutinizingly at the little steamer: - -“I think you are right, Ned, and I sincerely hope so. If that craft was -afloat I wouldn’t sleep another night on this island. I can stand a good -deal, but when it comes to living where dead men are prowling around, -then I get more than I need.” - -“You surely are not foolish enough to believe that what we heard last -night was caused by those wretches whom we buried,” Roy said in -surprise. - -“Tell me what else could have made the noise, and I’ll own up to being -foolish.” - -“Of course I can’t do that; but this much I’ve got sense enough left to -understand, that there’s no such things as ghosts.” - -“Then what made the noise?” - -Roy turned away unwilling to continue such a profitless conversation, -and Ned said decidedly: - -“If it is heard again I’ll get at the bottom of the mystery, or know the -reason why. We should have gone directly outside when the noise was -first heard.” - -“You were prowling around soon enough to distinguish anything, if it -could be seen,” Vance persisted, “and I have an idea you failed to find -the tracks you counted on.” - -“How did you know that?” - -“I watched while you were searching, and, of course, understood what you -expected to see.” - -Ned joined Roy at the tent without making any further reply. - -He did not believe in ghosts, but at the same time it made him just a -trifle nervous to have Vance attribute the disturbance to an unearthly -source. - -There was too much work to be done before sunset to permit of spending -many moments discussing what was so profitless as the subject of ghosts. - -The hawsers were to be hauled in until they should be as taut as on the -night previous, and Ned was revolving in his mind the use of blocks and -wedges to bring the yacht on an even keel more quickly. - -In order to perform this labor, however, it was necessary all hands -should assist, therefore Ned was forced to remain idle until after -breakfast had been prepared and eaten. - -This did not prove to be such a very long task, owing to the fact that -all hands assisted in the work, and at a reasonably early hour the -wreckers were ready for business. - -The hawsers were drawn as taut as possible once more, and Ned said in a -tone of satisfaction when this had been done: - -“There; now it’s for the tide to do the rest. If it helps us as much as -it did last night, we shan’t have to work a very long while in order to -get her into the bay. Now we’ll rig something to shore her up on this -side, and that will come pretty near finishing the day.” - -He set about this portion of the work with such zeal and determination -that the others, urged on by their fear caused by the noises heard on -the previous night, were soon laboring with feverish eagerness, and -before the tide had turned all had been done that was possible until the -hawsers should need tautening once more. - -“Now we can afford to rest,” Ned said as he walked slowly toward the -tent, wiping the perspiration from his face. - -“And it’s high time,” Roy replied with a laugh. “It plays a fellow out -mighty fast to keep at a job when the weather is so very warm. I don’t -believe I should ever make a very good citizen for this part of the -country.” - -“Why not?” - -“Because the heat pulls me down so severely.” - -“You would soon get accustomed to working in the early morning and late -at night,” Vance replied. “That is the way people do in the tropics.” - -“I notice you don’t take kindly to turning out so very early,” Roy -replied as, they having arrived at the tent, he flung himself upon one -of the mattresses. - -“But it is most likely I should if I got in the habit of indulging in a -siesta every noon, the same as we saw those fellows at Key West.” - -Ned took no part in this conversation. He had followed Roy’s example, so -far as lying down was concerned, but his mind was fully occupied trying -to devise some means for floating the Zoe more quickly than it could be -done by waiting for the tide to pull her off the shore. - -It was not many moments before all the party were in a proper mood for -the siesta, which seems so necessary in warm climates, and before either -was aware of the fact, all three were sleeping soundly. - -How long this state of happy unconsciousness lasted no one could say; -but all were awakened at the same instant by a repetition of the -horrible groaning which had so disturbed and frightened them on the -previous night. - -As if electrified by one common current, the little party sprang to -their feet, and it is no stretch of the imagination to say that Vance’s -teeth were actually chattering from fear. - -“We shall be able to learn what it is this time,” Ned said in a whisper -as he stepped cautiously toward the flap of the tent. - -“That is, if it’s anything which can be seen,” Roy replied gravely, for -he was beginning to share his cousin’s views as to the supernatural -causes of the blood-curdling sounds. - -“Now don’t get as foolish as Vance,” Ned said sharply, and it is just -possible the reproof aided him in controlling his own fears, for even -the boldest could not but have been affected in some degree by the -groans which appeared to come from the immediate vicinity of the tent. - -Cautiously the boy who had been marooned stepped from the camp and -looked around. - -The sun was beating down upon the glistening sands with quite as much -fervor as he had shown at noon-day, and yet not an animate object was -within sight. - -It would have been impossible for the smallest animal to have moved -within the boy’s range of vision and escaped his observation. - -But even as he gazed around him the terrible noise was repeated. - -“It beats me,” he said as Roy stepped close by his side. “I was looking -in the same direction from which the sound seemed to come, and failed to -see anything.” - -“Then perhaps you won’t make so much fun of me after this,” Vance -suggested in a trembling voice as he timidly ventured outside with his -companions. “You can laugh about ghosts as much as you please, but how -else can you account for the noise now, when it is light enough to see -every inch of the island?” - -“I’ve always heard it said that ghosts walk, if it is possible for them -to do such a thing, only in the night, and yet this one seems to be -prowling around while the sun is shining. There must be something in the -grove, an’ I’m goin’ to have a thorough look at the place before I’m -willin’ to admit the men we buried can come back to make trouble for -us.” - -Ned advanced boldly as he spoke, but his companions did not follow. - -It seemed to them as if the tent, frail though it was, might afford some -protection against the unearthly visitant, and they preferred to remain -where it would be possible to beat a retreat if necessary. - -Ned did not pause because of being thus abandoned, as it were, but -continued straight on through the underbrush, overturning every fallen -branch, or poking amid the creeping vines in the hope of disturbing the -author of the terrifying noises. - -Twice while engaged in this work did he hear the groans, and on each -occasion they sounded as if coming from the rear, much nearer the tent. - -“It’s no use to hunt here any longer, for whoever is kicking up the row -must be behind me.” - -Now he also was becoming disturbed in mind. - -There could be no question but that the unearthly sounds came from that -portion of the key where was not the slightest shelter for man or beast, -and he began slowly to retrace his steps. - -While doing so he involuntarily glanced toward the ocean once more, and -noted the fact that it was nearly high water. - -“We shall have to haul in on the hawsers pretty soon, an’ I hope that -groanin’ will stop before then, or else it will be impossible to -persuade Vance into lending us a hand.” - -With this thought in his mind he walked toward the yacht, and was -standing within thirty feet of her when the noise was repeated, and this -time he distinctly saw the little craft move seaward several inches. - -The mystery was explained. - -“Hurrah!” he cried with a shout of triumph, and immediately afterward -burst into a loud fit of laughter. - -“What is the matter?” Roy asked as he ventured out of the tent once -more, his face several shades whiter than it had been, for this last -groan fully convinced him they were to be haunted by the ghosts of those -who had scuttled the Evening Star. - -“I’ve found your spirits, an’ only hope they’ll keep on groanin’, for -then we shall have the yacht afloat just so much the sooner!” - -“What do you mean?” and Roy gathered sufficient courage to admit of his -taking a few steps toward where Ned was standing. - -“Watch the yacht, an’ you’ll soon find out what the trouble is. It’s -high tide, or will be in half an hour. The hawsers are strainin’ hard, -an’ as she has to slip off the shore there comes a sound as if something -was pulled out of the mud.” - -“But there’s no mud here.” - -“I know it, yet at the same time that is what causes the noise. She fell -heavy when she struck, and has made a hole in the sand, where, most -likely, the air is confined. Watch five minutes, and then if you’re not -convinced I’ll give my head for a football. Don’t spend any more time -than necessary, however, for we must help the little craft a bit.” - -After some difficulty Vance was persuaded to join the committee on -investigation, and while they kept their eyes fixed upon the yacht, Ned -clambered on board by aid of the raft. - - - - - CHAPTER XIII. - AFLOAT. - - -It was not necessary for the boys to wait very long before the mystery -was as plain to them as to Ned. - -In a few moments a prolonged and particularly unearthly groan was heard, -which began as the Zoe commenced to move seaward and ceased when she -stopped. - -There could no longer be any question in regard to the matter, and Roy -said in a tone of the most intense relief: - -“Well, that settles it. I had began to make a fool of myself, and am -mighty glad it’s settled at last. If we had left the key without having -discovered the cause of the noises, I’m afraid I should have been -convinced so long as I lived that this island was haunted by the captain -and mate of the Evening Star. What do you think now, Vance?” - -“That we’ve been mighty silly. Almost anybody, except Ned, would have -been frightened by such sounds when they knew there wasn’t a living -thing on the key.” - -“I might as well own up that I was in a pretty bad funk toward the last -of it,” Ned replied with a hearty laugh. “That last screech came mighty -near settlin’ me, an’ if I hadn’t happened to be standin’ close to the -yacht when the next one came, I reckon I’d joined you in the tent. But -now that the thing is settled, one of you come aboard with me an’ help -haul in on the longest cable. The other must stay on the raft an’ do his -best at drivin’ the wedges in when we take up the slack.” - -Vance was on the Zoe’s deck almost before Ned ceased speaking, and the -two tugged at the capstan until Roy shouted from the raft: - -“You’ve raised her three or four inches already. I’ve put in new wedges, -and if you’ll take a whack at the other cable she’ll be in fair -condition for the next tide.” - -The boys worked with a will until nearly dark, and then the yacht was in -a better position than even Ned had dared to hope for. - -She was very nearly on a level keel, a slight heel shoreward only -showing that she was aground, and her stern had been hauled around a -couple of feet, so much so, in fact, that the lead-line showed deep -water directly beneath the screw. - -“We must keep awake this night, or leave one fellow on watch,” Ned said -after the tide had fallen so much that it would have been a useless -expenditure of strength to work longer, “and when it’s high water once -more I expect to see her afloat.” - -“It can’t be done so soon,” Vance said decidedly as they walked toward -the tent. “We may possibly succeed by the day after to-morrow; but not -before.” - -“That remains to be seen,” Ned replied with a laugh. “We’ll get -something in the way of dinner, and then decide whether all three or -only one shall stand watch.” - -Now that the “ghost” had been laid, the experiment of floating the yacht -evidently a future success, and matters in what Roy called “comfortable -shape” once more, the little party was in the best of spirits. - -Roy fairly outdid himself in the way of preparing dinner, and the tired -wreckers ate until it seemed as if food would never again be necessary. - -Since it would not be high water until about midnight, it was thought -useless for all hands to remain awake, therefore hourly watches were -begun from nine o’clock, the time set for retiring, until twelve, when -the work would be commenced once more. - -The question of who should “do the first trick” was settled by drawing -lots, and it so chanced that Ned was the one selected for the last hour. - -He made sleeping a matter of business from the time the first watch was -begun until summoned to do his share of the work, and then, in order to -drive the remnants of slumber from his eyelids, went out on to the beach -for a stroll. - -After walking a couple of miles as a means of preparing for the more -arduous labor, he returned to the yacht and clambered on board. - -The hawsers were stretched taut as bars of iron, and there was every -reason to believe the strain upon the anchors was beginning to tell. - -Contrary to his expectation the groaning was not heard, probably because -the craft had been raised partially out of the sandy bed; but as he -stood there watching the water creep up inch by inch upon the white -sand, he fancied there was a certain motion to the craft. - -“The anchors are pullin’ her once more,” he said to himself. “I wish it -might be possible to get her off before the boys awaken. I don’t believe -she’s now on so very firm, and with the hawsers dragging dead astern a -little additional weight would take her off.” - -The cable connected with the largest anchor was yet made fast to the -capstan, and as the yacht quivered again, Ned exerted all his strength -to take another turn of the drum. - -At first this was impossible, but as the hawsers were slackened he -succeeded, and was rewarded by feeling that she continued to move -slightly. - -“It’s now or not until to-morrow!” he said after making certain the -water was nearly at its proper height, and shutting his teeth tightly, -he gave way on the capstan-bar with every ounce of weight and strength -it was possible for him to exert. - -Just for an instant he fancied he had made some mistake as to the -holding power of the craft, and then the capstan began to revolve as if -the cable had suddenly been unloosened. - -There was no necessity to look over the side, for Ned could see by the -objects ashore that the little steamer was moving rapidly through the -water, and a second later there was a slight dip as the bow slipped from -the bank. - -The Zoe was afloat once more. - -Ned came very near giving vent to a cry of triumph, which might have -awakened his friends, and that was exactly what he did not want to do. - -He wished them to sleep on until morning and, coming out to look for -him, see the little craft rising and falling on the swell as if she had -never known what it was to come in contact with the bank; therefore he -remained silent, hauling in on the cables until she was riding within a -short distance of the anchors. - -It would have pleased him immensely had it been possible to have pulled -the steamer around into the bay, and he would have made the attempt if -he had had a boat; but there was too much risk in trying to tow her -alone, with the raft as a craft, therefore it only remained to pass the -hours of darkness in the most comfortable manner possible. - -The port lockers were comparatively dry, and on one of these in the -after cabin he prepared to continue his nap; but the feeling of triumph -was so strong in his mind that quite a while elapsed before slumber -visited his eyelids. - -Fortunately, so far as the plans for enjoying his triumph were -concerned, he awakened at an early hour, and was on deck busying himself -with examining the rigging when Roy appeared at the flap of the tent. - -The boy was evidently surprised at not having been called when the tide -was at its height, and was looking around for Ned when he saw the change -which had been made in the position of the yacht. - -For an instant he remained motionless, as if speechless with -astonishment, and then gave vent to a series of cheers which brought -Vance from the tent in short order. - -“How did you get the yacht afloat?” the latter asked in astonishment as -he ran to the shore. - -“Pulled her off, of course. You fellows believed she couldn’t be -launched for two or three days, so I thought it would be a good chance -to prove you were mistaken.” - -“You’re a brick!” Vance exclaimed enthusiastically. “Bring the raft -ashore so we can go on board.” - -“That is exactly what I propose to do,” Ned replied as he clambered over -the rail. “There isn’t a breath of air stirrin’, an’ if we pull her -around into the bay now, it’ll give us an appetite for breakfast.” - -“Do you think we can do it with that raft?” - -“Hold on!” and Ned clambered back to the deck again. “We’ll run a line -ashore, and with one haulin’ on that, while the other two row the raft, -I reckon it won’t be so very much of a job.” - -“Go ahead and fix things in any way you see fit,” Roy cried -encouragingly. “You’ve shown yourself the captain of this crowd, and -from now out Vance and I will obey orders without a word. Eh, Vance?” - -“Well, I should say so! If it hadn’t been for him we should have left -the poor little Zoe on the bank until a storm came and knocked her to -pieces.” - -Ned was decidedly well pleased by these words of praise, but he took -good care not to show it. - -It delighted him that his companions should thus voluntarily give him -credit for having engineered the work successfully, and he was resolved -she should be taken into port in good condition, if such a thing was -possible. - -A line, made fast to the capstan, was soon carried ashore and given in -charge of Roy, while Ned took Vance back with him to the yacht. - -Then it was simply a matter of hard work to pull the steamer around, and -before nine o’clock that morning she was moored in the little bay ready -to receive once more the goods which had been taken ashore. - -“Now, captain, what’s the next thing on your programme?” Vance asked -when they were back at the tent and Roy was preparing breakfast. - -“I think it would be a good idea for you two to overhaul the machinery, -and see if it can be put in running order. I’ll take a portion of the -stores on board, by way of gettin’ ready for our departure.” - -“But suppose we find that it is impossible to do anything with the -engine? You know we don’t profess to have very much knowledge of such -matters.” - -“Then it’ll be a case of bendin’ the sails an’ gettin’ along the best we -can in that way. With main, fore, an’ a jib we should be able to strike -some port where you can hire an engineer and sailin’ master. You know -we’ve got money enough to indulge in all those luxuries.” - -The cook did not spend any very great amount of time over the range on -this morning. - -Now that it appeared possible they might be able to leave the key as -soon as the yacht was in sailing trim, each member of the party was -eager to be under way, and at the earliest possible moment the amateur -engineers went on board. - -Ned did not accompany them. - -He realized fully how much labor there was yet to be performed before -they could begin the voyage, and found plenty with which to occupy -himself until Roy hailed him from the deck of the yacht. - -“We can’t make head nor tail of the machinery, and even if we could I -don’t think it would be safe for us to attempt to run her any distance -under steam.” - -“All right,” Ned replied cheerily. “Suppose you come ashore, and we’ll -tackle the canvas.” - -“Are you counting on bending that at once?” - -“Of course; it’s the hardest part of the job, and should be attended to -first.” - -“But by doing that we shall destroy our tent.” - -“What’s to prevent our livin’ on board the rest of the time we’re forced -to stay here?” - -“Crickey! I never thought of that!” Roy exclaimed with a hearty laugh, -and five minutes later he and Vance were pulling the raft ashore. - -By Ned’s instructions the rope which had been used in guiding the yacht -around the point into the bay was not cast off when that task was -completed, but had been made fast ashore, so that in order to work the -raft back and forth it was only necessary to pull either way on the -line. - -A painter with a sliding loop moored the collection of timbers which was -to serve as a boat, and the communication with the shore could be kept -up easily and readily. - -Ned already had one of the tents down, and this canvas (the foresail) -was taken on board without delay. - -The boys were by no means experienced sailors, therefore fully twice the -time necessary was spent in bending the sail. - -When it had finally been completed to the satisfaction of the young -captain, Roy insisted that the range be put back in its old place at -once. - -“There’s no use keeping it ashore when a fellow can work so much more -easily on board,” he said. “From now on we shall be here the greater -portion of the time, and the sooner we begin ship duties the better it -will be for the cook.” - -“And he’s such an important personage that his comfort must be attended -to very carefully,” Vance replied laughingly. “It won’t take us more -than an hour to bring such things here as you’ll need.” - -That noon the little party ate dinner aboard, and a very jolly meal it -was. - -Roy had taken great pains with his portion of the work, and the -consequence was that they had a regular Thanksgiving dinner, as appeared -right and proper to all, since they had a great deal for which to give -thanks. - -It surely seemed as if Ned would never get tired working, so eager was -he to be under way once more. - -When the others pleaded for a rest he kept steadily on, saying he had -rather “be at somethin’ than layin’ still,” and even after nightfall he -persisted in bending the jib in order to “save time.” - - - - - CHAPTER XIV. - UNDER WAY. - - -During the first day the Zoe was afloat nothing of any consequence had -been taken from the store-tent, and, singular as it may seem, Vance had -forgotten about the treasure until supper was eaten. - -Ned had just begun labor on the jib, when his companion remembered that -the gold and silver was yet ashore, and he said in reply to Vance’s -proposition that it be brought on board at once: - -“It’s as safe there as here. What’s the good of botherin’ about it now? -If you fellows are so anxious to work, you’ll find plenty of chance at -the pumps, for there’s a good bit of water in the hold.” - -“But it isn’t work I’m after,” Vance replied. “I shall feel better if -the money is in the cabin.” - -“It will take you an hour to bring it aboard.” - -“That is nothing compared to the chance of losing the treasure.” - -“I don’t see how it can be lost, but if you are so worried, there’s -nothin’ to prevent your tacklin’ the job.” - -“Don’t you think you’d better bear a hand? If one of those boxes should -fall overboard we’d feel mighty blue.” - -“I’ll risk your allowin’ anything like that to happen; besides, I can’t -leave this job half done, unless I sit up to finish it after we get -back.” - -Vance realized that that would be asking too much of the ever-willing -laborer, and he insisted that Roy should help him. - -The cook had no fear the treasure would be disturbed, even though it did -remain on the key without them to guard it, but Vance was so anxious the -work should be done that he finally consented, and the last lot was -deposited in the cabin about the time Ned finished his task. - -From this moment Vance considered himself chosen as the treasurer of the -party, and took the wealth under his own charge. - -The coins were stored in a small locker aft, which had been used as a -wine closet by the previous masters of the yacht, and here it was as -safe as could be possible on board ship. - -“Now, if the Zoe goes to the bottom we’ve lost everything,” Ned said, -not because he feared such a catastrophe, but as a means of causing -Vance additional worriment of mind. - -“That’s a fact!” the treasurer exclaimed, as if such a possibility had -not occurred to him before. “But there’s no way out of it, for we would -be little less than fools to leave it behind.” - -“How would it do to furnish each coin with a life-preserver?” Roy asked -laughingly. - -“That might answer,” Ned replied, “and Vance can stand guard over the -locker with a gun to prevent their walking away.” - -“It’s all very well for you boys to make sport of what I’ve done,” the -treasurer replied grimly; “but it wouldn’t have been at all funny if -we’d gone on shore to-morrow morning and found it missing. - -“Not funny, but strange, considering that there isn’t a soul anywhere -around,” Ned replied. - -“That may be true at this minute, but no one knows how soon somebody -will land here.” - -“I don’t s’pose there’s any good reason why Roy and I should try to be -merry at your expense, Vance, for as a matter of course it would have -been necessary to bring it aboard some time, and since it has already -been done there is just so much less work to be attended to. Now where -are we goin’ to sleep? This cabin feels as if it had been under water a -month.” - -“Suppose we bunk in the engine-room? By using the blankets to lie on we -shall be all right, and to-morrow I reckon this portion of the yacht -will be dried out in proper shape.” - -This suggestion of Roy’s was acted upon without discussion, and half an -hour later the three boys were sleeping soundly as the little craft rose -and fell on the gentle swell. - -Next morning the work of making ready for sea was continued without -intermission, save during the heat of the day, when Ned allowed his crew -a siesta of two hours. - -By nightfall very much had been accomplished. - -A greater portion of the goods had been lightered from the shore, the -sails were bent, and the hold nearly freed from water. - -As the custodian of the treasure Vance, thought it necessary to keep a -strict watch seaward lest some craft should heave in sight without his -knowing it, although what possible injury this might have been to the -money, neither Roy nor Ned could understand. - -The second day of refitting resulted in the accomplishment of a -satisfactory amount of work, according to Ned’s ideas, and the third saw -the task nearly completed. - -With the exception of filling the water-casks the Zoe was ready for sea, -and on this evening a very interesting and important discussion took -place in the cabin, which was now used as a sleeping apartment, the -hangings and upholstering having dried very quickly in the hot climate. - -“It is time we settled upon the course we are to steer,” Ned said when -the three were enjoying the few moments of rest before going to bed. “I -count on leavin’ this port by nine o’clock to-morrow, and the matter had -better be settled now.” - -“Is everything done?” Vance asked. - -“We have yet to fill the water-casks, but that can’t take more than a -couple of hours.” - -“It seems that you are counting on having a wind?” - -“I’m hoping for one, but if it’s calm we shall be forced to lay here a -spell longer. In case of a breeze what course shall we steer?” - -“What is your opinion?” - -“I think we’d better run pretty near west until land is sighted, and -then, if that proves to be an uninhabited key like this one, we can -steer a little southerly. I saw a chart of the coast which the mate of -the Evening Star had, and from that it seemed as if we should be able to -get into Key West without losin’ sight of land after we get among the -keys.” - -“It seems to me as if it would be better to steer very nearly due north -in the hope of striking the reefs. If after sailing a couple of days we -shouldn’t find what we wanted, it would be an easy matter to put back,” -Roy said, knowing full well that Vance would object to such a course. - -The latter replied very quickly: - -“It seems to me that would be a waste of time. Why not do as Ned -suggests and turn back from that course if we don’t get a squint of the -land? It is as broad as it is long, but I believe we shall be nearer -right in following his plan.” - -Roy was not willing to give in so easily, and during the next half-hour -quite a heated discussion ensued, but at the end of that time he -withdrew very gracefully by saying: - -“There’s no reason why we should talk so much about what is virtually -settled already. You fellows are in the majority, consequently there is -nothing to do but let you have your own way. It may be I am in the -wrong, for the whole thing is a matter of guesswork, and I can only say -I hope you are right, for then we shall arrive at Key West so much the -sooner. It seems as if we should get there before our parents have had -time to worry about us.” - -“Do you think we had better telegraph to Savannah?” - -“Yes, if they haven’t arrived; and it would also be a good idea to send -word home, for if the news that the Zoe was missing should get into the -papers it would be believed we were dead.” - -Vance and Roy allowed themselves to discuss the matter as if they were -certain of gaining a port in a few days, and Ned stopped them by saying: - -“I wouldn’t count too much on gettin’ anywhere very soon. With the screw -draggin’ we shan’t make great headway, and it wouldn’t be strange if we -had it calm a good deal of the time, so you’d better figger on bein’ -aboard this craft a good many days, even if it should turn out that my -idea of the course to be sailed is the right one.” - -This was rather a wet blanket on the boys’ plans, and they ceased -speaking of the future very suddenly. - -On the following morning Ned, like the prudent skipper, was on deck a -long while before the sun showed his face above the water. - -A light breeze was blowing from the southeast, and if it held would be -fair for them. - -Anxiously Ned watched the ripples on the waves, and, to his great -delight, the wind freshened instead of decreasing after the sun rose. - -“Turn out here and bear a hand with the water-casks” he shouted from the -head of the companion-way. “It’ll be time enough to do the cookin’ after -we’ve started. The wind is freshenin’ an’ we must get of here as soon as -possible.” - -Vance and Roy obeyed his call without delay, and the last work which -they hoped it would ever be necessary for them to do on Spider Key was -begun. - -An hour sufficed, and the shore line was cast off when the last cask had -been rolled on to the raft. - -The rude craft was hauled alongside and unloaded, the rope thrown -inboard, and the collection of timbers which had served them such a good -turn was set adrift. - -“Now up with the anchors, my hearties!” Ned cried cheerily, “and then -stand by to make sail!” - -All hands tried to be as much like sailors as possible, and to the music -of a very odd-sounding sea-song the cables were hove in until the Zoe -was freed from all her moorings. - -Then the captain, who knew even less about nautical matters than did his -crew, took his station at the halyards, and one by one the little sails -were hoisted. - -Almost any kind of a fresh-water sailor can run a craft with the wind -dead astern, therefore there was no danger of any mistake being made -until it should be necessary to change the course; but as he took his -station at the wheel, Ned could not fail to ask himself what might be -the result before the voyage came to an end. - -“I never run a boat before with more than one sail,” he said to himself, -“an’ am afraid I’ll make a mess of it before we got very far; but things -can’t be much worse than they were when we was on the island waitin’ for -a craft that never hove in sight.” - -His unpleasant thoughts were interrupted by a shout from his companions, -who were standing directly in front of the pilot-house watching as the -yacht glided slowly away from the land. - -“We’re not only afloat, but moving!” Roy cried, “so let’s give three -cheers for good luck!” - -Vance aided him in thus starting the yacht with proper ceremony, while -Ned remained silent, his face wearing an expression of deepest anxiety. - -“Why don’t you cheer?” Vance asked. “Any one would think you didn’t feel -glad at getting away from the key.” - -“I am all the same; but now I can’t help feelin’ nervous about the trip. -Neither of us know how to handle a craft properly, and, to make the -matter worse, we can only guess at the direction we want to go. It -begins to look more serious than when we were only talkin’ the matter -over.” - -“Don’t borrow trouble before we’ve fairly got clear of the land,” Roy -cried cheerily. “It’s enough for me that we’re under way, and I’ll let -the future take care of itself.” - - - - - CHAPTER XV. - AT SEA. - - -Sailoring under such circumstances as the boys experienced immediately -after leaving the key was decidedly pleasant work, and it appeared to be -a very easy matter to navigate a vessel. - -The wind was hardly more than what might have been called a gentle -breeze, and the Zoe glided through the water at the rate of three or -four knots an hour. - -Ned was at the helm, and his companions, in order to discuss the -question of a course in case land should be sighted suddenly, were also -in the pilot-house. - -“If it wasn’t for the drag of the screw we’d be slippin’ along right -lively now,” Ned said as he looked back at the island they had been so -eager to leave. - -“According to this we shall need a good stiff wind to make any kind of -time,” Roy replied thoughtfully, “and how she’ll act when we have to -tack is more than I can fancy.” - -“There’s no use in borrowing trouble about that,” Vance said quickly. -“Who knows but we shall hold the wind this way all the voyage?” - -“It isn’t very likely. Don’t you remember that it has nearly always died -out about noon, from the first day we struck the key?” - -“That is no sign it will do so now.” - -“No, but there’s good reason for believing it may act in the same -manner. Which of us is on watch? I suppose one must consider himself -doing duty, even though he may be loafing.” - -“Vance is the lookout, for you can’t be spared from the galley; but how -are we to work it at night?” Ned asked. “I never thought of that before -we started, an’ it’s goin’ to be kinder tough if a feller has to stay at -the wheel two or three days without any sleep.” - -“We must contrive to run into a harbor every day before sunset, and then -all hands can turn in,” Vance suggested. - -“There don’t seem to be much chance of that to-night. With no land in -sight now, the Zoe couldn’t get very near a port between this and -nightfall.” - -“If it is necessary to run after dark we must contrive so that each has -the proper amount of rest. By standing half-hour watches there wouldn’t -be much chance of a fellow getting asleep at the wheel.” - -“Have we anything aboard in the shape of a clock?” Ned asked. “I don’t -reckon you’ve been able to make your watches go since they got such a -soakin’?” - -“They will need a watchmaker’s care before they can do very much toward -keeping time,” Vance said ruefully as he looked at his, the hands of -which had not moved since he landed in such a helpless fashion. - -“I shouldn’t be surprised if the little clock in the pantry was all -right,” Roy said after a moment’s thought. “It couldn’t have got very -wet, and perhaps it needs only to be wound.” - -He left the wheel-house on a tour of investigation as he ceased -speaking, and returned a short time later with the article referred to. - -“It’s all right,” he said as he hung it on a hook directly in front of -the helmsman. “I don’t reckon it will be valuable as a time-keeper, -inasmuch as we haven’t any very good idea of what hour it is now; but -she will serve to show when the watches should be begun or ended.” - -During another hour the boys discussed the probability of being able to -reach Key West within a certain length of time, and then Roy went below -to make preparations for dinner. - -Vance found the moments hanging rather heavily on his hands, and -presently he lay down for a nap, leaving Ned to work the craft alone. - -Fortunately she did not need much guiding. The wind had been gradually -decreasing until it died away entirely, and before the noon-day meal was -ready the yacht lost steerage-way. - -It was useless to remain longer at the wheel, and Ned went below to -overhaul the cabin on the chance of finding a pair of marine glasses in -one of the lockers which had not been overhauled. - -In this he was successful, much to his delight, and he went on deck once -more in the hope of being able to see land. - -He searched the horizon carefully in every direction, but failed to see -that for which he sought. - -This fact worried him not a little. - -“It is almost certain there will be a breeze after the sun sets, and -unless the stars shine very brightly we shall be obliged to keep on -without knowing whether we’re goin’ to strike a reef or run out into the -ocean.” - -Now for the first time since he decided in his own mind that it would be -possible to carry the Zoe into port did he begin to question the wisdom -of such an attempt. - -Limited though his experience as a sailor had been, he understood how -many chances there were against success and also the dangers which were -in their way. - -“It would come pretty tough if I’d insisted on the boys tryin’ to get to -Key West in this craft, an’ it turned out that they were to meet their -death by following my advice,” he said to himself, and straightway the -most dismal forebodings took possession of him. - -It was while he was in this mood that he went below, as if needing -companionship, and the cook, busily engaged as he was, could not fail to -note the lugubrious look on his face. - -“Is Vance at the wheel?” - -“He’s asleep on the locker. It is a dead calm, an’ there’s no need of -anybody standin’ there.” - -“What makes you look so glum?” - -“Perhaps it’s because I’m just beginnin’ to get some common sense into -my head.” - -“What do you mean by that?” - -“I’m thinkin’ that perhaps we did a foolish thing in tryin’ to take this -craft into port. I coaxed you an’ Vance until you had to give in, an’ it -would be terrible if anything should happen.” - -“I reckon you are suffering from an attack of foolishness instead of -common sense. We wanted to come, and probably should have insisted on -trying to float the yacht or howled after she had been beaten to pieces -because we didn’t do such a thing. What has struck you so suddenly?” - -“The fact that we shall be out to-night not knowin’ where we’re -steerin’, but obliged to run because I can’t heave a craft to.” - -“I don’t reckon there’ll be much danger in that. If there’s no land to -be seen when the sun sets it’s precious little chance she’ll run any -down before morning. Is the island out of sight yet?” - -“No, but we’ve sailed a great deal further than I thought would be -possible in so short a time. Of course it is in full view, but you can’t -distinguish anything on the shore.” - -“And we couldn’t get back if it should become necessary?” - -“Not without wind.” - -“Then the only thing is to make the best of it. All hands of us had -rather be here, taking our chances of ever getting into port, than back -on the island to make the start over again. So what’s the use of being -down in the mouth about having been able to do exactly as you wanted?” - -It was such talk as this which made Ned feel decidedly comfortable in -mind, and by the time dinner had been cooked and eaten he was as jolly -as ever. - -Until about four o’clock in the afternoon there was nothing to be done -except loaf around wishing for a breeze, and then the wind sprang up -again in the same direction as before. - -Ned was at the helm when the sails began to flap, and once more the Zoe -was gliding through the water with her short bowsprit pointed due west. - -Both Roy and Vance were on the lookout, each hoping to see some signs of -land, but the hours wore away until the key was only a faint smudge on -the horizon, and around them nothing save water. - -“We’re in for a night-run,” Roy said cheerily as the sun began to sink -behind the sea, “and most likely by morning we shall have something to -guide us.” - -“It may happen that we shall be forced to trust to the wind for anything -of that sort,” Ned replied as he pointed to the sky, which was being -rapidly covered with fleecy clouds. “I don’t know much about weather -signs on the ocean, but if I was back in Maine I should say we were -goin’ to have a storm.” - -Neither Vance nor Roy thought the swiftly moving masses of vapor -portended anything in particular, and the latter went into the kitchen -once more, for he was determined that his portion of the work should be -attended to in proper shape. - -Before he reappeared again there was a very decided change in the aspect -of the sky. - -The wind had begun to veer around, and continued to increase in violence -until it was blowing directly from the north, causing the sea to rise -until the little craft wallowed into the trough, throwing the spray high -over the deck. - -For fully twenty minutes after this change Roy gave no signs of life, -and then he came into the wheel-house looking decidedly alarmed. - -“It’s beginning to blow,” he said, as if it was a piece of news which -would please his companions. - -“We understood that quite a while ago,” Vance replied quickly. “Is this -the first you knew of it?” - -“I could tell by the motion of the yacht that a sea was getting up, but -I didn’t suppose it was so bad as this. Do you intend running on the -same course, Ned?” - -“We had to change that when the wind shifted. Now she is headin’ due -south.” - -“Why, that means we are running out to sea, surely, no matter which side -the chain of keys we were!” - -“You’re right; but I don’t see any other way for it. To take the chances -of pilin’ up on the land by headin’ west would be worse than foolish, -and besides, with such poor sailors aboard, we might as well be on a -raft, for the only safe thing to do is to go with the wind. I wonder if -you fellows can’t reef the sails?” - -“Of course we can, and I think it would be a good idea to get out the -lanterns, unless we want to be run down.” - -“I declare I never thought of that!” Ned exclaimed. “Attend to it, will -you, and then see what can be done toward shortening the canvas. I’ll -bear a hand if one of you will take the wheel.” - -“Stay where you are. I reckon Vance and I can do that much.” - -“Be careful of yourselves!” Ned cried as the two left the pilot-house. -“You know it wouldn’t take much of a flap of the sails to knock you -overboard.” - -“We’ll look out!” Vance cried, and then the two disappeared down the -companion-way to the engine-room in the search for the signal lights. - -It was fifteen or twenty minutes before the lanterns were in their -places, and then the foresail was lowered as the boys began to reef it. - -Meanwhile Ned stood at the wheel trying in vain to peer through the -dense blackness of the night, and the little yacht plunged on her way to -possible perils—perhaps a second shipwreck. - - - - - CHAPTER XVI. - AN ANXIOUS CREW. - - -Nervous as Ned was for the safety of his friends, it seemed as if they -would never finish reefing the sails. - -At each unfamiliar sound, and it appeared now as if the laboring yacht -was filled with odd noises, he started in fear, fancying it betokened an -accident. - -He could only hold her steadily to the south, without the faintest idea -of where such a course would lead them, and listen to the howling of the -wind as it lashed the waves into fury. - -Now and then a heavy roller would strike the Zoe on the quarter, causing -her to quiver as if a hidden reef had been met, but as a rule she rode -very steadily, and well she might, for a stancher little craft had never -been launched. - -The only fear was that she might have received some injury to her -timbers by the contact with the key, and weakened them to such an extent -that these downward plunges and sudden uprisings would open a seam. - -During the short time he was on board the Evening Star, Ned had heard -the sailors say that the danger to be apprehended in running before the -wind was that of being swamped by the following waves; but, so far as he -could make out, there was no occasion to fear anything of that kind yet -awhile. - -Had the boys been on board a craft manned by experienced sailors they -would not have thought the wind so strong as to be terrifying. - -As a matter of fact it did not even _approach_ the fury of a gale, and -there is no question but that the Zoe might safely have been kept on her -westerly course but for the fear of striking a reef. - -It was fully an hour after Roy and Vance began their work before they -returned to the wheel-house, and then the former said: - -“The fore and main sail are reefed down; but we didn’t dare tackle the -jib.” - -“I don’t think it will do any harm to let it stay as it is. The canvas -isn’t large and can’t do very much toward putting her along,” Vance -added. “How fast do you think we are going?” - -“I wish I knew,” Ned said fervently. - -“What good would that do?” - -“When the wind shifts or morning comes we could have some idea of how -far we are at sea in that case.” - -“I’ll guarantee we shall be outside, where there won’t be any danger of -striking the land, for she must be going at the rate of eight or ten -miles an hour.” - -“Not more than six or seven at the most,” Roy replied in a positive -tone. “The sea is kicking up such a bobbery that it seems as if we were -moving through the water much faster than really is the case; with the -screw dragging we are doing well to make six miles.” - -“We’ll call it six; that will give us somethin’ to guess by, at all -events,” Ned replied. “There’s no question but that this is goin’ to be -an all-night job for the whole crew, and I think you fellers had better -get your supper.” - -“What about you?” - -“I’ll come down when you have finished.” - -“I don’t think it is safe to leave only one man on deck,” Roy said -decidedly. “Vance, you go and fill up and I’ll stay with Ned till you -get back.” - -This was by all odds the wisest course to pursue, and one by one the -three ate their supper. - -When it was Ned’s turn to sample the cookery he realized more fully than -while in the pilot-house how severely the little craft was laboring. - -Below deck he could hear the straining of the timbers, the pounding of -the waves, and the creaking of doors and lockers until a nervous person -might have imagined the yacht had a full crew of ghosts on board. - -It was so dismal and almost uncanny that Ned partook of the food very -hurriedly, and was glad to be at the wheel once more. - -There had been no change in the position of affairs, save, perhaps, that -the weight of the wind had increased a trifle. - -The yacht was running reasonably easy, and shipped even less water over -the bow than one would have supposed while listening to the noises -below. - -Roy was at the wheel when Ned entered, and he said as the latter offered -to relieve him: - -“I had just as soon stand here as to be doing nothing. Suppose you try -to get some sleep?” - -“That is impossible. I never felt wider awake in my life than I do this -minute.” - -“That is the way with me, and I’ll stay here awhile longer.” - -Ned took advantage of this opportunity to crawl aft and see how matters -were going there. - -So far as his peace of mind was concerned, perhaps it would have been -better if he had remained with his companions, although there appeared -to be no question but that the yacht still had sufficient sail on to -enable her to keep ahead of the pursuing waves. - -It was the general appearance of the water which would have terrified -any landsman, and Ned was not proof against such a sight. - -There were moments when the huge liquid wall towered high above the -stern of the little craft, apparently certain to break upon her, and at -each of these watery rushes Ned literally held his breath, expecting -each instant to hear the crashing of the timbers as the wave dashed upon -the craft. - -The foam upon the waves shone with a certain dull, white light, thus -revealing the seething mass beneath it, and it was what the beholder -imagined that made up the horror of the sight. - -When Ned finally groped his way back into the wheel-house he was -trembling as if in an ague fit, and, hearing his voice as he spoke to -Vance, Roy asked quickly: - -“What’s the matter? Anything wrong?” - -“No; we are getting along even better than might be supposed.” - -“What makes your voice tremble so?” - -“I reckon I must have got chilled. I was standing aft, and this wind is -mighty cold, especially to a fellow who has been livin’ in such a hot -place as the key.” - -Roy was not satisfied with this explanation, and fancying there was some -new peril of which Ned would not speak, said: - -“Take the wheel a few minutes while I go below, will you?” - -Ned did as he was requested, and Roy left the pilot-house, returning ten -minutes later, and saying to Ned in a low tone which could not be -overheard by Vance, who was curled up on one of the lockers: - -“I know now why you felt so chilly a few minutes ago.” - -“Have you been aft?” - -“Yes, and it’s terrible to watch the waves.” - -“I suppose they look a good deal worse in the darkness than they really -are; but it would give a fellow the horrors to stay there very long.” - -“It doesn’t seem as if the little craft could live through the night.” - -“Nonsense,” Ned replied, speaking very much more confidently than he -felt. “This isn’t really a gale, and she must be a good sea-boat, -otherwise your father wouldn’t have thought of coming from Savannah in -her.” - -“It would be very much different if she was under steam.” - -“I’m not so certain of that. So long as we keep steerage-way on, I can’t -see why she shouldn’t do just as well under sail.” - -“Perhaps she will,” Roy replied with a sigh, and from his tone it was -easy to understand that he had his doubts regarding the possibility of -outliving the gale, if such it could be called. - -An hour later Roy, weary of doing nothing, went into the kitchen to -clear away the dishes which had been left as each of the crew finished -his supper, and before he returned there was quite a change in the -weather. - -The wind was veering around from north to east, and again Ned was forced -to change the course or call upon his companions to “tend sheets,” -something which he was not willing to do because of the danger that they -might be washed overboard. - -When Roy came to the pilot-house again the helmsman said with a laugh -which had very little mirth in it: - -“It looks as if we were doomed to box the compass this trip,” and he -motioned toward the binnacle. - -“I would rather see that than know we were forced to run directly out to -sea all night,” Roy replied after a short pause. - -“But the question is, where is this new course likely to bring us?” - -“That’s what I don’t know; but it doesn’t seem possible there could be -any land in our way, certainly not before to-morrow morning.” - -Ned made no reply. - -The voyage was rapidly becoming so erratic that it was no longer -possible to so much as guess where it would end, and he tried to resign -himself to whatever the fates might have in store for him. - -Time passed until the little clock marked the hour of midnight, but no -one could say how far that might be out of the way until when the sun -rose next morning. - -Vance no longer had any anxiety of mind; the motion of the craft had -caused slumber to visit his eyelids, and the rolling and plunging was to -him like the rocking of a cradle. - -Ned and Roy were both standing at the wheel with their eyes fixed upon -the inky blackness outside, when, as if she had come from the depth of -the ocean, the huge hulk of a ship or steamer loomed directly in front -of them, the lights on deck showing indistinctly the forms of several -men near the rail. - -Had their lives depended upon it, neither could have so much as moved a -finger during that awful time when it seemed sure they were to be run -down. - -Both clutched the spokes of the wheel, but without turning it, and stood -like statues, staring through the window until the huge mass disappeared -as suddenly as it had come, and the darkness seemed all the more intense -because of having been partially dispelled for an instant. - -While one might have counted twenty the boys remained silent and -motionless after the stranger passed, and then Ned said in the tone of a -person who speaks in his sleep: - -“If she had been twenty feet nearer we should have been crushed like an -egg-shell!” - -“And perhaps those on board would hardly have known what had been done. -I can’t understand why she didn’t see our lights.” - -“I don’t suppose they make much of a show on a small craft like this. It -was a danger I had never thought about, and now I shall be expecting an -accident of that kind until daylight comes once more.” - -“I don’t think we are likely to have more than one such adventure in a -night, but if it should come we would be powerless. I’ve put some coffee -on to boil, and think you and I had better have a cup.” - -“Go and get it; never mind milk or sugar. If we drink it plain it will -help to keep our eyes open.” - -“Not much chance of their closing very soon after that sight,” Roy -replied mournfully as he carefully made his way below once more. - - - - - CHAPTER XVII. - IN PORT. - - -Vance continued to sleep as soundly as if he had been at home, and Ned -said enviously when Roy brought the coffee: - -“I wish you an’ I were as well off as he. Until he wakes up it won’t -make any difference to him whether the wind blows a gale or fines down -into a calm.” - -“Would you waken him for the coffee?” - -“Not a bit of it; let the poor fellow sleep while he can. I only wish we -could join him.” - -Wishing never did mend matters however, and Ned soon ceased such a very -unprofitable occupation. - -The hot coffee was really refreshing, and after drinking two cups each, -the boys felt almost as if they had been taking a rest. - -“It seems to me as if the wind was decreasing,” Ned said after a time, -and Roy replied: - -“I am almost certain of it. I’ve noticed that the yacht rode easier -since we came so near being run down by the steamer.” - -“And it seems to be hauling around again. If we have many more changes -the Zoe will have sailed in a circle before morning.” - -“I reckon we shall have to take it as it comes,” Roy said grimly. “I am -more afraid of a calm than of an increase in the wind. It would be -terrible to be becalmed where we didn’t have the slightest idea of our -position.” - -Ned made no reply. - -According to his ideas there were plenty of disagreeable things close at -hand, without going into the future to find them. - -Not until the clock had marked the hour of three, although it may have -been two or four, did Vance awaken, and then, whether the time-piece was -correct or not, he knew he had had more than his share of sleep. - -“Say, why didn’t one of you fellows turn me out?” he asked as he came -toward the wheel. “Here I’ve been taking my ease as if I was a swell -passenger, while you two were on duty.” - -“There was no reason why you shouldn’t have slept while it was -possible,” Roy replied. “There was nothing to be done, even if you had -remained awake, and now when one of us feels like taking a nap, you can -do your share of the steering.” - -“How are we getting along?” - -“Doing a heap of sailing, but it’s an open question whether we are -progressing very fast.” - -“The storm seems to have cleared away.” - -“Yes, we’ve got nothing but a fair sailing breeze now, and with the drag -of the screw I don’t fancy we are more than tossing about on the waves,” -Ned replied, and then he added to Roy; “Suppose you turn to and get -breakfast, old fellow? It’s pretty early, I know, but we shall feel the -better for something hot in the way of grub. Now that Vance is awake -there is nothing to prevent your staying below as long as may be -necessary.” - -The amateur cook acted upon the suggestion at once, and half an hour -after he went into the kitchen the sun began to show himself above the -horizon. - -“Now hunt around the cabin where the sailing master slept for an -almanac,” Ned said to Vance. “There must be one somewhere aboard.” - -“What are you going to do with it? See what the weather prophets say -about the weather?” - -“I want to find out what time the sun rises, so we can set this clock.” - -Vance hurried away to obey this order, and in a few minutes returned -with the desired book, but it looked rather the worse for wear, owing to -its having been soaked well in salt water. - -After some difficulty Ned succeeded in gaining the information required, -and to his surprise it was found that they had guessed within twenty -minutes of the true time, or as nearly as could be judged from the -coming of the day. - -The hands of the clock were moved forward to where Ned thought they -belonged, and then he looked round the horizon, now that it was -sufficiently light to see surrounding objects, if indeed there were any. - -At first glance it appeared as if they were alone upon the ocean. - -Not a sail could be seen in either direction, and Vance announced that -there was no land in sight, when Ned exclaimed as he pointed about four -points to the southward of the course they were then heading: - -“Look over there! What do you make that to be?” - -Vance gazed earnestly in the direction indicated, and after a long -scrutiny replied in a careless tone: - -“Nothing but a cloud.” - -“It’s land! There’s no question about it. Call Roy, will you?” - -“What’s that for?” - -“We’ll see what he thinks about trying to make it. It is not in the -direction where we expected to see anything of the kind, but it strikes -me we should do our best to reach it, if for no other purpose than to -find out where we are.” - -Roy was soon in the pilot-house, and after looking at what to an -inexperienced eye appeared nothing more than a cloud, as Vance had -suggested, he decided Ned was correct. - -“What do you think of trying to make it?” - -“Can you do so with this wind?” - -“Yes, by trimmin’ the sails properly, an’ it seems as if we ought to be -able to do that.” - -“Go ahead, then, so far as I’m concerned. If it is an island of any kind -we shan’t be worse off than we are now, and in case of its being -inhabited our troubles will be at an end, for most likely we can get -some one to take us to Key West.” - -“You may keep on with your cooking. I reckon Vance and I can attend to -this matter,” Ned replied as he whirled the wheel around until the -steamer was headed for the apparent cloud. - -Then, stationing Vance at the helm and directing him to keep her on that -course as near as possible, the amateur captain went on deck to trim the -sails. - -This was not a difficult matter, and after some few experiments Ned -learned that there was very little difference between sailing a steamer -on the ocean and a small boat on the pond in Maine. - -“She’s got a free wind now, and so long as that holds we won’t have any -trouble in keeping her headed as we want to go,” he said cheerily, for -the fact that the little craft behaved much as any other vessel raised -his spirits wonderfully. - -“It will take us a month to get there, though,” Vance said ruefully. - -“Nonsense! If the wind don’t die away entirely I reckon we shall be able -to see what that land looks like before the sun sets again. The screw -won’t drag so much now that she heels over considerably, an’ we’ll make -good headway.” - -The weight of the breeze had forced the yacht over to an angle of -perhaps thirty degrees, and although it was rather more difficult to -keep her true to the course, she behaved very well. - -Roy was preparing for a more sociable meal than had yet been served, as -was learned a few moments later when he came to the pilot-house to call -Vance. - -“I’m going to bring the grub up here so we can eat together,” he said, -“therefore you must help me. After breakfast I’ll try and clean up -below, for if we reach port there’s no reason why we should look so -slovenly.” - -“Something should be done with the treasure before any strangers come -aboard,” Vance added, thinking of the wealth in the cabin for almost the -first time since the previous night shut down upon them so forbiddingly. -“Where can we put it?” - -“In the hold, well aft, an’ throw a lot of rope and canvas over it,” Ned -replied promptly. “No one will fancy we’ve got treasure aboard.” - -This satisfied Vance, more particularly since his companions proposed -that he take full charge of the gold and silver, and ten minutes later a -most appetizing breakfast was spread on the wheel-house locker. - -With the assistance of his companions in the way of passing him the -food, Ned was able to eat at the same time he performed his duties as -helmsman, and the spirits of the little crew revived wonderfully when -the meal had been concluded. - -Ned was left alone while the other two went below, Roy to put things to -rights generally, and Vance to hide the treasure in anticipation of -visitors. - -It seemed very much as if this particular breeze had come to stay until -the yacht should reach port. - -It no longer shifted so often, but held steadily from the same point, -and with sufficient force to send the Zoe along at quite a respectable -rate of speed. - -As might have been expected, the waves still ran very high, but the -little craft was showing herself to be a good sea-boat, even though -disabled, and each instant the apparent cloud took on more the semblance -of land. - -Vance was the first to complete his work below, and he entered the -wheel-house shortly before noon, saying as he did so: - -“I reckon the money is safe. I’ve hidden it where no one would ever -think of looking, unless they were certain we had something of the kind -on board. Say! but that land shows up now, don’t it?” - -“There’s no longer any question about soon having all the assistance we -need,” Ned replied cheerily. “Anything as large as that, even if it is -only an island, must be inhabited.” - -“I hope we shall be able to telegraph to father, for he must be worrying -about us by this time.” - -“You won’t have any trouble on that score. Take the wheel awhile, and -I’ll see if I can’t trim the sails a little better. It looks to me as if -we might get more speed out of the yacht.” - -Ned was correct in this belief, for after the canvas had been drawn in a -trifle more, it could readily be seen that she moved through the water -considerably faster, and the “bone in her teeth” was as large as one -could have desired. - -The sea was rapidly subsiding. The little craft no longer flung the -water over her decks, but sent it swirling aft on either side in proper -fashion. - -In the cabin, pantry, and kitchen Roy was doing wonders in the cleaning -line, and the Zoe was rapidly being gotten into shape for inspection. - -“I’ll get dinner as soon as this is finished,” the amateur cook said -after Ned had praised him for the altered appearance of the craft. “If -you can spare Vance awhile it will help things along just so much.” - -Once more Ned stood at the wheel alone; but the chances of reaching port -very soon seemed so good that he was perfectly willing to remain there -until it should be possible to come to an anchor. - -The sun was yet above the horizon when, after a voyage which had been -made at the caprice of the wind and tides, the Zoe entered a roadstead -wherein were craft of every description. - -“What city do you suppose this can be?” Roy asked in perplexity as the -three stood in the wheel-house, where they had been every moment since -the land could be distinctly seen. - -It was a question which each member of the party had already asked half -a dozen times, and no one paid any particular attention to it. - -It was sufficient for all that they had arrived at some place where an -engineer and sailing master could probably be hired. - - - - - CHAPTER XVIII. - HAVANA. - - -The yacht was run in as far toward the piers as the wind would permit -and then the anchor was let go. - -It seemed as if this had but just been done when a boat rowed by four -sailors, with a man in uniform at the helm, pulled out to the Zoe. - -“It begins to look as if we’d soon find out what port this is,” Ned said -as he noticed this craft. “Those fellows are comin’ out most likely to -learn who we are, and I reckon they know where they live.” - -Just at that moment almost any visitor would have been welcome because -of the information he could impart, and the amateur crew were ready to -receive the officer when he came alongside. - -He hailed them in a foreign tongue, and Ned, acting as the captain, -replied in English: - -“I’m blessed if I know what you are sayin’. This is the steam yacht Zoe, -disabled, and in here for repairs.” - -The visitor could speak English, as was soon learned when he came over -the rail, saying as he did so: - -“Where is the captain?” - -“I suppose I’m in charge,” Ned replied. “This craft was chartered by the -fathers of my companions to be used at their winter home in Florida. The -crew were washed overboard during a gale and the steamer nearly wrecked. -We managed to get her off and have come in here under sail. Will you -kindly tell me where we are?” - -“This is the port of Havana.” - -“And we are in Cuba!” Vance cried as if in alarm. - -“That is not so very far from home,” the officer replied with a smile. -“A sail of less than a hundred miles will bring you to Key West.” - -Then he questioned them further regarding the craft, and on taking his -departure promised to send the boys an interpreter. - -“Do not pay him more than $2 a day, and if, while making your repairs, -there should be any dispute arise, come directly to me. I shall be -pleased to render you all the assistance in my power.” - -“If the man whom you send can bring us a boat at a reasonable price it -will be a favor,” Ned said. “All our tenders have been carried away.” - -“I will see that it is done,” the man replied, and then, with many -expressions of friendliness, the official took his departure. - -“Ain’t you goin’ it a little strong when you talk of buying a boat?” -Vance asked. - -“We’ve got to have one, otherwise how will it be possible to go ashore?” - -“But what about money to pay for it?” - -“I reckon what we took out of the hulk will see us through.” - -“Are you counting on using that?” Vance asked in surprise. - -“What else can we do? The machinery must be put in working order, we are -bound to hire a crew, and we’ve got to have the interpreter which the -officer is goin’ to send. All that can’t be accomplished without funds, -and I see no reason why we shouldn’t dip into the hoard which some very -jolly fellow must have stowed away for our especial benefit.” - -“Of course we shall use it,” Roy added. “It would be ridiculous to -suffer for anything when we have sufficient means in the hold to buy -even a new craft if it should become necessary.” - -Roy understood that he must do as his companions wished, but at the same -time it seemed almost a sacrilege to use the treasure. As a matter of -fact he had become almost a miser since the discovery of the wealth, and -it pained him to think of spending so much as a single coin. - -It was necessary to draw on the hoard for funds, and since this should -be done while they were alone, Vance went below to attend to that very -important task. - -He returned with about a hundred Mexican dollars and half that number of -gold-pieces, the value of which none of the party knew. - -“I think your first work should be to go on shore with the interpreter -to have this money changed,” Ned said when Vance had found a bag in -which to deposit the coin. “There must be plenty of places here where -you can sell it, and we ought to know the value of it.” - -“I’ll do that, and afterward send machinists on board to see in what -condition the engine is. We can engage a crew the day before we are -ready to leave.” - -Vance was eager to make one of the shore party, and Ned insisted that -there was no reason why he should not go. - -“There is nothing to be done here,” he said, “an’ I reckon one is enough -to attend to the loafin’; but if that fellow don’t come pretty soon -there’ll be no goin’ ashore for any of us. It will be dark in an hour, -an’ you want daylight for it if you’re thinkin’ of buyin’ anything.” - -Ned had hardly ceased speaking when the interpreter came alongside in an -apparently new boat, this last fact being sufficient to explain to the -boys who he was. - -Judging from his face one would have said he was a Cuban; but he spoke -English so well that it seemed certain he must have been born in the -United States. - -He presented himself very politely, almost too much so, Ned thought, and -although not one of the party could have told the reason why, all felt a -certain distrust of the man. - -He explained that the officer of the port, probably meaning a sort of -harbor master, sent him, and that the official had said that his wages -were to be two American dollars per day. - -The boat, he said, was cheap at $30, but he had only brought it out on -approval, consequently they were at liberty to return it if not -satisfactory. - -“We will talk about that when we come back,” Roy said curtly. “Just now -it is necessary to go on shore at once. We have some Mexican money which -we want to turn into such coins as pass current here.” - -As he spoke Roy took one of the gold-pieces from the bag and showed it -to the man. - -“It is very old,” the latter said as he examined the coin intently. -“Have you just come from Mexico?” - -“No, indeed, we were wrecked on one of the keys, we don’t know where, -and this was the first port we made.” - -Ned believed the man was giving more attention to the gold-piece than -would have been natural had his curiosity been excited simply because it -was very old. - -He turned it over and over, glanced furtively around the yacht as if -expecting to see something which might be connected with the money, and -then said: - -“This looks as if it had been under water some time.” - -“I don’t see why,” Roy said quickly. “If exposed for any length of time -to the action of salt water gold will turn very dark, whereas this is as -bright as could be expected if it had been in circulation many years.” - -“And yet it has not been used for a very long while—perhaps a hundred -years.” - -“How do you make that out?” Vance asked quickly. - -“Because of its age. I should think a collector of old coins would like -to purchase such pieces of money.” - -“We haven’t the time to hunt for that class of people. Just now we need -money to pay for what it is necessary to purchase, and unless we go -ashore pretty soon it will be too late to do anything until to-morrow.” - -“It is believed there is a great deal of piratical gold hidden on the -keys near here,” the interpreter said as he gave back the coin. - -“But that can’t be any of it,” Vance replied quickly, “for——” - -Roy prevented anything more being said by stepping on his friend’s foot -at that instant, and this time Ned fancied he saw an odd expression come -over the man’s face. - -He said nothing, however, but went toward the rail as if ready to -embark, and in a few moments the three were pulling rapidly toward the -nearest pier. - -“We shan’t be gone more than an hour,” Roy cried as they left the yacht, -“and when we come back the boat shall be half-loaded with fruit. This is -a good place in which to buy such things.” - -“Take your time. I’m all right here, an’ will see to it that nobody -comes on board while you are away.” - -Ned watched until the little boat touched the dock, and then muttered to -himself as he examined the hawsers to make certain they were holding: - -“I’ll own up to bein’ a Dutchman if that fellow don’t try to find out -more about the gold before we lose sight of him. I didn’t like his face -for a cent. He is one of that kind of fellows who wouldn’t hesitate -about putting a knife into a man’s back, an’ I think will bear -watching.” - -After ascertaining that everything on deck was in proper order, Ned went -into the wheel-house to watch for the return of his friends, and when -they had been absent about an hour his attention was drawn to a small -boat, containing two men, which was being rowed around and around the -yacht as if to make a general inspection. - -“I hope they’ll know the Zoe when they see her again,” he said to -himself as he watched the movements of the craft, and then it seemed to -him as if these inquisitive strangers must have some connection with the -interpreter. - -“I’m makin’ a fool of myself,” he said with a laugh as the boat was -finally headed for the shore. “Just because I don’t like the man’s face -I’m givin’ him the credit of bein’ a tough case, when most likely he’s a -poor duffer who has never a thought of more than earning $2 a day by -acting as interpreter for sea captains who can’t speak Spanish. It won’t -do any harm to make preparations for trouble, though, even if there is -precious little chance we shall ever have any.” - -Half an hour later the party returned, evidently in the best of spirits. - -Roy had kept his word in regard to buying fruit, and had brought off -enough of all kinds to be found in the market, to provide for their -wants during the next week. - -“Did you have any trouble in exchanging the money,” Ned asked in a low -tone as Roy came over the rail. - -“None whatever. The broker seemed surprised to see the pieces, however, -and he and the interpreter talked for a long while in Spanish. The -machinists will come aboard bright and early to-morrow, and Manuel -thinks he can find a competent engineer for us at a moment’s notice.” - -“Who’s Manuel?” - -“The interpreter, of course.” - -“Say, Roy, give me about $30, will you?” - -“It’s more yours than mine, so take as much as you want,” and Roy pulled -from his pocket a handful of money. “What are you going to do with it?” - -“I’ll show you when I come back. I’m thinking of getting Manuel to go -ashore with me.” - -“All right. Don’t stay too long, for we’re bound to have a swell supper -to-night.” - -“I shan’t be away more than half an hour,” Ned replied, and then he -asked the interpreter if he would take him for a short trip. - -Manuel professed to be not only willing, but pleased to grant the favor, -and as soon as the purchases of fruit and provisions could be taken from -the boat, the two rowed toward the pier from which she had just come. - - - - - CHAPTER XIX. - SUSPICIONS. - - -Not until they were ashore did Ned tell Manuel the nature of his errand, -and then he said with an assumption of carelessness: - -“Take me where I can buy a revolver.” - -“A revolver?” the man repeated as if in surprise. - -“Certainly. Is there anything to prevent?” - -“Nothing, of course, only it seemed strange in the first place that -there should not be an ample supply of weapons on the steamer, and then -again that you might think a revolver necessary so soon after arriving -at one of the most peaceable ports in the world.” - -“The yacht is only chartered, and her armory belongs to her owners,” Ned -replied, not intending to let the interpreter know there was nothing of -the kind on board. “Besides, there are likely to be bad people in any -city, and while I don’t look for any trouble, it is better to be -prepared.” - -Again he fancied the man had a peculiar expression on his face; but he -made no delay in leading Ned to a gunsmith’s, where two Colt’s -revolvers, with a small amount of ammunition, were purchased. - -Then he proposed that they return to the yacht at once, and as the boat -was rowed alongside, said when he had laid his bundle on the rail: - -“Wait there a minute, and I’ll see what remains to be done this -evening.” - -With the weapons under his arm, for he did not intend to give any one a -chance to tamper with them, he went directly to the kitchen, where he -knew Roy would be engaged in making preparations for supper. - -“Got back, have you?” the latter asked carelessly. - -“Yes. Do you need the interpreter any more to-night?” - -“Why, I thought it would be a good idea to have him sleep on board, and -then in case any one came out from the shore we should be able to talk -with them.” - -“Did you say anything to him about it?” - -“No, for I only thought of the plan since you went ashore.” - -“Then let me send him away. I think we shall be safer alone.” - -“Why, do you think——” - -“I’ll explain the reason for taking so many precautions after Manuel -leaves,” Ned replied as he hurried on deck, and then said as he leaned -over the rail where he could speak with the man; “There is nothing more -to be done. Will you please get here in the morning as soon as the -workmen come? for we can’t tell them what is wanted unless you are on -hand.” - -“Am I not to remain on board the yacht? It is customary.” - -“In this case it will be best not to do anything of the kind. We have no -cook, and each fellow waits upon himself.” - -“I should be willing to do the same.” - -“We would rather you stayed on shore,” Ned replied, and this time he -spoke so decidedly that the interpreter could do no less than take his -departure. - -Ned repeated the conversation to his friends, both of whom were in the -kitchen, when he went below, and Roy asked curiously: - -“Why is it you were opposed to his staying on board? I think it might be -rather nice, for he could tell us all about the city and would be on -hand when the machinists arrive.” - -“I don’t think it is safe,” was the emphatic reply, which caused his -companions to stare at him in surprise. - -“Where can be the harm?” - -“I don’t know as there would be any; but it surely can’t be wrong to -take precautions, even though some of them may be foolish. I noticed a -queer look on that fellow’s face when you showed him the gold, and you -must remember that he talked about piratical treasure as if he expected -you to tell him where we got what you sold. Now look at the matter -squarely: You carry on shore, after saying we were wrecked on a key, a -lot of old coins such as have been found around here. It isn’t likely -you would have taken such money from home, consequently every person who -sees it must at once come to the correct conclusion. That being the -case, don’t you think there would be people enough in this city who -would risk an encounter with three boys for the sake of learning whether -there were any more of those ancient gold-pieces on board?” - -“You’re right!” Roy exclaimed, a startled look coming into his eyes, and -Vance added: - -“How do we know but that the interpreter or his friends wouldn’t attempt -the job?” - -“That was exactly why I didn’t want him on board at night, and the -reason of my buying these,” Ned replied as he opened the package, -exposing the weapons to view. “I propose that we keep our eyes open -pretty wide, not only while we remain in port, but until we can put the -treasure in a safer place. This yacht and her cargo would be such a -prize as might tempt very many men to turn pirates for the time being.” - -“You’ve got a mighty level head,” Vance added approvingly, “and I say as -I did when we were on the key, that we will recognize you as the skipper -of this craft.” - -Roy also believed there were good grounds for Ned’s suspicions, and for -the first time since reaching port, both he and Vance were seriously -disturbed in mind. - -“There is no reason why you should fuss about the matter,” Ned hastened -to say as he saw what sort of an effect his words had upon his -companions. “It’s only a case of standing watch all the time, and that -won’t be such very hard work between three.” - -When a satisfactory supper had been eaten the boys sat on the deck aft, -where the lights of the city could best be seen, and there all three -remained until nine o’clock, when Ned proposed that the night watch be -set. - -“We’ll take it an hour apiece, and draw lots to see who begins. At the -first thing which looks suspicious, or can’t be explained readily, the -others are to be awakened. It will be better to turn all hands out on a -false alarm than run any risk.” - -Vance held three splinters of wood in his hands, and it was understood -that he who got the longest should begin the work of watching. - -By this arrangement Roy was to stand the first trick, to be followed by -Ned and Vance in the order named, and, with one of the revolvers loaded -ready for use, the former began to pace to and fro on the deck. - -The clock had been brought from the wheel-house and hung in the after -cabin, where a lamp was to be burning, in order that the sentinel might -see when his time of duty expired. - -Roy and Vance retired, and, worn out by their previous exertions, were -soon asleep. - -Although the watch was maintained regularly and each boy attended -strictly to “business,” nothing of a suspicious nature was seen, and Roy -began to think that perhaps Ned was a trifle too cautious. - -At seven o’clock two machinists, accompanied by the interpreter, came on -board, and Roy explained what was to be done. - -He was not certain whether the engine had received any damage by its -submersion, but asked that it be thoroughly overhauled and put into -running order in the shortest possible space of time. - -Manuel repeated these instructions, and the men went to work while Roy -and Vance prepared breakfast, in which the interpreter was invited to -join after it had been spread in the tiny forward cabin. - -During the meal Manuel inquired particularly concerning the plans of the -boys, regarding the port which they intended to make, who would be there -to meet them, and, in fact, so many things that did not concern him as -to cause Ned’s suspicions to grow stronger. - -“Suppose you try to telegraph to your parents?” the latter suggested -when the meal was concluded, and while speaking he kept his eyes -fastened on the interpreter’s face. - -It may have been only imagination on his part, but he really believed -Manuel looked disappointed because such a thing was thought necessary. - -“Can we do it from here?” Vance asked eagerly, and the interpreter shook -his head. - -“I do not think so,” he replied promptly. “There is a cable, but it has -not been working. I can take a letter to the purser of the next steamer -which sails for New York. He is a friend of mine and will see that it is -forwarded without delay.” - -“When does she sail?” - -“To-morrow.” - -“Then we will get one ready to-day, and perhaps our fathers will receive -the news almost as quickly as if it was possible to send a telegram,” -Roy replied in a tone of satisfaction as he arose from the table. - -Manuel went on deck to smoke his cigar, and when he was gone Ned called -his friends into the kitchen. - -“I am goin’ ashore to find out if that yarn about the cable is true. -Write out such a message as you want sent, an’ we’ll soon know whether -Manuel is to be trusted or not.” - -“You are too suspicious,” Roy said just a trifle impatiently, and Vance -added quickly: - -“I don’t think so. It won’t do any harm if we take too many precautions, -and it may mean a good deal to miss an opportunity of knowing just what -is going on.” - -“But what benefit would it be to the man, even if he has an idea the -yacht can be captured, to prevent us from sending a telegram?” - -“Because,” Ned replied quickly, “there would be less chance thieves -could be tracked if your parents had received no word from you since the -Zoe left Key West.” - -“But he promises to send a letter.” - -“And you will have no means of knowing whether he does so or not. At all -events, don’t write a line or even a word about the treasure.” - -“I think you had better try your luck on shore,” Vance said decidedly. -“I’ll write a telegram if Roy don’t care to, and there won’t be any -damage done if you can’t send it,” - -“You do that and I’ll attend to the letter,” Roy replied. “But how can -Ned learn anything about the cable while he doesn’t understand the -language?” - -“I’ll guarantee to find some one who’ll help me along,” the boy replied -confidently, and just then the return of Manuel interrupted the -conversation. - -“The machinists wish to speak with one of you,” he said. - -“You go, Roy, while I look out for some business which must be attended -to,” Vance replied as he began to write the telegram. - -The two left the cabin, and as soon as the message was finished Ned put -it in his pocket. - -Then, while the interpreter was in the engine-room, he got into the boat -and pulled ashore. - -The machinists wanted to report progress, and Roy was surprised at -seeing that they had already raised steam. - -“They say it is all right now, except that it needs cleaning,” Manuel -said after listening to one of the men a moment. “They have repaired the -damage, and there is nothing to prevent your leaving by noon.” - -“That is just what we will do!” Roy exclaimed, without thinking it -necessary to consult his companions. “Can you get us a sailing master, -engineer, and steward by that time?” - -“I am certain of it,” the interpreter replied. “I had already seen two -of the men, and it will not be difficult to find the third.” - -“Then set about it as soon as possible. There is no reason why we should -lay here a moment longer than necessary, and by starting now we can be -at Key West before morning.” - -“Do you need any stores?” Manuel asked. - -“We have enough of everything to last us into that port. Don’t delay in -getting the crew.” - -As a matter of course when Manuel came on deck he failed to find the -tender; but a passing craft responded to his hail, and he was set ashore -within five minutes after Ned landed. - -An hour later he returned with two Cubans and a negro, the latter being, -according to his own account, a first-class cook. - -The man who was presented as the sailing master was received by Roy and -put in command at once, with instructions to be ready to get under way -as soon as Ned returned. - -He was not a particularly prepossessing looking man, but had the air of -a sailor and was so highly recommended by Manuel that Roy thought he was -very fortunate indeed in being able to hire such a master. - -The engineer set about helping the machinists as if thoroughly well -acquainted with his duties, and the negro began to wash the dishes, an -action which endeared him at once to Roy’s heart, for of all the work -connected with the kitchen this last was the most disagreeable. - -“Do you think it was just fair to engage these people and set them to -work before Ned came back?” Vance asked as soon as it was possible to -speak with his friend where they would not be overheard. - -“Why not?” - -“Because we both agreed he should be the boss of the steamer.” - -“What nonsense! We shall gain so much time, and the instant he steps -aboard we will start out of the harbor. Come with me while we pay the -interpreter, and then he can hail another boat to take him ashore.” - -“The one he brought the men in is still alongside.” - -“So much the better, for he can go at once,” and Roy went on deck, -intent only on being under way at the earliest possible moment. - -Manuel was talking very earnestly with the sailing master, but he -stopped instantly he saw the boys and asked if there was anything more -he could do. - -“I think not,” Roy replied, “and there is no reason why you shouldn’t go -ashore as soon as you please.” - -“But since you can’t speak the language how will it be possible to tell -the crew what you want done?” - -“I never thought of that,” Roy replied in perplexity. “It might come -unhandy.” - -“You are right. Now, I have a proposition which you will do well to -accept. This gentleman agrees to put the yacht into Key West for $15; -the engineer wants $10 and the cook $8, they getting back here as best -they can. Why not give me a ten-dollar bill for the services already -performed and what I may be called upon for until the steamer is in the -home port?” - -“What do you think of it?” Roy asked, turning to Vance. - -“I’ve got nothing to say,” the latter replied. “I don’t think it is the -square thing to make these trades without at least consulting Ned.” - -This remark piqued Roy, and he replied to the interpreter: - -“All right, you shall go. Find out how much the machinists charge for -their services and we will send them ashore at once. I suppose the -engineer can finish the job of cleaning up?” - -“Certainly,” Manuel said as he went into the engine-room, and a few -moments later he came on deck with the workmen. - -Their bill was $2, and this seemed so very reasonable as compared with -some bills he had seen his father pay that Roy added a dollar to the -amount. - -“Tell them to go ashore,” he said to the interpreter. “I suppose they -can use the boat you came out in?” - -“Of course. It is my only chance to send her back.” - -“Now ask the engineer to get steam on,” Roy said when the men had -disappeared over the side. - -“Will your friend be back soon?” Manuel inquired. - -“I am expecting him every moment, and as soon as he steps aboard you may -tell the captain to get under way.” - -Manuel repeated this order at once, and the sailing master, after -speaking a few words to the engineer, did not disdain to work the -capstan himself, hauling the little craft directly over the anchor. - -The black smoke which came from the stack, together with the soft murmur -of escaping steam, told that the Zoe could be on her way out of the -harbor in less than three minutes from the time the word to start was -given. - -Vance was thoroughly displeased that Roy should have thus taken the -management of matters so wholly into his own hands. - -He fancied that both the sailing master and the interpreter looked very -well satisfied after it was decided the latter should accompany the -yacht, and felt quite confident they exchanged triumphant glances when -the word was given to be ready to leave the instant Ned came aboard. - -Unfortunately, however, he did not remonstrate with Roy, as he should -have done, but went aft and remained there alone, watching for Ned. - -The most suspicious person could have found nothing in the actions of -the crew to warrant any fears on the score of foul play. - -The steward and the engineer appeared to be intent only upon their -duties, and the captain had already shown that he was willing to turn -his hand to anything which could forward the wishes of his employers. - -Not until nearly an hour after the machinists had gone ashore did Ned -put out from the dock, and when he came alongside Manuel stood ready to -catch the painter. - -Ned gazed with surprise at the captain and steward, both of whom chanced -to be on deck, and then, beckoning to Roy, who was in the wheel-house, -went below. - -“Well?” the latter asked as he followed the newcomer. - -“I found the telegraph office, and there hasn’t been any trouble with -the cable for the past year. The interpreter has lied to us, and he must -have some reason for so doing.” - - - - - CHAPTER XX. - AN ILL-ADVISED START. - - -Vance hastened to the forward cabin as soon as he saw Ned go down the -companion-way, and arrived there just in time to hear the last portion -of his remark. - -Roy seemed thoroughly bewildered on thus learning that the interpreter -had deceived them, and stood silent and motionless as Vance said -bitterly: - -“With such a man to manage the job, it isn’t hard to fancy that they’ll -make a pretty thorough search of this craft before leaving her.” - -“The best thing we can do is to send him ashore at once,” Ned added. “We -don’t want such fellows around, for it isn’t safe.” - -“But Boy has already hired a sailing master and a steward. In addition -to that, he has engaged Manuel to go with us to Key West.” - -Ned looked at Roy as if asking if the statement was correct. - -“I didn’t think there would be any harm in making ready to leave as soon -as possible, for the machinists reported that the engine had been -repaired, and by leaving now we can be in Key West before morning.” - -“But you surely are not willing to take a crew selected by Manuel after -what I have told you?” Ned said in surprise. - -“When I engaged them I didn’t know there was anything wrong.” - -“But now that—What is going on? It sounds as if we were under way!” - -Ned ran hastily up the companion stairs, looked around for an instant, -and then leaped below in the greatest excitement as he said hurriedly: - -“It is a fact! We are steaming out of the harbor! What is the meaning of -it?” - -“I told them to start the minute you came on board,” Roy said in a low -tone, wishing from the very bottom of his heart that he had never given -such an order. - -“And we are going to run across with four men on board who are perfect -strangers, except that we know one told an absolute lie for the purpose -of preventing you from sending any word to your parents!” Ned exclaimed -as he literally threw himself into a chair and stared moodily at the -floor. - -“I wasn’t consulted in the matter at all,” Vance said angrily. “I told -Roy I thought he should wait till you came aboard.” - -“I surely asked your opinion about taking Manuel as interpreter,” Roy -said sharply. - -“Yes; but that was after you had made the trade with the others, and -they virtually had possession of the yacht.” - -“Well, it can’t be helped now, and we must decide what may be done to -prevent them from taking us by surprise,” Ned said with a long-drawn -sigh. - -He fancied he knew exactly how Roy felt when he made the bargain, and -that it had only been done from a desire to be with his parents as soon -as possible, therefore it did not seem to him right that the boy should -be blamed. - -“Why can’t it be helped?” Vance cried sharply. “What is to prevent us -from ordering them to put back?” - -“If they have come on board with any idea of taking possession of the -steamer, they wouldn’t obey the command and we should only succeed in -starting a row before being prepared.” - -“I’ll soon know what they mean!” Roy said angrily as he went toward the -companion-way. - -“Wait a minute!” Ned cried as he caught him by the arm. “Don’t act as -hastily as you did before, but think the matter over first. Suppose they -refuse to obey orders, what can we do before mapping out a plan?” - -“I’ll take one of the revolvers with me and make them do as I say.” - -“And probably be knocked down before you had spoken half a dozen words, -even though the men were perfectly honest. Who do you suppose would -allow a boy to come at him with a drawn weapon without making some kind -of a row?” - -It did not take many moments for Roy to realize the truth of this, and -he seated himself on one of the lockers in moody silence. - -“Well, see here, this won’t do,” Vance suddenly cried. “The yacht is -getting further out of the harbor every moment, and if there is such an -idea as turning back, it should be carried into effect at once.” - -“I don’t know what to say,” Roy replied in dismay. - -“And I think it would be foolish to attempt to change any of the orders -which have been given,” Ned added. “If the men are bent on mischief they -wouldn’t obey, and if they are honest we shall get to Key West without -trouble.” - -“Well, are you going to sit here and let matters take their own course?” -Vance asked impatiently. - -“This is what I think might be done,” Ned replied, speaking slowly, as -if weighing well his words. “One of us could sit in the pilot-house and -the other in the engine-room all the time, each armed with a revolver. -The third would spell either when it became necessary, and thus a watch -might be kept over the two most important sections of the craft.” - -“But suppose they should raise a row because we remained on guard?” -Vance asked. - -“If they are perfectly honest nothing of the kind could happen, and if -not, the question will surely arise, when we can speak right out and say -exactly why we don’t like the looks of things. Men who have come aboard -simply to earn their wages by performing the necessary work surely -wouldn’t object to those who stand in the place of the owners caring for -the property.” - -“What do you think of that plan, Roy?” Vance asked. - -“I’ll go in for anything you two believe best. After being so smart I -ought to be willing to tie my head in a bag until we reach port.” - -“But you haven’t made any provision for keeping an eye on the hold,” -Vance suggested in a whisper. - -“Why can’t you do that? I’ll go into the pilot-house, Roy into the -engine-room, and you would be at liberty to prowl around anywhere. It -won’t be a very long watch if they intend to play square.” - -“Then let’s begin at once.” - -All hands arose to their feet and ascended the companion-way, since it -was necessary first to go on deck in order to reach either of the places -referred to. - -Manuel was standing just beneath the wheel-house when the boys reached -the open air, and it looked very much as if he had been hovering around -the hatch-way in the hope of overhearing what might be said in the -forward cabin, where the consultation was held. - -“We are under way,” he said to Roy, treating him as the leader of the -party, as was but natural, since by him he and his friends had been put -in possession of the little craft. - -“So I see. We should arrive some time during the night, for this craft -can make twelve knots under ordinary circumstances.” - -“If the weather holds good you will awaken in port,” was the reply. “The -captain has been to Key West many times, and will get the little steamer -there as soon as any other person could.” - -“How about the engineer?” Vance asked. - -“Oh, he is a master of his trade; you need have no fears but that she -will be kept at full speed.” - -“I think I’ll have a look at him,” Roy said, and as he started aft -followed by Manuel, Ned suddenly remembered that after deciding upon -their course of action they had been so careless as to forget the -weapons, which were in one of the after-cabin lockers. - -“Hold on a minute!” he said quickly. “I wish you would show me where -those papers were put.” - -“What papers?” Roy asked innocently, and the most careless observer -would have understood that there was nothing of the kind aboard. - -“The ones I gave you just before I went on shore,” and by dint of much -winking, which may or may not have been seen by the interpreter, Roy -finally understood that he should accompany his friends. - -“Well, of all thick-headed mortals you are the worst!” Vance whispered -when they were in the after cabin. “It was necessary for Ned to give the -whole snap away before you could understand that he wanted to speak with -you.” - -“I’ll admit that I’m about as stupid as fellows are usually made,” Roy -replied seriously, “and the knowledge of what I have possibly done only -makes me worse. What is it you wanted, Ned?” - -“We forgot the revolvers, like a set of chumps, and they are here,” Ned -replied as he opened the locker. - -The words had hardly been spoken, and before the weapons could be -raised, when the companion-way doors were suddenly pulled to, the hatch -drawn over, while the click of metal told that the bolts had been drawn. - -Vance was at the top of the stairs instantly pounding on the wood-work, -but no attention was paid to him for several moments. - -“Unlock this door!” he shouted. “What do you mean by shutting us in -here?” - -The party on the outside appeared to be making the fastenings secure, -and not until this had been done to his satisfaction did he condescend -to reply; then the prisoners heard the voice of Manuel as he said -loudly: - -“We have taken a notion to learn where those old coins come from and -think you may have a good supply on board, consequently found it -necessary to take possession. It won’t do any good to shout and rave, -for we are well out of the harbor. So try to make the best of a bad -matter.” - -Ned took careful aim in the direction of the voice and discharged one -barrel of his revolver, the bullet plowing its way through the thin -barrier; but, so far as could be ascertained, doing no further damage. - -“I’ll soon show you how to do that sort of thing, my bantam,” Manuel -replied angrily, and then the sound of his footsteps on the roof of the -cabin told that he had gone forward. - -“It is just as I feared,” Ned said with a sigh. “That fellow had all the -opportunity he needed and has taken advantage of it. The sight of the -money told him almost as plainly as words could have done that we had -found a treasure on the key where the yacht went ashore.” - -“And I was such a fool as to arrange everything for them in the best -possible shape!” Roy moaned. “It doesn’t seem as if a fellow _could_ -make such a fool of himself as I have succeeded in doing.” - -“It’s no use crying over what can’t be helped,” Ned said cheerily as he -mentally braced himself to appear cheerful lest his companions should -lose all courage. “We must try to get the best of those fellows.” - -“And we stand a mighty good chance, don’t we? Four of them against three -who are locked into a place where they not only can’t help themselves, -but are shut out from every other portion of the steamer!” Vance said -bitterly. “Now they are convinced there is treasure on board, it won’t -take more than ten minutes to discover it, and most likely the yacht is -being headed this very minute where they can trust to finding friends.” - -[Illustration: NED SHOOTS AT MANUEL THROUGH THE CABIN SKYLIGHT.—Page -251.] - -“I don’t fancy she is bound for Key West,” Ned replied, “but I can’t see -why it is necessary to look for friends, since they have got things all -their own way, while we’re shut up here like rats in a trap.” - -Then came a long interval of silence as each fellow was trying in vain -to devise some scheme by which the recapture of the yacht would be -possible, and all were startled as if by an electric shock when a loud -report rang out, followed by the splintering of wood and glass, as a -bullet lodged in the panels of the state-room door within a few inches -of Ned’s head. - -For an instant the three stood as if panic-stricken, and then Vance ran -toward the bulkhead which divided the cabin from a portion of the -engine-room as he cried: - -“Get up here, quick! He’s trying for another shot!” - -As he spoke he pointed to the skylight, from which direction the bullet -had come, and there could be seen the interpreter’s legs as he was -gliding noiselessly around in the hope of seeing his intended victims -more clearly. - -This was just the opportunity Ned wanted, and, resting his revolver on -his arm in order to take more steady aim, fired twice in rapid -succession. - -A scream of pain told that at least one of the missiles had struck the -target, and the oaths and imprecations which followed gave very good -evidence as to who had been wounded. - -“You shall pay for this, you scoundrels!” Manuel cried in a fury. “Don’t -think that because you are hidden from view it is impossible to get at -you. There is no need of our hunting you out; a few days with neither -food nor water will soon do the business!” - -“But what is to prevent our winging all hands of your party before we’re -starved?” Ned cried. “We are justified in shooting to kill, for you have -shown yourselves to be pirates, and we shan’t give in without a -struggle. Watch your chance!” he added in a whisper to Roy. “We’ve got -to shoot them down or else go under ourselves.” - -“You won’t crow so loud to-morrow,” Manuel shouted, and then the sound -of halting footsteps told that he had gone forward once more. - -“You are shivering like a fellow with a chill,” Vance said to Roy. - -“So would you if you had gotten us into the scrape that I have. It seems -as if I had doomed all three to death.” - -“You mustn’t give way like that,” Ned said sharply, “or there will be -very little hope for us. Vance, you take the revolver until Roy pulls -himself together, for just now I don’t believe he could hit the side of -a barn.” - -“Is this all we are to do—stand here for them to sneak up and shoot us -whenever they feel like it?” Vance asked as he obeyed the order. - -“Not by any manner of means, an’ it won’t pay to remain in this spot -very long, for they can fire at us from the engine-room. I’ll go into -one of the state-rooms, and you take the other. By leaving the doors -open it will be possible to keep watch on the skylights, and that is the -most dangerous point just now.” - -Vance made his way quickly into the room on the starboard side, -fastening the door open with a chair lest the motion of the craft should -close it, and Ned went into the apartment opposite, Roy following him. - -Not until this had been done was it learned that the stock of cartridges -was yet in the locker, and it was necessary they be divided before -Manuel should have attended to his wound and returned to watch for a -chance to shoot one of the prisoners. - -Ned darted out very swiftly, knowing he stood a poor show of returning -if one of the pirates caught a glimpse of him, and in a very short time -both the watchers were well supplied with ammunition. - -There was no encouragement to be gained from the fact that they were -well armed and sheltered from view, as all three realized after they had -had time to think the matter over. - -The men could easily find the gold and silver, run the yacht into some -harbor, and there abandon her, or, making preparations to leave in the -small boat at the proper moment, scuttle her. - -It was more than probable they would pursue this last course, as Ned -admitted to himself after studying the matter several moments, and he -could not repress a shudder as he thought that even now they might be -arranging such a plan. - -The yacht need not be taken more than a dozen miles from the island of -Cuba before the deed could be done with but slight chance of detection, -and the treasure in the hold was sufficient to tempt such men as they -undoubtedly were to commit even a greater crime in order to gain -possession of it. - -The watchers were sitting on the floor with their backs against the -bunks, where they could have a full view of the skylight, and each held -his revolver in his hand ready for immediate use. - -“There’s precious little hope that either of you will get a chance to -shoot,” Roy said after a long time of silence, during which he had -remained with his face buried in his hands. “They are not obliged to -come aft for everything, and even if it should be necessary, it could be -done after dark when we can’t see them.” - -“I’m a Dutchman if there isn’t one thing in our favor!” Ned cried as a -sudden thought occurred to him. - -“What is that?” Roy and Vance asked in concert. - -“The boat is being towed behind. They have got to come around here -before they can abandon the yacht.” - -“There’s no chance of that being done unless——” - -Vance ceased speaking very suddenly as he understood what Ned had been -thinking about, and to him the future, not very bright before, suddenly -grew yet more dark. - -Then came another time of silence, during which the motion of the screw -suddenly ceased, and the prisoners looked at each other in surprise and -alarm. - -Was this stoppage due to the engine itself, or had the pirates arrived -at that point where they were ready to adopt yet bolder tactics than -before? - -As a matter of course this question could not be answered among -themselves, and they waited in painful suspense for some noise by which -they might gain an inkling of the true state of affairs. - - - - - CHAPTER XXI. - PRISONERS. - - -To the great relief of the prisoners the throbbing of the engine was -heard a few moments later, and there was no longer any question but that -the momentary stoppage had been caused by some trifling defect in the -machinery, which could only be remedied by slowing down. - -The alarm which the boys felt at the yacht’s suddenly becoming -motionless on the waters served a far different purpose than the pirates -could have suspected. - -It suggested to Ned’s mind a way of overcoming those who had taken -possession of the steamer, and that without taking too many risks of -being killed. - -Instantly the engine was started again he leaped to his feet, thrust a -revolver into Roy’s hands, and whispered: - -“Keep the sharpest lookout you know how on the skylight. If you see so -much as a shadow, fire at once!” - -“What are you going to do?” - -“I hardly know yet awhile; but I’ve got a sort of an idea which may turn -out to be a big thing.” - -Then, to the great surprise of both his companions, Ned began examining -the partition which separated the cabin from the upper portion of the -engine-room. - -The inspection appeared to afford him considerable satisfaction, and he -began cutting the highly polished moldings on either side of the center -panel with his pocket knife. - -This apparently useless destruction was more than Vance could witness in -silence, and he asked quite sharply: - -“What’s come over you now?” - -Ned placed his finger on his lips as a token that no noise should be -made, and continued to work with feverish haste, stopping every now and -then to make certain he was not heard by any one who might chance to be -on the opposite side of the wood-work. - -During an hour he labored industriously, and then there was an -expression of the most intense satisfaction on his face as he went -softly to Vance’s post of duty, beckoning for Roy to join them. - -“That bulkhead is only made of thin boards,” he said in a whisper, “and -I have cut away the moldings until the center panel can be pulled out in -a few seconds.” - -“Well, what does that amount to?” Vance asked impatiently. - -“It will be possible to get into the engine-room, and if that can be -done without raising an alarm, I count on regaining possession of the -steamer with but precious little trouble.” - -“How?” both boys asked in the same breath. - -“Here is the scheme, and mind that you understand it perfectly, for -there will be no opportunity to explain matters after we begin -operations. There is a speaking-tube from this room to the pilot-house, -isn’t there?” - -Yes,” Vance replied wonderingly. “Father had it put in so he could talk -to the man at the wheel without being obliged to go on deck.” - -“Very well: when I give the word, you must whistle through and claim to -want to talk with Manuel. That will bring him up to the pilot-house. -Then you are to ask him on what terms he will agree to set us adrift at -some point where we can reach Key West without difficulty——” - -“But we mustn’t think of leaving the yacht until it becomes absolute -necessary,” Roy exclaimed. - -“Wait till I finish. You are to keep on trying to make a trade with -Manuel until you hear me whistle, and then you can stop. While he is -there the sailing master will beat the wheel as a matter of course, -which leaves no one but the steward and the engineer below. I shall pull -out the panel the moment you nod to show me Manuel has come to the tube. -Then each of us carrying a revolver, Vance and I will slip through. I -count on surprising the engineer so much that I shall have the weapon -leveled at his head before he knows we are anywhere near. Vance mustn’t -stop, but keep right on to the kitchen and make the darkey a prisoner in -the same manner. Then I shall whistle; you must rush down as quickly as -possible and secure all the hatches leading to the upper deck, and with -one of the revolvers run back here to shoot the first person who -attempts to get in this way.” - -“But we shall be shut up below the same as we are here,” Roy said -thoughtfully. - -“Yes, but it’ll be for us to say whether the yacht shall go ahead or -astern, and those fellows will be forced to come to our terms, for if a -craft of any kind should heave in sight she’d be certain to bear down on -us for the purpose of learning what was the matter, and then if the -truth didn’t get out it would be our own fault.” - -“It’s a big scheme,” said Vance approvingly, “only we had better -understand beforehand what is to be done if the engineer and steward -don’t give up when we cover them with the revolvers.” - -“In such a case there must be no hesitation about shooting them at once. -By that time we shall have gone so far that it will be the only way of -saving our own lives.” - -“Let’s begin immediately,” Vance said eagerly. - -“Wait till I fasten the cabin doors on the inside so they can’t get in -that way without considerable trouble,” Ned replied as he stole softly -and noiselessly toward the companion-way. - -Three minutes later everything was in readiness for the bold scheme, and -as Vance and Ned stationed themselves in front of the partially loosened -panel, Roy whistled through the tube. - -It was nearly a minute before he received any reply, and then he nodded -his head to show that the interpreter had spoken. - -Ned looked at his companion to make certain the latter had his weapon -ready, and dexterously inserting the blade of his knife in the crevices -of the wood-work, succeeded in wrenching out the panel with but little -noise. - -It can safely be said that their hearts were beating furiously as the -two boys darted through the opening thus made and ran swiftly down the -iron ladder which led to that portion of the yacht where it was -necessary the engineer should remain in order to attend to the -machinery. - -The man looked up in surprise at the sound of the hurried footsteps, and -before he had an opportunity to speak a word Ned was aiming the revolver -directly at him as he said in a low, stern tone: - -“Up with your hands, quick, or I shall fire! I shan’t have the slightest -hesitation about shooting you as I would a dog!” - -The fellow had obeyed at the first glimpse of the weapon, and Ned -stepped aside slightly in order to let Vance pass him, saying as he did -so: - -“Bring the darkey back here as quick as you can!” - -Then turning to his prisoner, for the man had shown the white feather -instantly he was at the boy’s mercy, he added, “Catch that bar above -your head and hold on there. Remember that at the least movement I shall -shoot. I ought to do that at once, for pirates like you are not worth -the trouble necessary to keep them prisoners.” - -It could be seen that the man understood English from the alacrity with -which he obeyed, and when he was grasping one of the spare steering-rods -in such a manner as to raise himself slightly from the deck, Ned held -the revolver at his head with one hand, while with the other he searched -the fellow’s pockets. - -A pair of wicked-looking brass-knuckles was the result of this search, -and then Ned took from the engineer’s belt a keen-edged knife, both of -which articles he threw into the furnace-room. - -This work had but just been completed when Vance entered the apartment, -driving the darkey in front of him, and never did a black face show more -evidences of fear than at this moment. - -“Back that fellow against this one!” Ned said sharply as Vance appeared, -“and see how quick you can lash them together. I’ll stand ready to kill -the first one who makes any kick.” - -Vance went to work as expeditiously as if he had always been accustomed -to such tasks. - -First he hastily unbuckled the belts of both, and with them made a strap -of sufficient length to go around the prisoners while their arms were -lowered. Then, running back to the forward cabin, he brought out a -quantity of ratline stuff, with which he proceeded to do them up in a -perfect network. - -Ned did not wait until the task was wholly accomplished. - -When Vance had so far secured them that it was impossible either could -do anything toward effecting his release, Ned ran to first one -companion-way and then the other until in less than a couple of minutes -he had them well secured. - -The upper door leading from the engine-room was the only point at which -those on deck could gain an entrance without considerable labor, and the -greater portion of this being glass, he thought it possible that in the -first frenzy of rage Manuel might attempt something of the kind. - -Hastily dragging a couple of mattresses from the state-rooms, he placed -these against the door in such a manner that they would serve as a -screen to whoever might be standing there as sentinel. - -“She’s ours, or, at least, the lower portion of her is, and I reckon -those villains will have mighty hard work to search for treasure now!” -he cried, and Vance, who had finished his task, came from the -engine-room. - -“Is it safe to leave things alone there?” - -“Yes, there’s plenty of water in the glass, the fires are all right, and -the prisoners lashed up so tight that it’ll be hard work for them to so -much as wink.” - -“Then we’ll notify our particular friends in the wheel-house that we -don’t care about running on this course any longer,” and Ned led the way -to the state-room where Roy, looking thoroughly frightened, was yet -parleying with Manuel. - -“Is it all right?” he asked in a whisper. - -“Snug and neat a trick as you ever saw,” Ned replied, and then taking -his station at the tube, he cried, “Say, my piratical friend Manuel, -we’ve concluded that we don’t care to give this craft up to you without -a struggle, and while Roy was talking with you to make certain you -didn’t get into danger, Vance and I had an interview with your two chums -below. Now we have concluded that we will shut off steam awhile, because -of a very grave suspicion that the yacht is not headed for Key West.” - -An exclamation of rage and astonishment could be heard by all, and then -the sharp click of the cover told that the interpreter had left very -suddenly to ascertain if the story was true. - -“We may get a chance to shoot at him again,” Ned cried as he sprang to -the barricade of mattresses. “Vance, you attend to the after -companion-way, and let Roy shut off the steam. Look lively, all hands, -for now is the best chance we shall have.” - -The boy was willing to take many risks for the purpose of ending the -struggle speedily, and stood peering out from the edges of the -mattresses where he could see any one who came to starboard of the -deck-houses. - -His companions obeyed the commands so hurriedly given, and in a few -seconds the throbbing of the screw ceased as Roy shut off the supply of -steam. - - - - - CHAPTER XXII. - SUCCESS. - - -The machinery had hardly ceased moving before Ned saw a target at which -to aim. - -The worthy Manuel was creeping as stealthily as a cat to the engine-room -door, and before he could stretch out his hand to grasp the knob a -bullet struck his arm, calling forth a wild shriek of pain. - -There was no opportunity for a second shot, for the fellow disappeared -from view with remarkable celerity, and Ned muttered to himself: - -“It’s better to disable them than have the thought always before a -fellow that he has killed a human being.” - -“I reckon by the sound that you hit the mark,” Vance cried from his -station in the cabin. - -“It was Manuel again, and this time I reckon he’ll find it mighty hard -work to use a revolver, unless he’s left-handed.” - -“Now what are we to do?” - -“Hold on as we are. We can lose nothing by lying here, and they may find -themselves in trouble if a revenue cruiser should happen along; even a -merchantman might think it worth while to make it hot for them.” - -Roy, having done as he was bidden, joined Ned. - -“You know something about an engine, don’t you?” - -“Either Vance or I can start or stop her now that she is in running -order, and I reckon it won’t be a hard job to keep the steam up.” - -“There’s no danger of her exploding?” - -“Not a bit. The steam will blow off itself if the pressure gets too -heavy.” - -“Then I reckon we can stick it out as long as they can. Suppose you take -a look at all the hatches and make certain I fastened them securely?” - -Roy went below at once, and until he returned not a sound could be heard -from the wheel-house, where the two pirates were, unless they had seen -fit to sneak along the port side in the hope of getting a shot at one of -the boys. - -Then the whistle was heard, and Ned motioned for Roy to attend to it. - -“Sing out what they say, so all hands will have a chance of deciding any -question which may come up.” - -Roy went into the room and an instant later cried: - -“He says the yacht is drifting on to a reef, and will be ashore in ten -minutes if we don’t go ahead.” - -“Tell him nothing will suit us better than to have her there!” Vance -cried angrily, and Ned shouted cheerily: - -“It’s all a lie, for even if they have been running up the island we -have nothing to fear while the wind holds as it did when we started.” - -Roy repeated Vance’s words, and added on his own account: - -“There is no use for you to shout through this tube, for we don’t care -to make any trade with you, unless it should be on the basis of your -leaving the yacht at once.” - -“Will you put us ashore if we agree to give up our weapons?” - -Roy repeated the question to his companions, and Ned said: - -“We can’t afford to run the risk of their treachery. If they want to -take to the small boat, we’ll allow them the chance of getting into her; -but it must be done mighty quick.” - -There was no reply to this decision for a long while, and Roy had gone -into the engine-room to assure himself things were all right there, when -the whistle was heard again. - -Neither Vance nor Ned dared to answer it lest it should be a trick -similar to the one they played a short time previous with such good -success, and it was necessary to wait until Roy returned. - -Then the following conversation ensued, Manuel, as a matter of course, -being the spokesman at the wheel-house end of the tube: - -“We are willing to admit that we are beaten, and will take to the small -boat at once if you send our friends up.” - -Ned dictated the reply: - -“It can’t be done. Go alone if you choose, but they stay where they are -until we reach port or are overhauled by some craft, when you will have -a chance to explain how you happen to be on deck with everybody else -holding the fort below.” - -“Then we shall stay here, and it may be you’ll have a chance to fight -fire after we get ready to take to the small boat.” - -This threat had the effect of frightening Roy somewhat, but Vance cried -positively: - -“They won’t dare to do anything of the kind while their chums are in the -hold. Besides, I’d rather take my chances of fighting fire than of -letting them loose. What would prevent them from doing the same thing -after their friends were freed?” - -“That’s so!” Ned cried. “Here’s a good trade for them! If they’ll get -into the small boat and push off where we can see them, we’ll let the -others go one at a time. They can swim to the small boat, and thus save -themselves from spending quite a while in jail.” - -Roy repeated the words, and a few moments later, to the surprise of all, -Manuel cried: - -“We’re in a tight place, and are willing to accept the offer. When shall -we start?” - -“He’s up to some mischief now or I’m a Dutchman!” Ned exclaimed in a low -tone, and added: “Tell them to leave at once, and to push off thirty or -forty yards on the port side.” - -“Do you think it’s safe?” Vance asked nervously. - -“We’d better take the chances than hang ’round here two or three days. I -believe I can outwit them by working lively.” - -Roy repeated the proposition, and Manuel replied: - -“Then we’ll start at once, for it will take us nearly all night to pull -back to the island.” - -“Now, Vance, keep your eyes open and be ready to run to the wheel-house -on the starboard side,” Ned said quickly, and he waited at his post -until the sound of footsteps on the deck told that the two men had gone -aft. - -Then he hurriedly joined Vance, and the latter whispered nervously: - -“They have got at least one revolver, and probably two between them. We -should have insisted on taking the weapons, otherwise they may fire on -us while we are getting under way.” - -“That’s exactly what I count on their trying to do, but I reckon they -won’t make very much by it,” Ned said as he went into the port -state-room aft. “Keep a sharp watch there until the boat pushes off, and -then get into the wheel-house as lively as you know how.” - -It was evidently a portion of Manuel’s scheme to play fair until his -companions should be with him, when he probably intended to try -something else. - -Ned had opened the bull’s-eye a few inches to enable him to see what was -going on, and when the men in the boat came within his range of vision -he said to Vance: - -“Now is your time to get into the wheel-house. Be careful to keep out of -sight, and don’t stand erect until we are beyond range.” - -“Now send over our friends!” Manuel shouted. - -“You shall have them as soon as we can make the necessary arrangements,” -Ned replied as he pushed the muzzle of his weapon through the aperture. -“For fear you might take a notion to board us again, or send a few -bullets at the man at the wheel, I shall stand right here ready to kill -you whenever either of your party makes a threatening gesture. Bring up -the prisoners, Roy.” - -It was some moments before this order could be obeyed, owing to the -network of ropes, but they were finally released and driven through the -cabin, Roy marching behind with the heavy starting-bar ready to strike -down the first one who attempted to show fight. - -“See that they jump together,” Ned said, still keeping his eyes fixed on -the boat, where Manuel was busily engaged heaping maledictions on the -heads of the boys because his plans were not working exactly to suit -him. “Comeback here instantly they are in the water.” - -Roy gave the word for the march to be resumed, and the prisoners rushed -on deck after the companion-way door had been forced by the aid of the -bar. - -A moment later a loud splash told that they had leaped together, and as -Roy came at full speed below, Ned cried: - -“Start her as quick as possible. A few seconds means everything to us -just now!” - -The men in the water swam directly toward the boat, and as if to pick -them up at the earliest possible moment, the sailing master pulled -toward them. - -“That’s their game, to board us again, thinking we can’t start the -engine,” Ned muttered to himself. “Manuel fancies he has released his -chums, and that we are still in his power.” - -Nervous as Ned was, it seemed as if the screw would never revolve. - -The men had been pulled on board the boat and the sailing master was -rowing toward the bow of the yacht with all speed, probably intending to -board from there. - -“Hold on or I shall shoot!” Ned cried, and the words had hardly been -spoken before the little craft was so far ahead that he could no longer -see her. - -“Hurry up there unless you are willing we shall take those fellows -aboard again!” Ned cried as he ran to the engine-room door, and then, -tearing away the barricade he had erected, rushed on to the deck. - -A bullet whistled past his head as he emerged, and on shrinking back he -understood that the machinery was in motion. - -“Give it to her for all she’s worth!” he shouted excitedly, running -through the cabin to the main companion-way, and just as he was where he -could look out, the boat swept past within half a dozen feet of the -stern. - -In the bow of the little craft was the darkey, who had been trying to -gain a hold of the yacht as she moved swiftly ahead. - -“We’ve done it by the skin of our teeth!” he cried sufficiently loud for -Roy to hear as he ran forward once more, and shouted from the -engine-room door, “take care of yourself, Vance! They are most likely -ready to shoot.” - -Three minutes later he ventured on deck, and looking far astern, saw the -pirates sitting motionless in the boat as if dazed at the very -successful manner in which their villainous scheme had been frustrated. - -It seemed incredible that the little craft could have traversed such a -distance in so short a time, but there was no disputing the fact, and -Ned set up a shout of triumph, in which he was joined both from the -wheel-house and engine-room. - -Then he ran to where Vance, having just risen to his feet, was swinging -the yacht around as if to intercept a small craft which was running to -the westward. - -“That explains why those fellows were so anxious to gain possession of -the craft at once that they were willing to accede to our terms in the -slight hope of getting the best of us. Unless I’m very much mistaken -that is a Key West pilot-boat, which has been up the coast somewhere, -and we had better speak her.” - -Vance was not mistaken. - -Half an hour later they had overhauled the craft and taken on board a -reliable pilot, who promised they should be at anchor at Key West before -midnight, and, what was better still, he kept his word to the letter. - -Between them Vance and Roy ran the engine, and it is safe to say both -felt a sense of the most intense relief when they heard the signal to -slow down, followed by a command to Ned to “clear away the anchor.” - -It yet lacked a quarter of twelve when the mighty splash told that the -Zoe was in the home port once more, and her capture nothing more -dangerous than some hideous nightmare which is quickly forgotten. - -Vance and Roy were on shore very soon after sunrise next morning, and -almost the first person they met was the former’s father. - -The party had heard at New York of the fears which were entertained -concerning the safety of the Zoe, and passage was taken on the Key West -steamer at once. - -They had arrived the evening previous, and Mr. Stewart had left the -hotel thus early in order to hire a craft of some kind to make a tour of -the keys in search of some tidings of the missing ones. - -Now that there is no possibility there can be any trouble regarding the -Zoe or her cargo, it is time to end the story. - -There is really nothing more to say, except that Ned spent that winter -with Vance and Roy, and very many short cruises did they take in the -Zoe; but, putting them all together, there was not as much adventure in -them as had been crowded into the first voyage. - -As a matter of course the treasure was taken charge of by Mr. Stewart -and Mr. Harland, and to-day, in a certain New York City bank, there is -$8,000 as Ned’s share of the treasure found on Spider Key. - -Up to the present time the boy who the good people of Jonesboro had -decided was certain to come to some bad end has never returned to that -place, nor is he likely to do so until after he has passed an -examination for Columbia College, which he, with Vance and Ned, intends -to enter next term if possible. - -Where is the Zoe? - -That question cannot be answered, although it is very probable she is in -the vicinity of Key West; but if any of the readers should keep a sharp -lookout during the coming summer, it is more than likely they will see a -jaunty little steam craft, bearing the same name, which is owned by Ned, -Vance, and Roy, having been purchased with a portion of the money found -in the old hulk on Spider Key. - - - THE END. - ------------------------------------------------------------------------- - - - - - TRANSCRIBER’S NOTES - - - 1. P. 257, changed “either side the center panel” to “either side of - the center panel”. - 2. Table of Contents added by transcriber. - 3. Silently corrected typographical errors and variations in spelling. - 4. 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You may copy it, give it away or re-use it under the terms of -the Project Gutenberg License included with this eBook or online at -www.gutenberg.org. If you are not located in the United States, you'll have -to check the laws of the country where you are located before using this ebook. - -Title: Wrecked on Spider Island - Or, How Ned Rogers Found the Treasure - -Author: James Otis - -Release Date: October 27, 2020 [EBook #63561] - -Language: English - -Character set encoding: UTF-8 - -*** START OF THIS PROJECT GUTENBERG EBOOK WRECKED ON SPIDER ISLAND *** - - - - -Produced by Richard Tonsing, Melissa McDaniel, and the -Online Distributed Proofreading Team at https://www.pgdp.net -(This file was produced from images generously made -available by The Internet Archive) - - - - - - -</pre> - - -<div class='tnotes covernote'> - -<p class='c000'><b>Transcriber’s Note:</b></p> - -<p class='c000'>The cover image was created by the transcriber and is placed in the public domain.</p> - -</div> - -<div class='figcenter id001'> -<img src='images/i-001.jpg' alt='' class='ig001' /> -<div class='ic001'> -<p><span class='sc'>The Wreck of the Steam Yacht Zoe.</span>—Page <a href='#Page_85'>85</a>.</p> -</div> -</div> - -<div class='titlepage'> - -<div> - <h1 class='c001'>WRECKED ON SPIDER ISLAND;<br /> <span class='small'>OR,</span><br /> <span class='xlarge'>HOW NED ROGERS FOUND THE TREASURE</span></h1> -</div> - -<div class='nf-center-c0'> -<div class='nf-center c002'> - <div><span class='large'><span class='sc'>By</span> JAMES OTIS,</span></div> - <div class='c003'><span class='small'><i>Author of “The Castaways,” “Runaway Brig,” “Search for the Silver City,” “With Lafayette at Yorktown,” “Treasure Finders,” etc., etc.</i></span></div> - <div class='c002'>NEW YORK:</div> - <div><span class='large'>A. L. BURT, PUBLISHER.</span></div> - </div> -</div> - -</div> - -<div class='nf-center-c0'> -<div class='nf-center c004'> - <div><span class='small'>Copyright, 1896, by <span class='sc'>A. L. Burt</span>.</span></div> - </div> -</div> - -<div class='pbb'> - <hr class='pb c003' /> -</div> - -<div class='chapter'> - <h2 id='CONTENTS' class='c005'>CONTENTS</h2> -</div> -<div class='lg-container-b c002'> - <div class='linegroup'> - <div class='group'> - <div class='line'><a href='#I'>CHAPTER I.</a> NED ROGERS.</div> - <div class='line'><a href='#II'>CHAPTER II.</a> AT SEA.</div> - <div class='line'><a href='#III'>CHAPTER III.</a> THE PLOT.</div> - <div class='line'><a href='#IV'>CHAPTER IV.</a> MAROONED.</div> - <div class='line'><a href='#V'>CHAPTER V.</a> A DISCOVERY.</div> - <div class='line'><a href='#VI'>CHAPTER VI.</a> THE ZOE.</div> - <div class='line'><a href='#VII'>CHAPTER VII.</a> THE DISASTER.</div> - <div class='line'><a href='#VIII'>CHAPTER VIII.</a> WRECKING.</div> - <div class='line'><a href='#IX'>CHAPTER IX.</a> GHASTLY VISITORS.</div> - <div class='line'><a href='#X'>CHAPTER X.</a> TREASURE-SEEKING.</div> - <div class='line'><a href='#XI'>CHAPTER XI.</a> THE YACHT.</div> - <div class='line'><a href='#XII'>CHAPTER XII.</a> THE MYSTERY.</div> - <div class='line'><a href='#XIII'>CHAPTER XIII.</a> AFLOAT.</div> - <div class='line'><a href='#XIV'>CHAPTER XIV.</a> UNDER WAY.</div> - <div class='line'><a href='#XV'>CHAPTER XV.</a> AT SEA.</div> - <div class='line'><a href='#XVI'>CHAPTER XVI.</a> AN ANXIOUS CREW.</div> - <div class='line'><a href='#XVII'>CHAPTER XVII.</a> IN PORT.</div> - <div class='line'><a href='#XVIII'>CHAPTER XVIII.</a> HAVANA.</div> - <div class='line'><a href='#XIX'>CHAPTER XIX.</a> SUSPICIONS.</div> - <div class='line'><a href='#XX'>CHAPTER XX.</a> AN ILL-ADVISED START.</div> - <div class='line'><a href='#XXI'>CHAPTER XXI.</a> PRISONERS.</div> - <div class='line'><a href='#XXII'>CHAPTER XXII.</a> SUCCESS.</div> - </div> - </div> -</div> - -<div class='section ph1'> - -<div class='nf-center-c0'> -<div class='nf-center c004'> - <div>WRECKED ON SPIDER ISLAND.</div> - </div> -</div> - -</div> - -<div> - <span class='pageno' id='Page_1'>1</span> - <h2 id='I' class='c005'>CHAPTER I.<br /> <span class='small'>NED ROGERS.</span></h2> -</div> - -<p class='c006'>Ned Rogers had but few acquaintances in the -city of Portland, Maine; but those few were positive -the boy had run away from home.</p> - -<p class='c007'>It was quite natural such should be the general -idea among those who saw him trying from day to -day to earn the small amount of money necessary -to provide him with food.</p> - -<p class='c007'>As a matter of course it was essential he should -also have clothes and a bed at night; but Ned had -found it such hard work to get sufficient to satisfy -his hunger that it would have seemed a willful -waste of money to expend it on anything save provisions.</p> - -<p class='c007'>He very often found shelter in the store-houses -on the wharves where he sought employment. -Sometimes the crew of a fishing vessel would allow -him to remain on board during the night, and more -than once did he walk around the streets because -of his inability to go elsewhere.</p> - -<p class='c007'><span class='pageno' id='Page_2'>2</span>As for clothing, the badly patched suit he wore, -which had originally been made for a full-sized -man, was quite as much as he aspired to until -“luck came his way,” and to have new garments -was a dream he never allowed himself to indulge -in, because of the apparent impossibility.</p> - -<p class='c007'>Now, while Ned presented every indication of a -boy who has run away from home in order to better -his fortunes, and wishes heartily that he could -run back, he had never been so foolish, for the -simple reason that so long as he could remember -there was no home for him in all this wide world.</p> - -<p class='c007'>His first remembrance of anything even approaching -an abiding-place was when he had -reached his fifth birthday, and then understood he -was supported by an uncle, who seldom lost an opportunity -of telling him what a useless article he -was, more especially on a farm.</p> - -<p class='c007'>After that he remembered a funeral, with his -uncle in the coffin, and from the moment the hard-hearted -farmer was carried to his last resting-place -Ned’s journeyings began.</p> - -<p class='c007'>First one neighbor and then another had some -work by which he could earn enough to pay for the -small amount he ate, and finally, as he grew older, -even these opportunities ceased.</p> - -<p class='c007'>He did not know that he had a single relative in -<span class='pageno' id='Page_3'>3</span>the world to whom he could go, and while perfectly -willing and even anxious to work, the townspeople -called him a “lazy good-for-nothing, whose -only desire was to eat the bread of idleness.”</p> - -<p class='c007'>“It’s mighty little of any kind of bread I get,” -Ned once said to Deacon Grout, when the latter -had made use of this remark because the boy applied -to him for work. “I allers have done whatever -I could find that would give me a square meal -or a place to sleep; but it looks as if you folks -wasn’t willin’ to spare that much. I s’pose you -think a feller like me oughter pay for the privilege -of stayin’ in this blamed old town.”</p> - -<p class='c007'>There is no question but that Ned’s provocation -was great, yet it was an ill-advised remark, for -from that day he not only had the reputation of -being lazy, but impudent as well.</p> - -<p class='c007'>The deacon predicted he would “come to some -bad end,” and the deacon’s friends fully expected -each morning to hear that “the Rogers boy” had -been sent to jail, because of having committed some -terrible crime.</p> - -<p class='c007'>Despite this very unpleasant and unsatisfactory -method of gaining less than half a livelihood, Ned -remained in the town until he was fourteen years -old; not for love of the place, but owing to his inability -to leave.</p> - -<p class='c007'><span class='pageno' id='Page_4'>4</span>The city was so far away that he did not think it -possible to walk, and as for paying his fare on the -stage-coach, he might just as well have cried for -the moon.</p> - -<p class='c007'>The cost of riding from Jonesboro to Portland, -in both stage and cars, was $7, and Ned had never -been the possessor of a tenth part of that amount, -although he was really as industrious as the townspeople -would allow him to be.</p> - -<p class='c007'>From the day he was ten years old the unhappy -boy had said to himself that he would go to the city -at the first opportunity; but as the weeks went by -and he could see no possibility of carrying out such -a plan, he grew discouraged.</p> - -<p class='c007'>“I expect what the deacon said will come true,” -he thought, “an’ it won’t be my fault. The people -ain’t willin’ to give me a job, an’ if I do get a -chance now an’ then, nobody wants to pay cash.”</p> - -<p class='c007'>It was when the future looked darkest, and he -had begun to ask himself whether it would not be -possible for him to walk to Portland, even though -the distance was more than two hundred miles, that -the longed-for opportunity arrived.</p> - -<p class='c007'>A drover passed through the town, or was about -to do so, with a hundred head of cattle, when one -of his drivers was taken sick, and he inquired for -some one to fill the man’s place.</p> - -<p class='c007'><span class='pageno' id='Page_5'>5</span>The stock was to be driven to the nearest shipping -point on the railroad, and from there taken by -cars to Portland.</p> - -<p class='c007'>Ned heard of the drover’s necessities and applied -for the situation, agreeing to do the work, provided -he was taken as far as the city and supplied with -food during the journey.</p> - -<p class='c007'>On such terms there was but little difficulty in -making a trade, and the boy left his native town, -determined never to return until he could show -Deacon Grout and his friends that it was possible -for him to rise in the world when he was among -those who would allow him an opportunity.</p> - -<p class='c007'>The journey, slow and fatiguing though it was, -delighted Ned.</p> - -<p class='c007'>Everything around him was strange and wonderful, -and those with whom he came in contact treated -him like a human being, which was a pleasing -contrast to his experience in Jonesboro.</p> - -<p class='c007'>The other drivers told him of what could be seen -in the great world to which he was going, and related -more than one story of poor boys who had -started out to seek their fortunes under even more -distressing circumstances than those from which he -suffered, coming back some day rich and respected, -until he began to think it was only necessary to -gain the city in order to be wealthy.</p> - -<p class='c007'><span class='pageno' id='Page_6'>6</span>With such dreams as these was his time occupied, -and when the journey was finally finished he began -to look around for one of those very charitable men -whom he fancied were waiting in large cities to -welcome, with outstretched arms and plenty of -money, all poor boys.</p> - -<p class='c007'>As a matter of course he found nothing of the -kind, and before forty-eight hours had passed began -to realize that the people in one place were -very much like those in all others.</p> - -<p class='c007'>No one seemed to have any especial interest in -him, and it was quite as difficult to find an opportunity -to work in the city as in the country.</p> - -<p class='c007'>After the first day he understood that there -would be but little chance for him to get an engagement -in a store while his clothing was in such a condition, -and he relinquished that portion of his plans -to seek work around the docks.</p> - -<p class='c007'>Here he succeeded in earning about as much as -while in Jonesboro; but his life was more pleasant -because he was treated more like a human being -and less as a criminal.</p> - -<p class='c007'>During the summer season it made but little difference -where he slept; but winter was near at -hand, and it became absolutely necessary he should -make such arrangements as would provide himself -with a shelter.</p> - -<p class='c007'><span class='pageno' id='Page_7'>7</span>Until this time he had resolutely set his mind -against going to sea, for he was quite certain it -would not be an agreeable life, and there would be -but little chance for him, without influence, to rise -above the level of a sailor.</p> - -<p class='c007'>“It’s no use, I’ve got to try it,” he said to himself -one morning when, after sleeping under a pile of -lumber on a pier, he awakened to find everything -covered with hoar-frost. “I’m pretty nigh frozen -now, an’ what’ll be the position of affairs in another -month?”</p> - -<p class='c007'>Having once determined his course, Ned lost no -time in acting upon it.</p> - -<p class='c007'>He was very well acquainted with the waterfront -of the city and knew where to find vessels -bound for a foreign port.</p> - -<p class='c007'>Since it seemed necessary for him to go to sea he -did not intend to ship on board a fishing vessel or -one engaged in the coast-wise trade, for the very -good reason that in such craft he would not receive -sufficient advance to purchase the much-needed outfit.</p> - -<p class='c007'>The brig Evening Star was loading for Manila, -and this seemed to him the proper kind of a voyage -to take. When the trip was ended he would have -wages enough due him, provided he spent no money -except for clothing, to admit of making himself -presentable for a situation in a store.</p> - -<p class='c007'><span class='pageno' id='Page_8'>8</span>Captain Bragg was on the quarter-deck talking -with one of his officers when Ned clambered over -the side and stood by the port rail amidships waiting -until the master of the brig should be at leisure -to speak with him.</p> - -<p class='c007'>“What do you want?” the captain asked five -minutes later when, the interview having come to -an end, he condescended to notice the boy.</p> - -<p class='c007'>“I’d like to ship on this brig if you need a boy.”</p> - -<p class='c007'>“What can you do?”</p> - -<p class='c007'>“Almost anything in the cabin; but I don’t believe -I’d make much of a fist goin’ aloft.”</p> - -<p class='c007'>“So you’re no sailor, but want to go to sea?”</p> - -<p class='c007'>“I had rather stay on shore, sir; but I can’t get -a job, so made up my mind to try it aboard ship if -any one is willin’ to take a green hand.”</p> - -<p class='c007'>“What about wages?”</p> - -<p class='c007'>“I’ll leave that to you, sir, providin’ I can have -advance enough to give me a decent fittin’ out. -These clothes I’ve got on are all I own, an’ I reckon -more’n them will be needed before the brig gets -back.”</p> - -<p class='c007'>“Would you like to ship as cabin-boy?”</p> - -<p class='c007'>“At what wages, sir?”</p> - -<p class='c007'>“Ten dollars a month and an advance of two -months’ wages out of the slop-chest.”</p> - -<p class='c007'>Ned did not understand that by taking his outfit -<span class='pageno' id='Page_9'>9</span>from the vessel’s stores he might be forced to pay a -great deal more than the same articles would cost -ashore, and readily engaged on those terms.</p> - -<p class='c007'>“Here, Mr. Stout, see that this boy gets what he -needs from the chest, and then set him to work -cleaning up the cabin,” the captain said to the first -officer, and the latter motioned for Ned to follow -him.</p> - -<p class='c007'>Leading the way below he brought out a pair of -woolen trousers, two shirts and a reefing jacket, -which he gave to Ned as he said:</p> - -<p class='c007'>“So you’re goin’ to sea, eh?”</p> - -<p class='c007'>“Yes, sir.”</p> - -<p class='c007'>“First voyage?”</p> - -<p class='c007'>“Yes, sir.”</p> - -<p class='c007'>“Run away from home, I reckon.”</p> - -<p class='c007'>“No, sir; I’ve never had any since I can remember, -an’ if I knew of one you wouldn’t see me here. -I’ve only shipped because I can’t help myself. This -livin’ on wind ain’t what it’s cracked up to be, an’ I -want to get under cover for the winter.”</p> - -<p class='c007'>Mr. Stout looked at the boy almost pityingly, and -said half to himself:</p> - -<p class='c007'>“It’s kinder tough to strike this pertic’lar craft on -the first cruise.”</p> - -<p class='c007'>“Isn’t she a sound vessel, sir?” Ned asked, fearful -lest there might be good reason for him to remain -ashore.</p> - -<p class='c007'><span class='pageno' id='Page_10'>10</span>“Oh, yes,” the mate replied quickly, looking like -one who fancies he has been so indiscreet as to say -too much. “There’s nothin’ wrong with the Evenin’ -Star. I was thinkin’ of somethin’ else when I -spoke. Get inter them clothes so I can show you -where to go to work. I reckon the duds you’ve -taken off will be about fit to throw overboard; -they wouldn’t hang together many days longer.”</p> - -<p class='c007'>Ned would have insisted on knowing what the -mate meant by his words in reference to the vessel; -but that gentleman did not appear inclined to continue -the conversation, and the boy was forced to -follow him into the cabin without the desired information.</p> - -<p class='c007'>Ten minutes later Ned had forgotten that anything -odd or unusual had been said, so interested -was he in his work.</p> - -<p class='c007'>The cabin was in a shockingly dirty condition, -and he resolved to put it so thoroughly to rights -that the captain could not fail to be pleased at having -hired such an industrious boy.</p> - -<p class='c007'>He had had no breakfast; but the loss of a meal -was something to which he was accustomed, having -missed more than he got while on shore, therefore -this trifling matter did not disturb him.</p> - -<p class='c007'>When noon came he had not finished, and the -cook insisted that he stop until dinner should be -served.</p> - -<p class='c007'><span class='pageno' id='Page_11'>11</span>As a matter of course he obeyed, and was assisting -in laying the table when the captain entered.</p> - -<p class='c007'>“Is this what you call cleaning the cabin?” he -cried in a rage, pointing to a pile of dirt which Ned -had left in one corner until he finished sweeping.</p> - -<p class='c007'>“I only stopped to help set the table, sir,” Ned -replied promptly, little thinking there could be any -cause for complaint. “I shall be all through before -supper-time.”</p> - -<p class='c007'>“How many hours do you want on a job like -this?” the captain asked angrily.</p> - -<p class='c007'>“I’m getting along right well, sir; but it was so -dirty that a feller couldn’t make his work show till -he was almost through.”</p> - -<p class='c007'>“You’ve got too much chin to suit me,” the captain -cried, and at that instant Ned was forced to -pass very near the man, who appeared as if trying -to make himself angry when no reason for a display -of temper existed.</p> - -<p class='c007'>Conscious that he had not offended in any way, -Ned hardly expected to receive punishment, therefore -was wholly unprepared for what followed.</p> - -<p class='c007'>The captain struck him a vicious blow which sent -him headlong toward the companion-way at the -very instant the cook was descending with a basin -of hot soup.</p> - -<p class='c007'>As a matter of course Ned had no control over -<span class='pageno' id='Page_12'>12</span>his own movements, neither had the cook, and the -result was that the two came together with a force -and suddenness which sent both to the floor, the -scalding liquid flowing over their faces and limbs.</p> - -<p class='c007'>“What do you mean by that?” the captain cried, -as running swiftly toward the injured boy, he -seized him by the coat collar, struck him on the face -several times with full force, and then hurled him -to the deck above. “I’ll teach you to spoil my -dinner!”</p> - -<p class='c007'>Ned did not hear this last remark. His head had -struck against one of the rail stanchions, and he lay -unconscious, while the captain turned the vials of -his wrath on the unoffending steward.</p> - -<p class='c007'>When the new cabin-boy recovered his senses he -was in the galley and the cook was applying oil -and flour to the blisters on his own face and -hands.</p> - -<p class='c007'>“What was you doin’ when the captain came in?” -the master of the galley asked.</p> - -<p class='c007'>“Nothin’ more’n you saw. I’d been to work all -the forenoon, an’ only stopped when you wanted -me to help set the table. I can’t tell what made -him fly at me so.”</p> - -<p class='c007'>“It’s a way he has when he gets two or three -drinks aboard,” the cook replied with a smothered -threat. “One of these days he’ll try that trick too -often.”</p> - -<p class='c007'><span class='pageno' id='Page_13'>13</span>“Did he do anything to you?”</p> - -<p class='c007'>“Not so very much,” and the man pulled up his -trousers to show two ugly bruises on his leg. -“That’s where he caught me before I could get on -to my feet.”</p> - -<p class='c007'>“Did you say anything?”</p> - -<p class='c007'>“It don’t pay to do very much chinnin’ when the -captain is around,” was the sage reply; “but he’s -got to carry sail different from this, or the Evening -Star won’t have a cook on board when she leaves -port.”</p> - -<p class='c007'>“He can hunt for another cabin-boy mighty -quick,” Ned said angrily. “I’m willin’ to do my -work or stand a flogging, but he shan’t knock me -down when I’m trying my best.”</p> - -<p class='c007'>“I don’t see how you can help yourself now.”</p> - -<p class='c007'>“What do you mean?”</p> - -<p class='c007'>“Nothin’ except that you’ve shipped, an’ it won’t -be so easy to get away, for the police would arrest -you on his complaint.”</p> - -<p class='c007'>“But I haven’t reg’larly shipped.”</p> - -<p class='c007'>“Oh, yes, you have. The minute you received -what they handed out from the slop-chest you was -one of the crew. It’s a case now of makin’ the -best of it, and if you take my advice you’ll show up -bright and smilin’ when he sends for you.”</p> - -<p class='c007'>It was only natural Ned should be very angry -<span class='pageno' id='Page_14'>14</span>because of the cruel and undeserved treatment; -but before the cook finished giving him good advice -he realized that there was nothing left but to make -the best of a bad job, since without money or -friends it would be very difficult to avoid going to -sea in the Evening Star, in case the captain insisted -on his remaining aboard.</p> - -<div class='chapter'> - <span class='pageno' id='Page_15'>15</span> - <h2 id='II' class='c005'>CHAPTER II.<br /> <span class='small'>AT SEA.</span></h2> -</div> - -<p class='c006'>Ned was not fit for duty during this day and the -next.</p> - -<p class='c007'>Both his eyes were blackened, his cheek cut and -swollen, and his face blistered in several places.</p> - -<p class='c007'>After ministering to his necessities as well as -possible, the cook carried him into the forecastle, -and there, alone, he had ample opportunity to reflect -upon what kind of a life he might be forced to -lead while it was necessary he should remain -aboard the brig.</p> - -<p class='c007'>On the evening of the first day, the chief mate, -Bob Stout, came below to inquire how the boy felt, -and before he had been in the ill-smelling place five -minutes Ned decided that he should like this officer, -no matter how brutal the others might be.</p> - -<p class='c007'>“Got knocked ’round pretty lively for a few -minutes, eh?” the mate said in a cheery tone as he -seated himself on a chest by the side of Ned’s -bunk.</p> - -<p class='c007'>“Indeed I did, an’ all for nothin’. I was doin’ -<span class='pageno' id='Page_16'>16</span>the best I knew when he begun, an’ then how could -I help tumblin’ the cook over when the captain -fired me at him?”</p> - -<p class='c007'>“You don’t want to bother your head about that, -my lad. The least said in such cases is the soonest -mended. A boy at sea must learn to hold his -tongue.”</p> - -<p class='c007'>“Even when he’s gettin’ a floggin’ he don’t -deserve?”</p> - -<p class='c007'>“Of course; that’s the very time when it’s most -dangerous to talk. You’ll soon get used to the -captain’s ways.”</p> - -<p class='c007'>“It’ll take a mighty long while for me to get -used to bein’ fired from one end of the cabin to the -other, an’ then on deck.”</p> - -<p class='c007'>“Wait three weeks, an’ see what you say about -it. I went to sea as boy with a master who was as -liberal with his blows as Captain Bragg; but I got -in the habit of dodgin’ ’em before we’d been outside -three days, an’ after that it was fairly smooth -sailin’, except when he caught me unawares.”</p> - -<p class='c007'>“But there’s no reason why I should stay on -board. I’d rather starve ashore than have the best -of everything that’s on this craft.”</p> - -<p class='c007'>“The cook says he told you what risks you’d be -takin’ by tryin’ to run away.”</p> - -<p class='c007'>“So he did; but I won’t believe that man can -keep me here if I don’t want to stay.”</p> - -<p class='c007'><span class='pageno' id='Page_17'>17</span>“He can, an’ all the cook said is true. The only -thing left for you is to make the best of it, an’ get -along as easy a possible. Now cheer up, an’ have -some heart in you.”</p> - -<p class='c007'>With these words the mate left the forecastle, -and Ned turned the advice over in his mind until -he came to the conclusion that it would be better to -act upon the friendly hints.</p> - -<p class='c007'>The result of this conversation was that on the -following afternoon the cabin-boy returned to duty -by taking up the task which had been left unfinished -when the unprovoked attack was made upon him.</p> - -<p class='c007'>The captain entered shortly after the work was -recommenced, but made no comment whatever. -He did not deign to so much as look at the little -fellow, and when the evening meal was served Ned -succeeded in waiting upon the table without a mishap.</p> - -<p class='c007'>After the third day came to an end the new -cabin-boy felt quite well at home. He had remembered -the mate’s advice in the matter of dodging -blows, and on several occasions avoided what might -otherwise have been as serious as the first flogging.</p> - -<p class='c007'>Finally the time came when the Evening Star -was ready for sea, and Ned congratulated himself -upon the fact, for, once under way, it was hardly -<span class='pageno' id='Page_18'>18</span>probable the captain would have a great deal of -time to devote to him.</p> - -<p class='c007'>His first experience at sea was so much like what -other fellows, who have ventured upon the ocean -for sport rather than from necessity, have known, -that there is no reason why it should be given in -detail here.</p> - -<p class='c007'>The brig sailed out of the harbor in the early -morning, and before twelve o’clock poor Ned was -in the forecastle believing his last hour was very -near at hand. It seemed to him that the sailors -were a particularly hard-hearted set of men to laugh -and make sport of a dying boy, for he was fully -convinced he would not live until morning.</p> - -<p class='c007'>Death was not as near as he had fancied, however, -although he did not feel very much better at sunrise.</p> - -<p class='c007'>Then the mate came into the forecastle, and, after -asking how he felt, said:</p> - -<p class='c007'>“You had best come aft, lad. The room off the -pantry is the proper bunk for you, and once clear -of this foul place you’ll get well a great deal -faster.”</p> - -<p class='c007'>“Where is the captain?”</p> - -<p class='c007'>“In his room. He hasn’t turned out yet, and -you’ll have a chance to get settled in the new -quarters before he shows up.”</p> - -<p class='c007'><span class='pageno' id='Page_19'>19</span>Ned was more than willing to make the proposed -change. The odor, the jokes of the sailors, as well -as the fumes of tobacco smoke, were decidedly trying -to a weak stomach, and he managed to crawl -from the berth unaided, thanks to the promise of -an improvement in the surroundings.</p> - -<p class='c007'>Mr. Stout so far unbent from the dignity of a -first officer as to assist him across the deck and into -the tiny room which was half-filled with stores of -various kinds; but, regardless of the limited accommodations, -Ned felt he was very fortunate in getting -quarters where he could be alone.</p> - -<p class='c007'>“I shall see that you show up to-morrow morning,” -the mate said as he turned to go. “I don’t -reckon the captain will let you loaf any longer, -even though a sick waiter isn’t the most pleasant -person one can have around a table. The skipper -of this craft don’t believe in keeping cats that can’t -catch mice.”</p> - -<p class='c007'>“Do you s’pose he’ll let me stay here as long as -that?” Ned asked piteously.</p> - -<p class='c007'>“I reckon so, for I shall make it out you’re worse -off than really is the case; so fix yourself as comfortable -as possible, an’ I’ll see to it that the cook -brings you a bowl of soup before noon.”</p> - -<p class='c007'>“I couldn’t eat a mouthful.”</p> - -<p class='c007'>“Nonsense. You’ll be as ravenous as a bear by -<span class='pageno' id='Page_20'>20</span>night, an’ I’ll answer for it you can get away with -quite a mess by the time it is ready.”</p> - -<p class='c007'>Ned felt certain he should never again want anything -in the way of food; but when, two hours later, -the captain of the galley brought a bowlful of -liquid, steaming hot, which gave forth a most -appetizing odor, he succeeded in swallowing more -than half of it, feeling very much better immediately -afterward.</p> - -<p class='c007'>By nightfall he had so far recovered that the -nausea did not trouble him, save when he attempted -to rise to his feet, and he had no difficulty in eating -a large piece of meat and two ship’s biscuit, which -the good-natured mate gave him.</p> - -<p class='c007'>“I reckon you’re all right now, an’ shall turn you -out bright an’ early in the morning,” Mr. Stout said -as Ned literally devoured the provisions.</p> - -<p class='c007'>“Did the captain say anything because I was sick -so long?”</p> - -<p class='c007'>“Yes, he got into a reg’lar mad fit; but I made -it out that you wasn’t able to come into the cabin -in any decent shape, an’ he didn’t say any more. -The old man has been like an angel all day, an’ I -can’t understand the meanin’ of it. Anybody would -say he was tryin’ to play me for some kind of a -favor; but of course that can’t be, now we’ve put -to sea.”</p> - -<p class='c007'><span class='pageno' id='Page_21'>21</span>It was destined Ned should know very soon what -the “favor” was which Captain Bragg wanted of -the mate, although he little dreamed then that it -would cause him so much alarm.</p> - -<p class='c007'>From the time Mr. Stout left him until late in -the night Ned slept soundly, and then he was -awakened by hearing the familiar voice of the -captain say in a loud tone just outside the door of -his state-room:</p> - -<p class='c007'>“There’s no need of your bein’ on deck for the -next half-hour, Mr. Stout, so let’s go into the pantry -for some grog. That lazy steward hasn’t left any -in the cabin.”</p> - -<p class='c007'>“I’ll bring it to you there, sir, if you’ll wait -a minute.”</p> - -<p class='c007'>“There’s no occasion for it. We can go in here -as well, and there’ll be less chance any one overhears -us while we’re talking.”</p> - -<p class='c007'>Ned heard the door of the pantry opened, and -then it was as if the captain had entered the boy’s -room, so far as the latter’s ability to hear all that -might be said was concerned.</p> - -<p class='c007'>The partition between the two apartments was -composed of only one thickness of thin boards, and -a whisper would have sounded distinct in the confined -space.</p> - -<p class='c007'>“It seems rather odd to see the captain of a craft -<span class='pageno' id='Page_22'>22</span>like this huntin’ his own lunch,” Mr. Stout said -laughingly.</p> - -<p class='c007'>“I’d rather do it just now while the second officer -is in his room, for I’ve got something private to say -to you which wouldn’t be safe even in the cabin.”</p> - -<p class='c007'>There was a few moments of silence, and then the -mate said, as if about to partake of some liquor:</p> - -<p class='c007'>“Here’s to your health, sir.”</p> - -<p class='c007'>“Same to you,” was the reply; and then it was -possible for Ned to hear the sound as the glasses -were replaced on the shelves.</p> - -<p class='c007'>“Mr. Stout,” the captain began in a serious tone, -“I believe you are not a rich man.”</p> - -<p class='c007'>“There’s no question about that, sir, for I’m even -poorer than a churchmouse.”</p> - -<p class='c007'>“How would you like a chance to make a -thousand dollars or more of extra money this -trip?”</p> - -<p class='c007'>“There’s precious little need of my answerin’ -such a question, sir. I never had a thousand dollars -at one time in my life.”</p> - -<p class='c007'>“What would you be willing to do in order to -get that much within the next two months?”</p> - -<p class='c007'>“Without stealin’ it, do you mean, sir?”</p> - -<p class='c007'>“It isn’t likely I’d ask you to turn thief; but if -this craft never reached Manila there might be more -than that in your pocket.”</p> - -<p class='c007'><span class='pageno' id='Page_23'>23</span>“Do you mean to wreck her?” Mr. Stout cried as -if in alarm.</p> - -<p class='c007'>“Hush! Don’t make such talk so loud that everybody -on board can hear you.”</p> - -<p class='c007'>“It strikes me there are worse things than stealing,” -the mate said slowly.</p> - -<p class='c007'>“But this isn’t one of them. The brig is insured -way up on what ain’t in the hold, and suppose she -founders off the Florida Keys, who is going to be -any the wiser? There’s no need that even the men -should know, providing you and I work together, -and we can take to the boats without a smell of -danger.”</p> - -<p class='c007'>“It is a clear case of cheating somebody, even -though we don’t risk the lives of the crew.”</p> - -<p class='c007'>“Nonsense! Every cent will come from the rich -insurance companies, and you can’t say that is -wronging any one in particular. What would be -the difference to a stock company which rolls up -thousands of dollars in profits every year, if they -had to pay an extra risk or two? It’s such a chance -for us as a man seldom gets in this world, and we’ll -take it if you say the word.”</p> - -<p class='c007'>There was quite a long interval of silence, and -then Ned heard Mr. Stout ask:</p> - -<p class='c007'>“Have you made your preparations for scuttling -her?”</p> - -<p class='c007'><span class='pageno' id='Page_24'>24</span>“No, there wasn’t need of that until you and I -had come to an understanding; and even then we -don’t want to do anything until we’re off the Keys -where there’ll be no very great tumbling around in -the boats.”</p> - -<p class='c007'>“How is it to be done?”</p> - -<p class='c007'>“We’ll scuttle her from the stern. I’ve seen to -it the cargo was stowed in such a manner that we -can get down to her skin without any trouble. It -might be a slight explosion in the forward hold—not -enough to do any damage, but sufficient to start -the men into a panic—would work to our advantage.”</p> - -<p class='c007'>“I don’t like it,” the chief mate said in the tone -of one who is willing to be convinced; “but there’s -a pleasant ring to a thousand dollars.”</p> - -<p class='c007'>“Of course there is, and your share will be even -more than that.”</p> - -<p class='c007'>“It isn’t so easy to scuttle a craft as one might -think, and when the job was done if some of the -crew should happen to be suspicious, we’d stand a -good chance of takin’ a trip to prison.”</p> - -<p class='c007'>“If anything like that should happen at the last -minute it would be unlucky for the man who saw -us, or thought we were up to mischief. He -shouldn’t leave this craft alive. I’d rather send the -whole crew to the bottom than run a risk of being -<span class='pageno' id='Page_25'>25</span>caught at such a job. But take another drink -Stout, an’ think over this matter till morning. -There’s plenty of time to discuss it, for we’ve got at -least four days before us, if not a week.”</p> - -<p class='c007'>Then the conversation ceased as the captain left -the pantry, and Ned heard the mate, who had remained -behind an instant, mutter to himself:</p> - -<p class='c007'>“I knew the old man was up to something, or he -wouldn’t have been so sweet for the last twenty-four -hours. It’s a big scheme he’s got, an’ I don’t -see why it couldn’t be worked without trouble. A -thousand dollars is a pile of money to a man who -never had any more than I’ve got.”</p> - -<p class='c007'>This was sufficient to show Ned that the chief -officer would not hesitate to assist in wrecking the -brig, provided it could be done without taking too -big a risk, and the boy began to wonder what -would become of him if the crime was finally -committed.</p> - -<p class='c007'>The captain had said that if any one on board had -a suspicion the brig was deliberately scuttled, such -person should never leave the craft alive.</p> - -<p class='c007'>Now Ned was in the possession of the secret, and -in case the captain discovered that his words could -be heard so plainly from one apartment to the -other, it was only reasonable to suppose he would -carry his threat into execution, more especially -<span class='pageno' id='Page_26'>26</span>when it was a person of so little importance as a -cabin-boy without a relative in the world.</p> - -<p class='c007'>“I don’t believe Mr. Stout would do such a thing -to me,” Ned said to himself; “but I’ll talk with -him about it the first chance I get.”</p> - -<p class='c007'>It was impossible for Ned to sleep any more -on this night, and next morning there was no -reason why the chief mate should awaken him, for -he was at work in the cabin as soon as the first gray -light of the coming dawn could be seen.</p> - -<p class='c007'>“Feelin’ better, eh?” Mr. Stout asked as he -came below while Ned was placing the dishes -on the table preparatory to serving breakfast.</p> - -<p class='c007'>“Yes, sir, an’ I’ll be able to do my work now if I -don’t get taken again.”</p> - -<p class='c007'>“There isn’t much chance of that. You’ve served -an apprenticeship, and won’t have any more trouble -this voyage.”</p> - -<p class='c007'>Then the mate went into the pantry for some of -the same liquid which had played an important -part in the conversation during the previous night, -for it is as strange as it is true that as soon as a -man contemplates villainy of almost any kind, he -invariably flies for courage and consolation to -liquor.</p> - -<p class='c007'>Ned made up his mind to speak with the mate -that very morning in reference to what he had -heard; but the opportunity was denied him.</p> - -<p class='c007'><span class='pageno' id='Page_27'>27</span>Before the first officer returned from the pantry -the captain came out of his room, and the two spent -considerable time at the forward end of the cabin -conversing in whispers.</p> - -<p class='c007'>Then breakfast was served, after which Mr. -Stout went to his apartment, and there was so much -work for the cabin-boy to do that he had not -finished when it was time to prepare for dinner.</p> - -<p class='c007'>The captain was in such a good humor during the -noon-day meal that Ned was not even reprimanded -when he tripped over a chair and spilled a portion -of a cup of coffee, and after dinner the master and -his mate went into the pantry once more.</p> - -<p class='c007'>The cabin-boy was tempted to enter his own -room in order to hear what was said, for most likely -the mate was giving an answer to the question -asked; but the risk of being detected was so great -that he did not venture on any such hazardous experiment.</p> - -<p class='c007'>No until his work in the cabin was finished did -the two emerge from their conference, and then it -was apparent that Mr. Stout had agreed to join the -captain in the commission of the crime. The master -of the Evening Star was evidently on the best of -terms with his mate, and the two showed very -plainly that they had a secret in common.</p> - -<p class='c007'>“If I don’t talk with Mr. Stout pretty soon he’ll -<span class='pageno' id='Page_28'>28</span>be jest as bad as the captain,” Ned said to himself -as he noted the change which had come over the -mate during the past few hours. “I’ll watch my -chance to-night after the old man has turned in, for -if this thing is to be done inside of a week the best -way is to get ready for the worst right soon.”</p> - -<p class='c007'>The captain did not interfere with the new boy -on this day, and had it not been for the short but -sharp experience before putting to sea, Ned would -have believed he was sailing under one of the most -amiable men to be found in the world.</p> - -<p class='c007'>When night came the cabin-boy finished his tasks -as quickly as possible and then went on deck, where -he remained by the rail amidships until after the -first officer had had another interview with the -captain in the pantry.</p> - -<p class='c007'>“What are you doing out here?” Mr. Stout asked -as he came on deck, and since he knew the officer -was willing to commit a crime, Ned fancied his -voice had lost that cheery ring which pleased him -so much when he first heard it. “Ain’t gettin’ -homesick, are you?”</p> - -<p class='c007'>“How can a feller feel like that when he hasn’t -got any home to go to?” Ned asked with a mirthless -laugh. “All the same, I wish I was on shore.”</p> - -<p class='c007'>“Why? You seem to be gettin’ along well -enough here.”</p> - -<p class='c007'><span class='pageno' id='Page_29'>29</span>“I am so far as the work goes; but there’s more -that’s worryin’ me.”</p> - -<p class='c007'>“What is it, lad? You’re too young to have -very big troubles.”</p> - -<p class='c007'>“If you’d promise me somethin’ I’d feel a good -deal better.”</p> - -<p class='c007'>“Then out with it, for a boy like you don’t want -to keep anything very serious on his mind too long -at a time.”</p> - -<p class='c007'>Ned looked around to make certain there was no -one in the immediate vicinity who could overhear -him, and whispered:</p> - -<p class='c007'>“Will you promise that I shan’t be left behind -when you sink the brig?”</p> - -<p class='c007'>Mr. Stout started as if having received a heavy -blow from a weapon, and an instant later grasped -Ned by the arm with sufficient force to cause considerable -pain, as he asked in a hoarse whisper:</p> - -<p class='c007'>“What do you mean by that, lad? Where did -you learn anything of the kind?”</p> - -<p class='c007'>“You was talkin’ in the pantry, an’ I could hear -every word while I was sick in my room.”</p> - -<p class='c007'>“Come here! Let’s find out jest how easy that -can be done,” and in his excitement the chief mate -dragged Ned roughly into the pantry. “Now you -speak here, while I go where you was.”</p> - -<p class='c007'>An instant later the boy heard him say from the -opposite side of the partition:</p> - -<p class='c007'><span class='pageno' id='Page_30'>30</span>“Now go ahead, an’ talk low.”</p> - -<p class='c007'>“You can hear me if I whisper,” Ned replied, -suiting the action to the words.</p> - -<p class='c007'>An exclamation of surprise and dismay told that -the mate was convinced of the truth of the story -related by Ned.</p> - -<p class='c007'>Coming into the pantry once more he said sternly:</p> - -<p class='c007'>“Now I want you to go over everything you -heard us say! Don’t skip a single word more’n -you can help, for this is gettin’ to be a serious -matter.”</p> - -<p class='c007'>Wondering why Mr. Stout should have allowed -himself to become so excited, the boy obeyed, saying -in conclusion:</p> - -<p class='c007'>“You won’t let the captain leave me behind, will -you, Mr. Stout? You know he threatened that was -what he’d do to any one who had a suspicion the -brig was sunk by him, an’ I’m afraid he may find -out I could hear all you said.”</p> - -<p class='c007'>The mate looked at the boy very oddly for a few -seconds, and then replied in a voice which trembled -despite all his efforts to make it sound firm:</p> - -<p class='c007'>“I’ll see you’re not left here in case she is scuttled; -but I reckon the best thing we can do now -will be to give up that job, since there’s another -besides ourselves who knows about it.”</p> - -<p class='c007'><span class='pageno' id='Page_31'>31</span>“Who do you mean?”</p> - -<p class='c007'>“You, of course,” and the mate spoke as if in a -rage.</p> - -<p class='c007'>“But you know I wouldn’t tell.”</p> - -<p class='c007'>“No, we must take good care of that,” and to -steady his shaken nerves the mate had recourse to -the liquor bottle, pouring out for himself a dram -which very nearly filled the glass.</p> - -<p class='c007'>“You see I thought it was best to speak to you -about it the first chance for if it is to be done so -soon I might wait too long,” Ned continued, little -fancying what thoughts were in the mate’s mind.</p> - -<p class='c007'>“That is right, lad. I’m glad you did, an’ now -we’d better go on deck. See to it that you don’t -stay up too late to-night, for you must be on hand -bright an’ early in the mornin’ to have things ready -for breakfast.”</p> - -<p class='c007'>“I’m goin’ to my room now. I only went on -deck to speak with you.”</p> - -<p class='c007'>“All right; but be sure you don’t get to talkin’ -with anybody else about what you heard, or there -might come a row which wouldn’t be pleasant.”</p> - -<p class='c007'>“There’s no danger of that,” Ned replied cheerily, -perfectly contented in mind since having spoken -on the subject to the man whom he felt certain was -his friend.</p> - -<p class='c007'>Mr. Stout was so attentive as to go with the boy -<span class='pageno' id='Page_32'>32</span>to the door of his room, and when Ned was inside, -the mate turned the key without the knowledge of -the young occupant.</p> - -<p class='c007'>Then Mr. Stout visited the pantry once more, -poured out another glass of liquor for the purpose -of steadying his nerves, and muttered to himself as -he went on deck:</p> - -<p class='c007'>“The skipper must hear of this before morning. -It won’t do to let that kid run around the craft with -such a secret as he has got; but the question is how -we can put him out of the way?”</p> - -<div class='chapter'> - <span class='pageno' id='Page_33'>33</span> - <h2 id='III' class='c005'>CHAPTER III.<br /> <span class='small'>THE PLOT.</span></h2> -</div> - -<p class='c006'>Meanwhile Ned was positive that everything had -been arranged satisfactorily.</p> - -<p class='c007'>It never came into his mind that Mr. Stout might -think it in the highest degree unsafe for a boy to be -possessed of a secret which could send him and the -captain to prison for a long term. His only idea -was that in case the brig was scuttled he would be -in no danger, and this was sufficient for the time -being.</p> - -<p class='c007'>There was no occasion for him to leave his room, -therefore he had no intimation he had been made a -prisoner, and lay down to sleep with not a care on -his mind, save, possibly, whether he should succeed -in pleasing the captain as well on the following day -as during the one just passed.</p> - -<p class='c007'>Matters would have worn a very different complexion -to him had it been possible to have overheard -the conversation which Mr. Stout had with -the captain in the latter’s room about midnight, -when the second mate went on deck.</p> - -<p class='c007'><span class='pageno' id='Page_34'>34</span>The master of the Evening Star was wrapped in -a slumber superinduced by frequent draughts from -the liquor bottle, and his chief officer had some difficulty -in awakening him.</p> - -<p class='c007'>“What’s the matter?” he cried in alarm when -finally it was possible for the visitor to make his -presence known. “Anything wrong?”</p> - -<p class='c007'>“Not with the brig; but there’s some one aboard -who must be attended to mighty quick if you count -on carrying out the plan we spoke about the other -night.”</p> - -<p class='c007'>“What do you mean?”</p> - -<p class='c007'>“There was a listener while we were talkin’ in -the pantry.”</p> - -<p class='c007'>“Who?” and now fear caused the captain to be -very wide awake.</p> - -<p class='c007'>“The boy. He can hear even a whisper from the -pantry while lying in his berth. I tried the experiment -a little while ago, an’ know that not a -word could have escaped him.”</p> - -<p class='c007'>“And he heard what I said?”</p> - -<p class='c007'>“That’s the size of it. He came to ask me not to -leave him behind when the brig was scuttled, an’ -you can fancy what a turn it gave me. He didn’t -seem to think it anything out of the way to tell the -whole story, an’ I’ve taken the precaution of lockin’ -him in his room.”</p> - -<p class='c007'><span class='pageno' id='Page_35'>35</span>“That was right. He must fall overboard before -daylight, or we shall stand a good chance of going -to jail if we ever show up on shore again.”</p> - -<p class='c007'>“Now don’t talk foolishness,” Stout replied impatiently. -“In the first place, I won’t have murder -committed; it’s bad enough to scuttle a vessel. -Then, again, it couldn’t be done without some of the -crew knowing about it, and even if they simply had -suspicions the loss of the brig immediately after -the boy was silenced would show up the whole -matter.”</p> - -<p class='c007'>“But what shall we do?”</p> - -<p class='c007'>“That’s what I don’t know. All I can say is -as to what mustn’t be done an’ leave you to figger -out the rest.”</p> - -<p class='c007'>The captain was silent for fully a minute, and then -said abruptly:</p> - -<p class='c007'>“I wish you’d bring the bottle in here; I need -something to clear my head a bit.”</p> - -<p class='c007'>Mr. Stout obeyed at once, and when he returned -the master of the brig had seen a way out of what -promised to be a very serious difficulty.</p> - -<p class='c007'>“We’ll soon settle him, and I’ll answer for it that -the crew will be glad enough to help us.”</p> - -<p class='c007'>“What is the scheme?”</p> - -<p class='c007'>“Keep him a close prisoner from now out. Say -that we have discovered he has some contagious -disease——”</p> - -<p class='c007'><span class='pageno' id='Page_36'>36</span>“But anybody with half an eye can see he’s well -and hearty.”</p> - -<p class='c007'>“There are plenty of things which can be hatched -up. Say leprosy; that will startle every man jack, -I’ll go bail.”</p> - -<p class='c007'>“Then what? We can’t leave him on board when -the brig goes down.”</p> - -<p class='c007'>“How thick-headed you are to-night, Stout! -Take a drink to brighten you up. Suppose the men -believe he’s a leper? The result will be that they’ll -insist on our setting him ashore, as we should do -in case he was really afflicted with the disease. We -can land him on some small key, and the matter -will be settled.”</p> - -<p class='c007'>“But he’ll talk all the same when he gets back.”</p> - -<p class='c007'>“If he ever does.”</p> - -<p class='c007'>“Then it is really murder you are thinking of!”</p> - -<p class='c007'>“Not a bit of it! We’ll simply maroon him, with -plenty of grub, and trust to chance for the rest. -We’ll make Spider Key for the first land, and once -he is there I’ll guarantee he stays.”</p> - -<p class='c007'>“But I don’t fancy the idea of such a thing as -that,” Mr. Stout replied thoughtfully. “It is different, -this scuttlin’ a vessel for the purpose of -doin’ the insurance companies, while to maroon a -boy is very much the same as puttin’ a knife into -him, and perhaps more cruel.”</p> - -<p class='c007'><span class='pageno' id='Page_37'>37</span>“Look here, Stout, it is too late for you to be -squeamish. He has heard the plan and knows you -agreed to it. Once his story has been told on shore, -even if we back out now and put the brig into -port, the cargo can be examined, and it’s good-by -for you and I. Death wouldn’t be half so bad in -my eyes as ten or fifteen years in jail, and that’ll be -the size of it if he’s allowed to run around with our -secret.”</p> - -<p class='c007'>“I s’pose you’re right,” the mate replied with a -sigh; “but it’s mighty tough for the poor little -fellow, all the same.”</p> - -<p class='c007'>“Not so much so as it would be for us. I’ll see -to it that he has enough in the way of grub and -weapons to keep him going for a year, and at the -end of that time it won’t do much harm if he should -tell the yarn.”</p> - -<p class='c007'>One would have said from the expression on the -captain’s face that he felt certain Ned would not be -alive at the end of a year; but the mate was willing -to soothe his conscience with the thought that he -might find some means of escaping from the key, -and thus the matter was settled.</p> - -<p class='c007'>It only remained to decide upon the room which -should answer for Ned’s prison until he could be -sent ashore, and Mr. Stout said:</p> - -<p class='c007'>“I reckon we may as well leave him where he is, -eh?”</p> - -<p class='c007'><span class='pageno' id='Page_38'>38</span>“By no manner of means. Didn’t you say he -could hear all that was said in the pantry?”</p> - -<p class='c007'>“Yes; but what of that? We needn’t go there -to talk any more.”</p> - -<p class='c007'>“You’re still thick-headed, Stout. If he can hear -so plainly, what’s to prevent him from chinning -with some of the crew or the steward? It’s a -chance we mustn’t take, for if we give out that he’s -a leper and he manages to tell one of them that he -was never away from the State of Maine in his life, -there would likely be a very big question as to the -truth of our statement.”</p> - -<p class='c007'>“Then the only vacant room is the one next to -mine.”</p> - -<p class='c007'>“Exactly. We’ll put him there and leave the -crew to say what shall be done with him. I’m ’way -off my reckoning if they don’t insist on his going -ashore the first chance. When that has been done -we’ll make a big show of burning the bedding, and -the thing is over.”</p> - -<p class='c007'>“Very well, sir, I shall have to give in that you -can handle this matter better than I. Now, if you’ll -take care of the balance of the job it’ll be a big -weight off my mind. I couldn’t face that boy, -knowin’ what we’re goin’ to do, without standin’ a -chance of givin’ the whole snap away.”</p> - -<p class='c007'>“Leave it to me; I’ll attend to everything, and -<span class='pageno' id='Page_39'>39</span>you shan’t see him again till the day we take him -on shore.”</p> - -<p class='c007'>Mr. Stout went to his own room after this -promise; but it is safe to say that his sleep was -neither sweet nor refreshing.</p> - -<p class='c007'>Two hours later Ned was awakened by a heavy -hand laid on his shoulder, and as he raised his head -the captain’s voice was heard.</p> - -<p class='c007'>“I want you to shift rooms, lad. The carpenter -is going to make some changes here, and you’ll lose -the best part of the night’s rest if you try to stay.”</p> - -<p class='c007'>The words were spoken in the most friendly of -tones, and Ned, wondering not a little why it was -the master of the Evening Star had suddenly grown -so kind, hastily dressed himself.</p> - -<p class='c007'>Captain Bragg stood in the doorway until he -was ready, and then led him to the room adjoining -the chief mate’s, saying as he opened the door:</p> - -<p class='c007'>“It ain’t a bad swap for you to make, my son. -We keep this for passengers because it is so big, and -don’t usually count on givin’ it up to one of the -crew; but it seems necessary in this case. You -needn’t try to turn out early in the mornin’; I -shan’t have a regular meal served till the repairs -are made, so lay in bed as long as you please.”</p> - -<p class='c007'>Then the captain closed the door, locking it so -gently that the turning of the key could not be -<span class='pageno' id='Page_40'>40</span>heard, and Ned undressed himself again in a perfect -maze of bewilderment.</p> - -<p class='c007'>The captain’s excessive kindness caused wonderment -not unmixed with fear, for he remembered -what Mr. Stout had said the day previous when the -gentleman was so affable.</p> - -<p class='c007'>“There’s no need for me to fuss about it,” he said -after trying in vain to fancy some good reason for -this almost affectionate manner. “Of course he -don’t want me to do anything for him, else he’d -asked with his fist. Perhaps he’s been drinkin’ too -much, an’ I’d better turn out the same time as -usual.”</p> - -<p class='c007'>This last supposition seemed the most reasonable, -and, believing he had hit upon the true cause for -the change of demeanor, he devoted his entire -attention to sleep.</p> - -<p class='c007'>At what time Ned awakened next morning he -was unable to say; but it seemed quite late when -he opened his eyes, and jumping quickly from the -berth, began to dress hurriedly as he muttered to -himself:</p> - -<p class='c007'>“I reckon I shall have to walk mighty straight -this morning, for the captain will be crosser than a -bear.”</p> - -<p class='c007'>After making a hurried toilet he attempted to go -into the saloon, and, to his great surprise, found the -door was locked.</p> - -<p class='c007'><span class='pageno' id='Page_41'>41</span>It did not seem possible at first that such could -be the case; but after trying in vain for several -moments to open it, he was forced to admit he was -a prisoner.</p> - -<p class='c007'>“Some one has turned the key, not knowing I was -in here,” he thought, and then began to pound on -the door in order to attract attention.</p> - -<p class='c007'>It was not necessary to do this many seconds before -succeeding in his purpose, and he heard the -captain’s voice from the outside:</p> - -<p class='c007'>“If you don’t keep quiet I’ll break every bone in -your body!” came in low, but angry tones.</p> - -<p class='c007'>“But the door has got locked somehow.”</p> - -<p class='c007'>“I did that myself. You’ll stay where you are -till I make up my mind what shall be done with -you.”</p> - -<p class='c007'>“But why am I kept here?”</p> - -<p class='c007'>“You’ll find out soon enough. Behave yourself, -and there’ll be no harm done; but if I hear so much -as a single yip, you’ll know what the cat tastes -like.”</p> - -<p class='c007'>Then all was silent once more, and Ned literally -staggered back to the bunk, trying in vain to -understand the meaning of this very strange performance.</p> - -<p class='c007'>He could think of nothing he had done or -neglected to do which would warrant such treatment, -<span class='pageno' id='Page_42'>42</span>and after studying over the perplexing -matter until his head swam, he lay down again.</p> - -<p class='c007'>An hour later the door of his room was opened, -and the captain entered, bringing a supply of food.</p> - -<p class='c007'>“Here’s enough to eat and drink till morning,” -he said gruffly as he placed the tray on a locker. -“Take hold and enjoy yourself as much as you can, -for this terrible thing isn’t any fault of yours.”</p> - -<p class='c007'>“What do you mean?” Ned cried. “What have -I done?”</p> - -<p class='c007'>“Nothing, lad; but the men are not willing to -have you around.”</p> - -<p class='c007'>“The men!” Ned repeated in bewilderment. -“What can they have against me?”</p> - -<p class='c007'>“They’re afraid of catching the disease, and I -can’t say I blame them.”</p> - -<p class='c007'>“But I ain’t sick.”</p> - -<p class='c007'>“Do you mean to tell me you didn’t know you -had the leprosy?” and the captain now appeared to -be thoroughly surprised.</p> - -<p class='c007'>“Have I?” and Ned in turn evinced astonishment.</p> - -<p class='c007'>“There’s no question about it. If I had noticed -you more carefully the day you came on board, I -should have known what the trouble was. Now it -will be necessary to stay here quietly until we can -set you ashore where there’s a hospital, for you -need immediate care.”</p> - -<p class='c007'><span class='pageno' id='Page_43'>43</span>Ned was so bewildered that he did not question -the man further; but threw himself on the bunk -once more, entirely at a loss to understand anything -in regard to the matter, save that the crew had suddenly -grown afraid of him.</p> - -<p class='c007'>“You must keep very quiet,” the captain continued. -“Don’t exert yourself by moving around, -and I will see you have everything that’s needed -until we put you on shore, which will be by to-morrow, -or the next day at the latest.”</p> - -<p class='c007'>Then the master of the Evening Star left the -room, locking the door behind him, and Ned tried in -vain to realize his position.</p> - -<p class='c007'>After a time he remembered that he had not -asked the captain what leprosy was, and examined -his face in the glass to see such evidences of sickness -as would warrant people in being afraid of him.</p> - -<p class='c007'>His skin seemed of a healthy color, and he asked -himself if he felt ill in any way; but without receiving -a satisfactory answer.</p> - -<p class='c007'>“I can’t make out that I’m different from what I -always was; but there must be something wrong, -or the captain wouldn’t act so awful good.”</p> - -<p class='c007'>Since he was not sensible of being an invalid, and -had a very clear idea he felt hungry, there appeared -to be no good reason why he should not partake of -the plentiful supply of food which had been -brought.</p> - -<p class='c007'><span class='pageno' id='Page_44'>44</span>He made a hearty meal, and then lay down again -as he muttered to himself:</p> - -<p class='c007'>“All I can say is that it ain’t very bad to be sick -with leprosy, for I feel first class, an’ oughter be -willin’ to stay here a long while if they feed me up -in this shape.”</p> - -<p class='c007'>During the day he slept considerable, but during -the night was more wakeful. Now and then it was -possible to hear the hum of voices from the cabin; -but he could not distinguish the words, and, from -the “heel” of the vessel, knew she was reeling off -the knots in fine shape.</p> - -<p class='c007'>When another day dawned and the rays of the -sun, coming through the port-hole, lighted up the -tiny apartment, he expected to see the captain with -a second supply of food; but the hours passed on, -and his door remained locked.</p> - -<p class='c007'>Then came the thought that perhaps they were -making preparations to scuttle the vessel, and he -would be left behind to drown.</p> - -<p class='c007'>The chance of this seemed so great that he had -made up his mind to pound on the door in order to -attract attention, despite the threats of the captain, -when that gentleman entered.</p> - -<p class='c007'>“Well, my lad,” he began in a cheery tone, “I -am glad for you that it won’t be necessary to stay -here many minutes longer.”</p> - -<p class='c007'><span class='pageno' id='Page_45'>45</span>“Have you found out that there is nothing the -matter with me?” Ned cried eagerly.</p> - -<p class='c007'>“I wish I had; but there’s no such good luck as -that. We are off Spider Key now; the brig will -soon be hove-to, and you are to go ashore. I’m -sorry we couldn’t fetch up on the other side of the -island where the village is, but, under the circumstances, -you won’t mind walking a couple of miles. -We shall give you enough so there’ll be no chance -of wanting anything, even though you should stay -here a year, and when it comes right down to facts, -you’ll be better off than if you remained on board.”</p> - -<p class='c007'>“Will I have any trouble in findin’ the village?”</p> - -<p class='c007'>“Not a bit. Walk straight across till you come -to it.”</p> - -<p class='c007'>Ned was satisfied. He had had so many hard rubs -in his life that this being set ashore did not surprise -him, and the fact that he would have enough to -keep him for a year seemed like a wonderful show -of generosity on the captain’s part.</p> - -<p class='c007'>Just then the tramp of feet overhead, mingled -with cries of command, told that the brig was coming -up into the wind.</p> - -<p class='c007'>Captain Bragg went to the companion-way a mo—and -then returned with Mr. Stout.</p> - -<p class='c007'>“Are you going ashore with me?” Ned asked in -glad surprise.</p> - -<p class='c007'><span class='pageno' id='Page_46'>46</span>“Yes: the men backed out from the job, an’ since -somebody must do it, I allowed you’d rather it -would be me.”</p> - -<p class='c007'>“Indeed I had,” Ned replied, and if he entertained -any suspicions previously, they were dispelled now -the one man on board whom he considered a friend -was to accompany him as far as the shore.</p> - -<p class='c007'>The captain enveloped the boy in a rubber coat -which partially hid his face, saying as he did so:</p> - -<p class='c007'>“You should be careful about taking cold. There’s -a damp wind comes off the water, and it’s best to -keep your face well covered until you are in the -hospital.”</p> - -<p class='c007'>Ned, now firmly convinced that the master of the -Evening Star was his very good friend, obeyed -orders to the letter, and Mr. Stout led him on deck.</p> - -<p class='c007'>The brig was hove-to off a low-lying, sandy island -about half a mile away, and a more desolate-looking -place could not well be imagined.</p> - -<p class='c007'>Far down on the opposite shore was something -dark which might be a clump of trees, otherwise -there was not so much as a blade of grass in the -way of vegetation.</p> - -<p class='c007'>The boat was alongside, and, standing well forward, -as if afraid of having the leper pass them, -were the crew, looking very much disturbed.</p> - -<p class='c007'>“You can see how frightened they are of you,” -<span class='pageno' id='Page_47'>47</span>Mr. Stout said in a low tone. “It was all the -captain an’ I could do to prevent them from setting -you adrift in one of the boats.”</p> - -<p class='c007'>“How funny it is that they should have got -scared when I look the same’s I ever did.”</p> - -<p class='c007'>“But you don’t, my lad. There’s a big change -in your appearance since you come aboard.”</p> - -<p class='c007'>“I feel jest the same, anyway.”</p> - -<p class='c007'>“Yes, folks with that disease always do; but -come on, we must get to the island as quick as we -can, or the brig may go on without me.”</p> - -<p class='c007'>“I wish you was goin’ to stay ashore too.”</p> - -<p class='c007'>Ned was clambering over the rail as he said this, -consequently did not see an expression of what was -very like fear which passed over the mate’s face, -and it seemed impossible for him to make any reply.</p> - -<p class='c007'>On stepping into the boat Ned noticed a number -of packages in sail-cloth, and asked what they were.</p> - -<p class='c007'>“Provisions an’ sich like as you may need while -stoppin’ here. The captain tells me he has given -you a first-class outfit, large enough to keep you -like a prince for a year.”</p> - -<p class='c007'>While speaking Mr. Stout had begun to row toward -the shore, and when they were so far from the -brig that his words could not be overheard by -the captain, who was watching them from the quarter-deck, -<span class='pageno' id='Page_48'>48</span>he said as he motioned with his foot toward -a small bundle which lay under the stern-sheets:</p> - -<p class='c007'>“I found a lot of fish-lines, a pocket knife, an’ a -quantity of matches in my room this mornin,’ so I -put ’em aboard thinkin’ they might come in handy -for you.”</p> - -<p class='c007'>“What would I want with such things if I’m -goin’ to the hospital?” Ned asked in surprise.</p> - -<p class='c007'>“Is that where you’re bound for?” the mate inquired, -and now it was his turn to show astonishment.</p> - -<p class='c007'>“Of course. Didn’t the captain tell you?”</p> - -<p class='c007'>“I ain’t certain as he did. I’ve been pretty busy -on deck since you was taken sick, an’ haven’t had -much chance to talk with him.”</p> - -<p class='c007'>“But I haven’t been taken sick. Captain Bragg -says I’ve got leprosy; but that’s all.”</p> - -<p class='c007'>Mr. Stout acted very much as if he did not care -to prolong the conversation.</p> - -<p class='c007'>He rowed as rapidly as possible with his head -half-turned, as if to avoid looking the boy in the -face, and pretended not to hear when Ned asked -relative to the location of the village.</p> - -<p class='c007'>When the bow of the boat grated on the sand he -leaped ashore and began pulling out the packages -with feverish haste, while Ned, throwing off the -rubber coat because of the heat, leisurely stepped -on the land.</p> - -<div class='figcenter id001'> -<img src='images/i-052.jpg' alt='' class='ig001' /> -<div class='ic001'> -<p><span class='sc'>Ned Watches the Mate Row Back to the Ship</span>.—Page <a href='#Page_49'>49</a>.</p> -</div> -</div> - -<p class='c007'><span class='pageno' id='Page_49'>49</span>In a very few seconds Mr. Stout was ready to return -to the brig, and stopped as if to shake hands -with Ned; but evidently changed his mind, for instead -of so doing he leaped in the craft.</p> - -<p class='c007'>“Perhaps I’ll see you when we come back,” he -cried, and then pulled at the oars with all his -strength, keeping his eyes fixed on the bottom of -the boat to shut out from view the boy who stood -at the very edge of the water, gazing after the man -whom he believed to be his friend.</p> - -<div class='chapter'> - <span class='pageno' id='Page_50'>50</span> - <h2 id='IV' class='c005'>CHAPTER IV.<br /> <span class='small'>MAROONED.</span></h2> -</div> - -<p class='c006'>Ned remained exactly as Mr. Stout had left him -until the little craft was alongside the brig, hoisted -on board, and the Evening Star, swinging around -into the wind, was standing off on her course once -more.</p> - -<p class='c007'>During all this time the mate had not, so far as -he could tell, looked at him for a single instant, and -this apparent lack of sympathy puzzled Ned.</p> - -<p class='c007'>“I don’t see what makes him so queer,” he said -to himself as he watched the vessel rapidly drawing -away from the tiny island upon which he had been -landed. “The captain seemed kind enough while I -was locked in the state-room; but neither he nor -the mate acted as if they felt bad because I had to -go away.”</p> - -<p class='c007'>Then once more he wondered what leprosy was, -which necessitated his leaving the brig so suddenly, -and to neither of these mental questions could he -give a satisfactory reply.</p> - -<p class='c007'>The packages which had been brought ashore were -<span class='pageno' id='Page_51'>51</span>too numerous to admit of his carrying them at one -load, and he decided to leave everything, except the -articles given him by the mate, on the beach until -he could locate the village.</p> - -<p class='c007'>The fishing-lines, knife, and matches he put in his -pockets, covered the other goods with the rubber -coat, and when the Evening Star had faded away -in the distance to a mere smudge on the horizon, -he set out in search of the inhabitants of the -island.</p> - -<p class='c007'>It was about noon when he came ashore, and -since then fully two hours had been spent watching -the brig.</p> - -<p class='c007'>The heat seemed intense, and the glare of the -sun on the white sands nearly blinded him.</p> - -<p class='c007'>“There’s no use standing here any longer,” he -said aloud after one more glance at the faint shadow -which marked the brig’s position. “If I don’t start -it’ll soon be dark, an’ then there <i>would</i> be trouble, -for a fellow can’t find his way around a strange -island very well when it’s impossible to see anything. -It seems kinder queer that I was so sick it -wasn’t safe for me to stay aboard the Evening Star, -an’ yet the captain thought it was all right for me -to walk a couple of miles when it’s hot enough to -melt the boots off a fellow’s feet!”</p> - -<p class='c007'>Then, with his eyes fixed on what appeared to -<span class='pageno' id='Page_52'>52</span>be a clump of trees, in order that he might be certain -of traveling in a direct course, Ned set out, -trudging along resolutely, regardless of the heat, -which brought the perspiration from his face in tiny -streams.</p> - -<p class='c007'>The hard lessons of life which Ned had already -received stood him in good stead now. Without -them he might have weakened before this, the first -of many troubles yet to come; but he had known a -number of instances where a good deal more labor -than that of walking two miles had been required -of him, with no prospect of a reward when the task -was finished, and the question of fatigue hardly -entered his thoughts.</p> - -<p class='c007'>He believed he should soon arrive at a village -where he would be hospitably received as soon as -he informed the inhabitants that he had been set -ashore because of suffering from leprosy, therefore -the thought of what he would soon enjoy -served to pass the time more rapidly.</p> - -<p class='c007'>After half an hour’s steady walking he saw -that the point toward which he had been making -his way was indeed a clump of trees.</p> - -<p class='c007'>The grove was situated at the head of a small -bay which made in on the western side of the -island, and here the vegetation was almost luxuriant.</p> - -<p class='c007'><span class='pageno' id='Page_53'>53</span>Trees covered an extent of land fully half a -mile square, and sloping down from the higher portions -of the island to the water’s edge were bushes -and small plants in profusion.</p> - -<p class='c007'>To a fellow who wanted to “camp out” where -he would be free from intrusion, it was a beautiful -place; but to one in Ned’s situation, who hoped to -see houses as a sort of guarantee that he might find -something to eat, it was not cheering.</p> - -<p class='c007'>“I reckon the village is on the other side of the -grove,” he said to himself. “If I’d known where -to look for it in the first place I might have saved -quite a long walk.”</p> - -<p class='c007'>He was beginning to grow tired, and the heat -had caused such a thirst that water seemed an -absolute necessity.</p> - -<p class='c007'>Fortunately he was not forced to travel very -much further without a plentiful supply of this -most precious liquid.</p> - -<p class='c007'>After passing about half-way through the grove, -he came upon a small natural spring which apparently -gushed out of the coral rock, and here he -made a long halt, satisfying his thirst gradually because -of the intense pleasure of drinking when his -tongue was so parched.</p> - -<p class='c007'>The thing which struck him as most strange was -the fact that during all his travels he had not seen -a sign of human beings.</p> - -<p class='c007'><span class='pageno' id='Page_54'>54</span>From what he had noticed of the island while on -the brig, it did not appear to be very large, and he -failed to understand how it could be populated and -this portion so completely deserted.</p> - -<p class='c007'>“I mustn’t sit here thinkin’ about it,” he muttered, -rising to his feet. “It’ll be night before I -strike the hospital if I don’t keep moving.”</p> - -<p class='c007'>Straight through the grove he went, then on the -other side within sight of the water, but seeing no -signs of life, save when the birds swooped down -past him as if trying to find out what sort of -creature this was who had come among them so -suddenly.</p> - -<p class='c007'>He quickened his pace, and continued on with -grim determination until the sun sank behind the -waste of waters, and the shadows of night were -gathering more rapidly than he had ever seen them -before.</p> - -<p class='c007'>“I have surely walked three miles an hour,” he -said to himself, “and if it was two o’clock when I -started, I’ve got over not less than twelve miles. -Say it was three across from where I landed to the -grove, and that makes nine I’ve footed it around -the shore with——”</p> - -<p class='c007'>He ceased speaking very suddenly, and stood -silent and motionless staring in front of him on the -sand near the water’s edge.</p> - -<p class='c007'><span class='pageno' id='Page_55'>55</span>He had returned to the very place where Mr. -Stout put him ashore, for here were the packages -just as he had left them.</p> - -<p class='c007'>During at least five minutes he remained like a -statue gazing at the inanimate objects as if expecting -they would give him some solution to what was -a perplexing riddle, and then like a flash of light -the truth came into his mind.</p> - -<p class='c007'>“What a fool I have been not to understand the -whole thing before!” he exclaimed. “When I told -what I had heard from the pantry, the mate went -to the captain, and the two decided that it wouldn’t -be safe to let me go among the men, for fear I -might give away the secret. The idea of my bein’ -sick was cooked up, I was kept in the state-room so -none of the crew could see me, an’ landed on the -first desolate island the brig came to. There’s no -show of people livin’ here, for I’ve followed the -water around, and nearly all the time could see -half-way across, so that part of the business is -settled. Now I’m to stay here till I die so’s I can’t -tell about their wreckin’ the brig.”</p> - -<p class='c007'>There was only one thing that prevented Ned -from giving way to the despair and grief which -came into his heart with the knowledge of the cruel -deed of which he was the victim, and that was the -certainty the Evening Star would soon be scuttled.</p> - -<p class='c007'><span class='pageno' id='Page_56'>56</span>“Perhaps I’m lucky in only bein’ set ashore here. -They might have kept me on board till the last -minute, an’ then left me to go down with the -vessel.”</p> - -<p class='c007'>Boy though he was, Ned understood that it was -in the highest degree necessary he should retain -control of himself, and instead of indulging in useless -grief, he set about making the best of what was -a very bad plight without a single redeeming -feature.</p> - -<p class='c007'>“There’s no use in goin’ hungry, an’ I may as -well see what we’ve got here in the way of grub,” -he said to himself as he unfastened the largest -package.</p> - -<p class='c007'>A cry of anger and disappointment burst from his -lips as the contents were disclosed to view.</p> - -<p class='c007'>The square of canvas contained nothing but -oakum and bits of rope.</p> - -<p class='c007'>Feverishly he opened the others, only to find -them filled with rubbish of all kinds.</p> - -<p class='c007'>The captain had doomed him to starvation, and -the different bundles were prepared to deceive the -crew, some of whom might have been suspicious -had the poor boy been set ashore with nothing to -eat.</p> - -<p class='c007'>Captain Bragg believed death would soon close -the lips of the one who had unwittingly learned his -secret.</p> - -<p class='c007'><span class='pageno' id='Page_57'>57</span>Ned no longer tried to act the manly part.</p> - -<p class='c007'>Anger was the first sensation after the terrible -discovery that he had been sentenced to a lingering -death, and he attacked the rubbish in a frenzy, -throwing it on every side and stamping upon the -fragments like a madman.</p> - -<p class='c007'>Then came grief and despair.</p> - -<p class='c007'>Seated on the sand by the side of what he had believed -was a generous supply of provisions, he gave -way to tears, and when this fit passed it was night.</p> - -<p class='c007'>He was too tired to retrace his steps to the -grove, the only place where could be found the -semblance of a shelter, even had he been disposed -to battle against the fate which seemed to beset him -on every side.</p> - -<p class='c007'>Stretching out at full length on the sand, he pulled -the rubber coat over him, and finally fell asleep -with a partially defined hope that death might overtake -him before he could awake to consciousness.</p> - -<p class='c007'>For a boy who had just been marooned and who -neither had provisions nor the means of procuring -any, Ned Rogers slept remarkably well.</p> - -<p class='c007'>Although the sand was by no means as soft as -the hard mattress in the state-room of the Evening -Star, he did not awaken until the rays of the sun -falling across his face banished the slumber from -his eyelids.</p> - -<p class='c007'><span class='pageno' id='Page_58'>58</span>For an instant he gazed around in wonderment, -not knowing how such a change could have been -made in his surroundings, and then the full knowledge -of all that had occurred came to him once -more.</p> - -<p class='c007'>His first impulse was to cry, and then he checked -himself resolutely as he said:</p> - -<p class='c007'>“Look here, Ned, it won’t do at all. I don’t remember -that you’ve ever been in quite as hard a -scrape as this; but I’m certain you know what it is -to be hungry, and this island ain’t half as tough as -runnin’ ’round Jonesboro hearin’ the folks say you -are bound to come to some wicked end. You’re -pretty near as bad off as Robinson Crusoe, an’ yet -he come around all right.”</p> - -<p class='c007'>Then Ned regretted not having read the book -more carefully when Frank Hubbard loaned it to -him, because if he had done so he might the better -have been able to decide upon his future course.</p> - -<p class='c007'>Rising to his feet and mechanically plunging his -hands in his pockets, he became aware of the fish-lines, -and with this very pleasant remembrance -came the thought that Mr. Stout had given him -these few articles with the kindly hope that he -might prolong his life.</p> - -<p class='c007'>“Perhaps he didn’t dare to do any more while -the captain was watching. Anyway, I oughter be -<span class='pageno' id='Page_59'>59</span>able to catch some fish if I can find bait, and with -what matches I have got there won’t be much -trouble about building a fire.”</p> - -<p class='c007'>The mere fact that he knew what to do seemed to -give him no slight amount of mental relief, and he -started at a rapid pace for the tiny bay which ran -up into the grove.</p> - -<p class='c007'>“There will be fish in that place if anywhere, and -after breakfast I reckon it won’t be such a very -hard job to rig up some kind of a shanty,” he said -to himself as he walked along, keeping a sharp lookout -meanwhile over the surrounding waters in the -hope of seeing a sail.</p> - -<p class='c007'>There was not a craft of any kind in sight, and if -he had known exactly the position of Spider Key, -he would have understood that his chances of seeing -a vessel were very slight.</p> - -<p class='c007'>On arriving at the shore of the bay his first work -was to dig in the sand for worms, as he would have -done at Jonesboro; but on reaching the foundation -coral without finding other form of life than fleas, -he gave it up as a bad job.</p> - -<p class='c007'>Then he walked around the beach until he found -what looked like mussels, and breaking the shell of -one of these soon had his hook baited.</p> - -<p class='c007'>The shores of the bay were very bold, and it was -hardly necessary to use a pole in order to cast the -line into deep water.</p> - -<p class='c007'><span class='pageno' id='Page_60'>60</span>To the anxious fisherman it seemed as if the hook -had hardly reached the surface before the bait was -seized by a silvery fish, and a second later he had the -first portion of his breakfast on shore.</p> - -<p class='c007'>“With three fellers like that I’ll have all I can -eat this morning,” he said in a tone of satisfaction.</p> - -<p class='c007'>It surely seemed as if the fish of the bay were -eager to accept his invitation to breakfast, and before -one could have counted fifty he had a plentiful -supply.</p> - -<p class='c007'>The task of cooking them was more difficult than -the catching, because of his inexperience.</p> - -<p class='c007'>Instead of burying them among the ashes as -he should have done, Ned could think of no other -way than to toast the fish, by placing them on short -sticks stuck in the sand near the blaze.</p> - -<p class='c007'>This was a tedious and unsatisfactory way of -cooking, because while one portion was burning -the opposite side of the fish was growing cold; but -he succeeded after a certain fashion, and his hunger -was appeased.</p> - -<p class='c007'>There was no especial reason why he should work -very industriously, or, at least, he did not think -there was, and he seated himself within the shade of -the trees, remaining there until he fell asleep once -more.</p> - -<p class='c007'>When he awakened again it was afternoon and -time to think of getting supper.</p> - -<p class='c007'><span class='pageno' id='Page_61'>61</span>“This won’t do,” he said ruefully. “I mustn’t -go on simply eatin’ and sleepin’, otherwise when -it storms I shall be badly left. I wonder if the -queer clams I used for bait wouldn’t go well roasted? -It won’t take so long to cook them, and perhaps -I can yet make a good start on buildin’ a shanty.”</p> - -<p class='c007'>To kindle the fire and throw among the coals an -armful of mussels was not a long job, and then Ned -walked slowly through the grove to decide upon -the location of his proposed house.</p> - -<p class='c007'>He finally, after considerable discussion with -himself, concluded that it would be wisest to erect -the building within a short distance of the spring, -and near the head of the bay.</p> - -<p class='c007'>In order that he might have no difficulty in finding -the spot selected, he half broke, half cut down -a sapling, and then went back to the scene of his -culinary operations.</p> - -<p class='c007'>The mussels were well roasted; but, lacking salt, -they were not as palatable as the fish.</p> - -<p class='c007'>“These go a long way ahead of nothin’,” Ned -said grimly, “but fall mightily short of some grub -I’ve tasted in my day. After the shanty is built I -shan’t have anything to do but hunt ’round for -provisions, an’ it’ll be queer if I can’t manage to -catch one or two of these birds.”</p> - -<p class='c007'>He was rapidly getting rid of that terrible feeling -<span class='pageno' id='Page_62'>62</span>of utter desolation which had at first come upon -him, and appeared as well able as any boy could -have been to provide against want.</p> - -<p class='c007'>The remainder of the day was spent in house-building, -and a slow task it proved to be. He had -no other tool than the pocket knife, and it was not -particularly well adapted to the hewing of trees.</p> - -<p class='c007'>He contrived to lop off some of the small limbs -and break down saplings enough to make the roof -of his shanty; but before anything more could be -done night had come.</p> - -<p class='c007'>Again he slept under the rubber coat, and despite -the fact of the noon-day nap his slumber was -long and profound.</p> - -<p class='c007'>He was awake by sunrise, however, and fully -determined to have something to show for this day’s -labor.</p> - -<p class='c007'>In order to economize time he made a breakfast -of roasted mussels, and then began to work with a -will on the building.</p> - -<p class='c007'>Before the sun set again he had put up a dwelling -which pleased him very much, save as to size.</p> - -<p class='c007'>It was not more than six feet square and about -five high, but it would serve to shelter him from -the rain, although a heavy wind might level it in -short order.</p> - -<p class='c007'>To four small trees which grew at nearly equal -<span class='pageno' id='Page_63'>63</span>distance from each other he had lashed the main -timbers of the building, using creeping vines for -ropes, and placing them at as high a point as it -would be convenient to work.</p> - -<p class='c007'>Across these were tied other poles about four -inches apart, and over them were laid the broad -leaves of what appeared to be a species of banana -plant, the whole being bound down with vines.</p> - -<p class='c007'>The sides and one end of the shanty were inclosed -in leaves, and while the wind was not too boisterous -he had a very comfortable dwelling.</p> - -<p class='c007'>On this night Ned slept for the first time in his -life beneath his own roof, and there was such a sense -of satisfaction and proprietorship in the fact that -he almost forgot his desolate condition.</p> - -<p class='c007'>Next morning he was in no hurry to arise. -Having worked so hard on the previous day, it -seemed only fair he should indulge in a prolonged -resting spell.</p> - -<p class='c007'>Hunger forced him to venture forth before the -forenoon was very far advanced, however, and for -the second time he served up a meal of fish, which -were captured as readily as before.</p> - -<p class='c007'>After this two or three hours were spent trying -to snare some of the birds by making a slip noose -with one of the fishing-lines and placing within the -circle fragments of mussels.</p> - -<p class='c007'><span class='pageno' id='Page_64'>64</span>He had no difficulty in enticing the feathered -visitors to an examination of his bait, but they refused -in the most provoking manner to alight long -enough for him to fasten the string around their -legs, and he was forced to relinquish this method of -replenishing his larder.</p> - -<p class='c007'>“You’ve beaten me this time,” he said with a -laugh; “but just wait awhile till I rig up another -kind of a trap, and we’ll see who comes out best.”</p> - -<p class='c007'>The next most pleasing method of passing the -hours seemed to be by an examination of what he -had already begun to call “his farm,” and he set -out intending to make a full exploration in two -days, going half-way around on each excursion.</p> - -<p class='c007'>“If I only had a dog I believe this would be -a jolly sort of a place in which to live for a -month or so,” he said aloud, as if there was a -certain sense of companionship in the sound of -his own voice. “It’s goin’ to be mighty lonesome -after awhile.”</p> - -<p class='c007'>He had started on his exploring trip by following -the same course taken when he was searching -for the supposed village; but on this occasion he -walked nearer the water’s edge and kept a sharp -lookout for anything which might serve as food.</p> - -<p class='c007'>A few yards from the edge of the grove he found -a portion of the coral not covered by the sand, and -<span class='pageno' id='Page_65'>65</span>on this was a fine white powder which he tasted of -eagerly.</p> - -<p class='c007'>“It’s real salt!” he exclaimed in surprise and -delight. “I reckon the sea-water has washed up -on it, an’ then the sun has dried the salt out. That’s -the way I’ve heard Deacon Grout say some folks -found it.”</p> - -<p class='c007'>As may be supposed, he was careful to gather up -the small amount which had been prepared by the -elements, and while doing so resolved to make -arrangements for getting as much as might be -needed in the future.</p> - -<p class='c007'>A leaf served as a salt-dish, and he carried it -carefully back to the hut, saying as he deposited -the precious powder where it could not be blown -away:</p> - -<p class='c007'>“To-morrow I’ll go after those pieces of canvas -the captain wrapped his bogus grub in and begin -this part of my housekeeping in ship-shape fashion. -The fish will taste mighty good to-night if I can -manage to cook them all over alike.”</p> - -<p class='c007'>When this had been done to his satisfaction he -started once more on the exploring tour, and after -having walked fifteen or twenty minutes was rewarded -by another “find” which seemed even more -valuable than the first.</p> - -<p class='c007'>This was neither more nor less than what appeared -<span class='pageno' id='Page_66'>66</span>to be the hull of a small vessel almost entirely -buried in the sand, the ends of the framework -only showing above the surface.</p> - -<p class='c007'>“Now I can build me a house that won’t be in -danger of goin’ to sea when the first storm comes -on,” he said triumphantly. “The only thing is to -rig up something which will answer as a spade, and -the rest is just a question of hard work.”</p> - -<div class='chapter'> - <span class='pageno' id='Page_67'>67</span> - <h2 id='V' class='c005'>CHAPTER V.<br /> <span class='small'>A DISCOVERY.</span></h2> -</div> - -<p class='c006'>Although Ned had never been shipwrecked, nor, -except in the case of the story about Robinson -Crusoe, had he ever read of such disasters, yet he -understood that before he gathered a supply of -food, in case such a thing should be possible, it was -necessary to have a substantial building in which to -keep it.</p> - -<p class='c007'>It was his intention to lay in a quantity of salt; -but in case he was forced to store it in the shanty -of leaves the stock would be destroyed by the first -storm of rain, and in fact it seemed as if all his -hopes of being able to hold out until some craft -should come within hail depended upon his having -a building sufficiently strong to resist the weather.</p> - -<p class='c007'>Therefore it was that he hailed the discovery of -the wreck as of the highest importance, and resolved -to work at her incessantly, save when it was necessary -to prepare food or sleep, until he had accomplished -his purpose.</p> - -<p class='c007'>In view of the fact that the only tool he possessed -<span class='pageno' id='Page_68'>68</span>was a pocket knife, the task was gigantic; but it was -as if the difficulties in his path only served to increase -his courage.</p> - -<p class='c007'>He had said that all he needed was something -which would serve as a spade; but even with such -a modest want in his mind he was brought to a -standstill.</p> - -<p class='c007'>To hew down a tree sufficiently large to provide -him with material for a wooden shovel an ax would -be absolutely indispensable, and it was quite positive -there was no lumber to be found on the shores, -for he had already made nearly an entire circuit of -the key.</p> - -<p class='c007'>His joy at the discovery was lessened considerably -by the difficulty in the way of utilizing it, -and he studied over the problem a long while -without having arrived at a conclusion which was -satisfactory.</p> - -<p class='c007'>“It’s certain I can’t have a spade or anything -like one,” he said thoughtfully; “so the question is, -what else can I find to throw the sand away with? -I reckon those timbers are buried pretty deep, and -a fellow couldn’t do very much with only his -hands.”</p> - -<p class='c007'>In order to ascertain exactly what might be -accomplished with nothing in the way of implements -he began to kick and shove away the sand; -<span class='pageno' id='Page_69'>69</span>but in a short time his fingers were made sore by -the sharp particles, and he realized that in less than -an hour of such work his hands would be blistered -and cut.</p> - -<p class='c007'>Then he walked slowly back to the grove and -looked around as if for an inspiration.</p> - -<p class='c007'>This was neither more nor less than a waste of -time, for the saplings were the only objects which -could be cut down with the knife, and these he attacked -at once.</p> - -<p class='c007'>“A fellow can’t make very much of a fist diggin’ -sand with a stake,” he said as he worked; “but -so long as I couldn’t use my hands more than half -an hour, these poles will go, way, ahead of nothin’.”</p> - -<p class='c007'>After cutting down half a dozen small trees, the -trunks of which were no larger than his wrist, he -whittled the thickest ends flat and proceeded to the -work.</p> - -<p class='c007'>It was very much like trying to dig with a spoon; -but yet he made a certain amount of progress, and -when inclined to grow down-hearted because so -much labor was necessary in order to accomplish -very little, he repeated to himself again and again -that when a fellow has more time on his hands than -he knows what to do with, it can matter very little -how long it takes him to perform a certain piece of -work.</p> - -<p class='c007'><span class='pageno' id='Page_70'>70</span>When the night came he had uncovered a couple -of timbers down to where the planking of the vessel -still held comparatively sound, and found that he -was at the stern of the craft.</p> - -<p class='c007'>“She run head on to the key,” he said as he -stopped to rest before returning to his hut. “The -crew must have been asleep to strike here, for the -island shows plain enough.”</p> - -<p class='c007'>If Ned had been more experienced in such matters -he would have understood that the vessel unquestionably -came ashore many years before, when -the coral island was much smaller, and the work of -the minute creatures which have formed the fringe of -keys or reefs around the Florida coast had gradually -built under her, until now she was twenty or thirty -feet from the water’s edge.</p> - -<p class='c007'>Even to Ned’s inexperienced eyes the marks of -great age could be seen; therefore he had no hope -of finding anything amid the timbers which could -serve him in the slightest degree, except in the way -of materials for a hut.</p> - -<p class='c007'>“I don’t fancy there’ll be much of any trouble in -knockin’ the timbers apart,” he said as he went slowly -toward the place he was beginning to call “home.” -“By to-morrow night I ought to have a couple of -pieces loose, an’ I’ll set them up outside my shanty. -I can build around it, an’ when the wooden house -<span class='pageno' id='Page_71'>71</span>is done it will only be necessary to pull the camp -of leaves out.”</p> - -<p class='c007'>A supper of fish seasoned with salt gave him a -most appetizing meal, and when he lay down to -sleep his eyes were soon closed in blissful unconsciousness -because of the weariness of body.</p> - -<p class='c007'>On the following morning but little time was -spent in the preparation for breakfast, and he began -once more the task of unearthing the wreck.</p> - -<p class='c007'>Having simply been pushing the sand up, quite a -high bank was formed, and it became necessary to -level this before the work could be continued.</p> - -<p class='c007'>By noon he found a prize in the shape of a short -piece of plank, perfectly dry despite the length of -time it had been covered by the sand, and an hour’s -labor with his knife served to convert it into a rude -shovel, with which he could do twice as much as -when the stakes were his only tools.</p> - -<p class='c007'>The outside of several timbers were laid bare, -and then, preparatory to wrenching them from -their fastenings, he shoveled from the inside near -the fragments of the stern-post.</p> - -<p class='c007'>About half an hour before sunset the wooden -scoop struck against a hard substance which he -knew could not be the “skin” of the vessel, since -it was much too high up from the keel.</p> - -<p class='c007'>Merely from curiosity, and not with any idea -<span class='pageno' id='Page_72'>72</span>that he might be making a valuable discovery, Ned -labored only to ascertain what was concealed beneath -the sand, and before the night had fully -come, he was gazing in surprise at a small box covered -with rawhide and bound with iron.</p> - -<p class='c007'>It was about ten inches long and eight high, so -tiny that he anticipated no difficulty in raising it, -but, to his astonishment, found it required the exercise -of all his strength to pull it from the bed of -sand in which it had lain so long.</p> - -<p class='c007'>“I’d like to know what’s inside,” he said as he -stood looking at the small but exceedingly heavy -package. “There’s no hope of breaking it with -one of the poles, for the rawhide would hold it together, -even if I should splinter the wood. I reckon -it wouldn’t be a bad idea to burn one end off.”</p> - -<p class='c007'>This last thought seemed to be a happy one, and -the boy set about carrying the “find” to the hut.</p> - -<p class='c007'>It required all his strength, and more than once -was it necessary for him to rest, but he finally succeeded, -the last portion of the journey having been -made after nightfall, and once at the place where -the camp-fire was usually built, he forgot about -supper.</p> - -<p class='c007'>He was curious to see the contents of the odd -box, and this desire was greater than his hunger.</p> - -<p class='c007'>Building a glowing fire, he placed the case in such -<span class='pageno' id='Page_73'>73</span>a manner that only one end would be affected by -the flames, and as the rawhide began to crackle and -shrivel it suddenly occurred to him that the package -might be filled with cartridges.</p> - -<p class='c007'>“If it is I reckon this is no place for me,” he said -in something like alarm, moving off a short distance, -and then recovered his composure as he added:</p> - -<p class='c007'>“The danger can’t be great, no matter how much -powder may be there, for the box must have -been under water a long time, an’ I don’t allow fire -could do it any harm.”</p> - -<p class='c007'>Now he approached sufficiently near to heap the -coals up as the wood began to smolder; but despite -the amount of fuel expended, it was fully an hour -before his purpose was accomplished.</p> - -<p class='c007'>One end of the case was now so charred that he -anticipated little difficulty in forcing it open with a -stake from the roof of his hut, and the package -was drawn back to a comfortable distance from the -flames.</p> - -<p class='c007'>A heavy blow with the largest piece of wood he -could find, a dull, metallic sound, and Ned stood -transfixed with surprise.</p> - -<p class='c007'>From out the half-burned box poured a veritable -stream of silver coins, more money than Ned had -ever seen before in all his life.</p> - -<p class='c007'>During several moments he remained silent and -<span class='pageno' id='Page_74'>74</span>motionless, gazing at the wonderful find as if fearing -it might suddenly disappear should he take his -eyes from it, and then he needed no further proof -that it was real—not a phantom conjured up by a -weak or disordered brain.</p> - -<p class='c007'>There could be no question as to the fact that the -pieces were silver, and mostly of the denomination -of dollars from the Mexican mint. Although Ned -had never had the pleasure of handling many such -coins, he knew there was no deception about the -contents of the box, and during a certain length of -time he was literally beside himself with astonishment -and joy.</p> - -<p class='c007'>He had forgotten how he chanced to be on that -lonely key, and heeded not the fact that it might -be years before he would find an opportunity of -reaching the mainland, or the chances of being -unable to carry his treasure with him when, if ever, -he did go.</p> - -<p class='c007'>The only thing clear to his mind was that he, the -pauper of whom it had been predicted that “some -bad end surely awaited him,” was virtually rich.</p> - -<p class='c007'>Without making any attempt to count the coins, -he believed there was sufficient to satisfy his every -want no matter how long he might live, and this -crowded aside all other thoughts.</p> - -<p class='c007'>Two hours later he, like every other person who -<span class='pageno' id='Page_75'>75</span>has unexpectedly come into possession of a fortune -without being forced to toil for it, suddenly bethought -himself that he had been content with a -single box.</p> - -<p class='c007'>If one had been hidden there so long, why might -there not be many more in the same place?</p> - -<p class='c007'>A few moments previous he had been perfectly -content with what he had and his own forlorn -position. Now his greatest desire was to find more; -but yet he could not leave unguarded the precious -metal.</p> - -<p class='c007'>It is true that there was no one on the island to -rob him; but yet it did not seem safe to go away -even for a single instant while it was thus exposed -to view, and at once he set about making a hiding-place, -first heaping high the fire with branches -which he tore from the trees with a fictitious -strength born of his excitement.</p> - -<p class='c007'>Then—and this time he regarded not the fact -that the sand would cut his fingers—he scooped -away the loose soil with his hands until the foundation -of coral was brought to view.</p> - -<p class='c007'>On this, placing the coins in even piles, he stacked -up the treasure until it covered a space of six or -seven square inches, after which it was carefully -covered with sand once more.</p> - -<p class='c007'>Then came the thought that the box might betray -<span class='pageno' id='Page_76'>76</span>him in case any one should come suddenly, -and he flung it on the fire, watching jealously until -every portion had been consumed.</p> - -<p class='c007'>The hiding-place of his wealth was trampled upon -until even the most scrutinizing search would have -failed to reveal the fact that the surface had been -disturbed to any great depth, and then he started -once more toward the location of the wreck, hardly -giving heed to the fact that the key was shrouded -in darkness.</p> - -<p class='c007'>He was made sensible of this before trying to -walk very far, however, for after having taken -twenty steps he ran into a small tree, striking his -nose such a blow that the blood flowed freely.</p> - -<p class='c007'>This had the effect of restoring to him at least a -portion of his scattered senses, and he made his way -back to the fire, stanching the flow of blood with -the sleeve of his coat.</p> - -<p class='c007'>“It seems a good deal as if I’d been makin’ a big -fool of myself,” he said with a nervous laugh, “an’ -I don’t know that it’s to be wondered at. When a -feller who never owned a whole dollar in his life -has ’em come tumblin’ in on him the way them did, -he’s likely to get rattled. I needn’t be in such a -hurry to get at the rest, in case there’s more to be -found, for, ’cordin’ to the looks of things, I shall -have plenty of chance to dig the old craft over two -<span class='pageno' id='Page_77'>77</span>or three times before anybody happens this way to -help me off. Most likely Captain Bragg took good -care to land me where vessels never come, for it -would go hard with him if I should get back to tell -my story when he was anywhere around. The best -thing is to get some sleep now, an’ in the mornin’ -I’ll have a hunt for more dollars. I wonder what -they’d say on board the brig if it was known I’d -fallen into such a snap?”</p> - -<p class='c007'>Ned looked once more at the place where he -buried his treasure to be certain he left no traces -which might show what had been done, and then -lay down beneath his shelter of leaves; but sleep -did not come at his bidding as quickly as on the -previous night.</p> - -<p class='c007'>Then he had not a penny or the means of getting -one, so far as he knew, and yet his rest was unbroken -and refreshing. Now that he was comparatively -wealthy slumber refused to visit his eyelids, -and the sensation of perfect repose was denied -him.</p> - -<p class='c007'>As he lay there thinking over the good fortune -which had come to him so unexpectedly, a pattering -on the leaves above caused him to start up in alarm.</p> - -<p class='c007'>Then he laughed heartily, for the noise was -occasioned by the falling of rain.</p> - -<p class='c007'>“Here I am playin’ the fool again,” he said -<span class='pageno' id='Page_78'>78</span>grimly. “If it hadn’t been for that money I should -never have thought of bein’ frightened just because -of such a little noise. But say, if it storms very -hard I shall be likely to have a rough night of it in -spite of all my silver!”</p> - -<p class='c007'>The rain descended more rapidly, the wind -moaned among the trees, and the sullen roar of the -surf came from the beach.</p> - -<p class='c007'>“The sand I shoveled out this afternoon will all -be blown or washed back,” he muttered, “an’ I -shall have to do the work over again; but I reckon -it won’t be so hard now I know what it’s possible to -find.”</p> - -<p class='c007'>The storm came up rapidly.</p> - -<p class='c007'>In less than ten minutes from the time the first -drops of water fell, it seemed to Ned as if a perfect -hurricane was raging.</p> - -<p class='c007'>The fire was extinguished with many an angry -hiss and splutter, and shortly after the illy secured -roof of the shanty was blown away like a dry leaf, -while the sides and end soon went to keep the other -company.</p> - -<p class='c007'>It was useless attempting to avoid the down-pour. -In less than three minutes from the time his shelter -was borne off on the wings of the storm, Ned was -as wet as if he had been indulging in a bath without -undressing, and the only thing he could hope to -<span class='pageno' id='Page_79'>79</span>do was to prevent his precious matches from getting -wet.</p> - -<p class='c007'>The salt had taken French leave with the first -puff of wind, and to save his only materials for -kindling a fire, Ned deprived himself of his coat, -wrapping the garment around the small supply of -“fire sticks.”</p> - -<p class='c007'>The bundle he carried under his arm, or, rather, -held it there while he clung to a tree to prevent -himself from being blown bodily into the sea.</p> - -<p class='c007'>In this manner he passed the remainder of the -night, and it seemed as if the morning would never -come.</p> - -<p class='c007'>He did not dare to leave the spot to which he had -first fled for safety, although many times it seemed -as if the tree would be uprooted, for the darkness -was so intense that he could not have seen his own -hands if held within a few inches of his eyes.</p> - -<p class='c007'>But in the midst of all this discomfort, and even -danger, he thought of the treasure continually, -wondering if he would have much trouble in finding -the place where the silver was buried after the rain -had obliterated his landmarks.</p> - -<p class='c007'>The morning broke gray and forbidding.</p> - -<p class='c007'>The huge waves rolled up on the beach as if intent -on submerging the tiny key, and breaking on -<span class='pageno' id='Page_80'>80</span>the shore with a force that caused the island to -tremble under the blows.</p> - -<p class='c007'>There was no promise in the sky that the storm -would soon subside, and Ned gazed in dismay at the -ruin which had been wrought.</p> - -<div class='chapter'> - <span class='pageno' id='Page_81'>81</span> - <h2 id='VI' class='c005'>CHAPTER VI.<br /> <span class='small'>THE ZOE.</span></h2> -</div> - -<p class='c006'>Although Ned had not progressed very far in the -way of building a habitation, it seemed to him as if -the gale had swept away what little he could call -his own.</p> - -<p class='c007'>Not only was the hut demolished, but he had -great difficulty in deciding where it had been located. -The last vestige of the fire was effaced, and -with it was gone all accurate means of ascertaining -the exact place where the silver was buried; but -this did not trouble him particularly, because he -knew it would not require any very lengthy search -to find it again.</p> - -<p class='c007'>In the grove more than half the trees had been -leveled to the ground, and one glance was sufficient -to show that he would have quite a task before -him in order to make his way through the tangle -of boughs and foliage.</p> - -<p class='c007'>All this he took in at one hasty glance, not troubling -himself with regard to the details, for just at -that moment his chief concern was as to what he -should do for food and shelter during the day.</p> - -<p class='c007'><span class='pageno' id='Page_82'>82</span>“I reckon it’s a case of holdin’ on here a while -longer,” he said to himself, “for if I once let go my -hold it might be hard work to get back again, and, -besides, it’s easier to keep the matches dry as I’m -standin’ now. There don’t seem to be much of a -show for gettin’ anything to eat yet awhile. Even -if it was possible to build a fire I wouldn’t be able -to catch any fish or find the clams. If I hadn’t -made such a fool of myself over the silver I’d got -supper last night, an’ shouldn’t be so hungry now.”</p> - -<p class='c007'>Regrets were useless, however, as he soon realized, -and all he could do was to cling to his tree -and hope the strength of the wind might abate as -the day grew older.</p> - -<p class='c007'>In this last respect his wish was granted.</p> - -<p class='c007'>By ten o’clock the force of the gale had sensibly -abated, although even then the wind was blowing -harder than Ned ever experienced it before.</p> - -<p class='c007'>It was now possible to leave the shelter of his -tree without incurring imminent danger, and he -worked his way further among the fallen timber in -the hope of finding some place where the matches -could be left, for even the strain of holding them so -tightly was beginning to tell upon him.</p> - -<p class='c007'>There were plenty of opportunities to deposit his -precious package, but not with any certainty that -it would be kept dry, for there was water everywhere, -<span class='pageno' id='Page_83'>83</span>until it seemed certain the key must be submerged.</p> - -<p class='c007'>He finally decided to leave the bundle under the -trunks of two small trees which had been uprooted, -and then crept out to where a full view of the sea -might be had.</p> - -<p class='c007'>An exclamation of fear and dismay burst from his -lips as he stood where he could gaze out over the -angry waters, for in full view, and not more than a -mile away, was a small craft, tossed to and fro like -an egg-shell, but being driven rapidly toward the -key.</p> - -<p class='c007'>It was some time before Ned could discern her -rig, and then he discovered that she was a steamer, -but a tiny one. Probably some pleasure yacht -which had been driven to sea by the fury of the -gale and was now unmanageable.</p> - -<p class='c007'>She was almost on her beam-ends, and each time -the gigantic waves lifted her on high Ned fancied -he could see two forms lashed to the port rail, which -was to windward.</p> - -<p class='c007'>Every few seconds she would be carried down, -down into the trough of the sea until it seemed as -if the storm king was bent on sending her to the -bottom, and when she rose again it was with that -uncertain, sluggish movement which tells of the -weight of water within the hold.</p> - -<p class='c007'><span class='pageno' id='Page_84'>84</span>“If she strikes here those poor men are doomed,” -Ned cried, much as if fancying some one could hear -his words, “and there’s nothing I can do to help -them! A fellow would be swept off his feet the -instant he so much as touched the surf line!”</p> - -<p class='c007'>That the yacht would strike the shore there could -be no question.</p> - -<p class='c007'>If it was possible to guide her into the little bay -there might be some chance for those on board to -save their lives, for there the surf was not quite so -violent; but the apparently doomed ones could not -alter the course by so much as a hair’s-breadth.</p> - -<p class='c007'>The beautiful craft was but a plaything for the -waves, and as helpless as a wounded bird.</p> - -<p class='c007'>Ned gazed at the terrible scene as if fascinated.</p> - -<p class='c007'>For the first time since the discovery of the -treasure did he forget that such a metal as silver -had an existence. All his thoughts were centered -on this evidence of the storm’s fury, which must -apparently soon be blotted from view, and with it -would go the lives of two human beings.</p> - -<p class='c007'>Almost unconscious of what he did, Ned walked -down toward the water line, until he was as far as -it was safe to venture, and once there, fancied he -saw one of the figures wave its hands as if imploring -him to render some assistance.</p> - -<div class='figcenter id001'> -<img src='images/i-090.jpg' alt='' class='ig001' /> -<div class='ic001'> -<p><span class='sc'>The Wreck of the Steam Yacht Zoe.</span>—Page <a href='#Page_85'>85</a>.</p> -</div> -</div> - -<p class='c007'><span class='pageno' id='Page_85'>85</span>“I wish I could do it!” he shouted, as if thinking -the sufferers could hear him. “I haven’t got a -boat, an’ even if I had, she couldn’t be launched in -this surf!”</p> - -<p class='c007'>He took no heed of time.</p> - -<p class='c007'>He only knew that the yacht was coming broadside -on very rapidly; but whether five minutes or -five hours had elapsed from the moment he first -saw her, it would have been impossible to say.</p> - -<p class='c007'>When she was not more than a hundred yards -from the shore the waves swung her around until -he could see in gilt letters on her stern the name -Zoe.</p> - -<p class='c007'>Then she went down once more into the chasm -of waters, and on rising again, it was apparent that -the end had come.</p> - -<p class='c007'>Up, up, up until it seemed she was directly above -his head did the wounded craft rise, and then, as if -impelled by some terrible force from seaward, she -shot landward, coming so near where Ned stood -that he involuntarily leaped aside, fearing the hull -might crush him.</p> - -<p class='c007'>There was no very heavy crash as she struck, or -if there was Ned failed to hear it.</p> - -<p class='c007'>It seemed to him as if the waves had left her -gently on the sand and then ran back to gather -fresh impetus before pounding her to pieces.</p> - -<p class='c007'>During such a time as one might have counted -<span class='pageno' id='Page_86'>86</span>ten she was literally high and dry, and in that short -interval Ned had sufficient presence of mind to -shout:</p> - -<p class='c007'>“Jump! Jump now while you’ve got the chance, -an’ I’ll catch you!”</p> - -<p class='c007'>One of the two obeyed, throwing himself, rather -than leaping, from the deck, which was almost perpendicular, -and Ned rushed forward, seizing him by -the coat just as the waves returned with an angry -howl and roar.</p> - -<p class='c007'>Instantly on touching the sand the sufferer staggered -forward and fell on his face, where he lay like -one dead; but Ned managed to drag him beyond -the reach of the surf and turned his attention -to the other.</p> - -<p class='c007'>“When the water goes back you must jump!” he -shrieked, and this command was emphasized by the -violent rolling of the little craft as the sea nearly -turned her over. “One more wave like that an’ -it will be too late!”</p> - -<p class='c007'>The words were understood, and two minutes -afterward Ned was dragging the second body high -up on the beach; but whether or no he had succeeded -in saving life it was impossible to say.</p> - -<p class='c007'>Both the rescued ones lay on the sand as if dead, -and Ned gazed at them helplessly, not knowing -what should be done.</p> - -<p class='c007'><span class='pageno' id='Page_87'>87</span>To his surprise, for until this moment he had not -had any time to note details, he saw that both were -boys about his own age, and even at this dreadful -moment, when it was a question whether they were -yet alive, he wondered how it was that two young -fellows should be alone on a yacht like the one -which promised speedily to become food for the -waves.</p> - -<p class='c007'>While he stood looking at them helplessly, the -one who had first reached the shore opened his eyes, -stared around in alarm, and then attempted to rise -to his feet.</p> - -<p class='c007'>He was too nearly exhausted to permit of such an -exertion, and would have fallen backward had Ned -not seized him by the coat collar again.</p> - -<p class='c007'>“Better lay still awhile,” he said soothingly, “an’ -you’ll soon get your strength. There isn’t such a -thing on the island as a house, or I’d try to get you -under cover. As it is you’ll have to stay out of -doors till something can be rigged up for a shelter.”</p> - -<p class='c007'>“I’m all right; but where is Roy? Didn’t he get -ashore?”</p> - -<p class='c007'>“If you mean the fellow who was with you, -you’ve only got to turn around in order to see him. -He don’t show up very lively yet awhile, but I -guess he’ll come ’round all right after a time.”</p> - -<p class='c007'>As a means of bringing the yet unconscious boy -<span class='pageno' id='Page_88'>88</span>to his senses, Ned shook him violently and persistently -until the sufferer opened his eyes in a -languid sort of way.</p> - -<p class='c007'>“Are we safe, Vance?” he asked feebly.</p> - -<p class='c007'>“Indeed we are, even if it did look so blue a few -minutes ago. The yacht was thrown directly up on -the bank, almost above high-water mark, and all we -had to do was to drop off.”</p> - -<p class='c007'>The knowledge that he was safe when death had -seemed positive served to revive the boy wonderfully, -and before five minutes had passed both the -shipwrecked ones were staring at Ned as if asking -how it was he happened to be there.</p> - -<p class='c007'>“I s’pose you want to know if I live here?” he -said cheerily, for the fact that he had companions -was a wonderful relief in his loneliness; but even as -he spoke there came the thought that the arrival of -these two might put an end to his treasure-seeking -unless he should be willing to share with them.</p> - -<p class='c007'>“How did you get here?” the boy who had been -called Vance asked.</p> - -<p class='c007'>“I was set ashore from the brig Evening Star -so’s Captain Bragg could wreck her; but it’s too -long a story to tell now. Wait till things are a -little more comfortable, an’ then I’ll give you the -whole yarn. Where did you come from?”</p> - -<p class='c007'>“Key West.”</p> - -<p class='c007'><span class='pageno' id='Page_89'>89</span>“Were you running the steamer alone?”</p> - -<p class='c007'>“We had three men with us,” Vance replied with -a shudder, “but all of them were washed overboard -during the night. I’d rather not talk about it just -now. How do you feel, Roy?”</p> - -<p class='c007'>“As if somebody had been beating me until every -bone in my body is broken. What’s your name?” -he added, turning to Ned.</p> - -<p class='c007'>“Edward Rogers.”</p> - -<p class='c007'>“My name is Roy Harland, and this is my cousin, -Vance Stewart. Have you been here long?”</p> - -<p class='c007'>“Since the day before yesterday.”</p> - -<p class='c007'>“Isn’t there any place where we can get in out -of the storm? It seems as if I should feel better if -I could get dry once more.”</p> - -<p class='c007'>“I built a shanty of leaves and poles, but the -wind moved it for me last night in fine style. It -took about ten seconds to get rid of the whole -establishment.”</p> - -<p class='c007'>By this time the boys thought of the yacht, to -which no attention had been paid since Vance first -recovered consciousness.</p> - -<p class='c007'>She was laying on her beam-ends with the waves -pounding against the timbers with a force that -threatened to convert the hull into kindlings, but -Ned fancied the waters had receded somewhat since -he first ventured down to the shore.</p> - -<p class='c007'><span class='pageno' id='Page_90'>90</span>“I suppose she is bound to go to pieces,” Roy -said mournfully as he gazed at the little craft.</p> - -<p class='c007'>“I’m not so certain about that,” Ned replied. -“It strikes me the sea isn’t runnin’ quite as high -as it was an hour ago, and if you’ll notice, the -water doesn’t come up as far as it did.”</p> - -<p class='c007'>As he spoke he pointed to the line of foam and -drift which had been left on the sand some time -previous, and all three watched it several moments.</p> - -<p class='c007'>“It’s certain the waves are not reaching that -mark,” Vance said with a sigh. “Perhaps the little -craft won’t go to pieces after all.”</p> - -<p class='c007'>“It ain’t likely you’ll ever see her afloat again.”</p> - -<p class='c007'>“That may be; but if she holds together we -shall have a good supply of provisions, and I don’t -fancy you’ve got more than you need.”</p> - -<p class='c007'>“My stock is yet to be caught. All I’ve had so -far is fish, with a few clams that weren’t very good, -an’ I couldn’t get breakfast this mornin’ because -of the storm.”</p> - -<p class='c007'>“The Zoe is well fitted out, and in addition to -plenty of provisions, we shall be able to get from -her canvas enough with which to make a tent.”</p> - -<p class='c007'>“If that’s the case we’d better keep a mighty -sharp lookout, so if she does go to pieces we can save -some of the stuff,” Ned replied eagerly, for the idea -of having a shelter which would be water-tight was -<span class='pageno' id='Page_91'>91</span>particularly pleasing to the boy who had had a -short but rather unpleasant experience in a less -substantial dwelling.</p> - -<p class='c007'>Vance suggested that they go into the grove, -where the party would be partially sheltered from -the wind, but Ned refused to leave the beach. He -insisted that it was in the highest degree important -to be on hand in case the yacht went to pieces, and -the others would not venture alone.</p> - -<p class='c007'>Inch by inch the water receded until the wreck -was in such a position that it would be possible to -board her by wading a short distance, and Ned -proposed that the work of salvage be begun at -once.</p> - -<p class='c007'>“I can send down a lot of stuff by going aboard -an’ riggin’ a block on the flag-staff,” he said, but -the others thought it best to wait until the storm -had cleared away.</p> - -<p class='c007'>By noon the rain ceased falling, and Ned built a -fire after some difficulty, owing to the dampness of -everything, including the matches, and then, as Roy -and Vance began to feel the pangs of hunger, they -agreed that it was time to get some of the stores -ashore.</p> - -<p class='c007'>Ned clambered aboard, the boys directing his -movements, and if Vance had not interfered, he -would have landed each article as it came to hand.</p> - -<p class='c007'><span class='pageno' id='Page_92'>92</span>“There is no sense in doing that until we have -something in the way of a tent to keep the stuff -dry. There’s little danger of another storm right -away, and we may as well do the thing properly.”</p> - -<p class='c007'>“Well, what do you want first?”</p> - -<p class='c007'>“Get enough out of the pantry for dinner, and -after we’ve had something to eat we’ll set at work -on the tent. There are a lot of old sails in the forepeak, -and we shall have canvas in plenty.”</p> - -<p class='c007'>Ned selected about three times as much provisions -as the little party could eat at a single meal, -for the yacht had everything on board to tempt -one’s appetite, and the castaways made a hearty -dinner of the choicest canned goods.</p> - -<p class='c007'>Ned sent ashore cooking utensils in abundance, -and Roy, who proved to be no mean cook, served -up the different dishes in a manner far excelling -anything in the culinary line Ned had ever seen.</p> - -<p class='c007'>“Now, this is what I call comfort,” the marooned -boy said when he had rather more than satisfied his -hunger, and the sun came out from behind the -clouds, thus giving them an opportunity of drying -their clothing. “It wouldn’t be a bad idea to get a -little sleep; I didn’t close my eyes once last night, -except when the sand was flying so thick that it -was necessary.”</p> - -<p class='c007'>“Neither did we,” Roy replied, “and I’d like a -<span class='pageno' id='Page_93'>93</span>nap this minute, but I don’t think we can afford -the time just now. We ought to get at least one -tent up before dark.”</p> - -<p class='c007'>Ned was by no means a lazy fellow, and thinking -it incumbent to do the largest share of the work -since his new acquaintances were supplying all the -provisions and comforts of life, he leaped to his -feet at once.</p> - -<p class='c007'>Vance went aboard the wreck with him, and in -less than an hour they had on shore the sails, tools -with which to do the necessary labor, and an additional -supply of food.</p> - -<p class='c007'>Bedding sufficient for the party was the last on -the list, and after this had been procured the boys -began the work of hut-building.</p> - -<p class='c007'>His previous experience had taught Ned how essential -it was to secure everything in such a manner -that it could not be blown away, and the tent -which was to be used as a sleeping apartment was -erected in a workmanlike fashion.</p> - -<p class='c007'>Two trees growing at the desired distance apart, -near the spot where the silver was buried, served as -the uprights for the ends of the camp, and to these -a ridge-pole was lashed firmly.</p> - -<p class='c007'>Across it was spread the largest sail, and the -edges pegged down until one would have said a -hurricane could hardly make any impression upon -it.</p> - -<p class='c007'><span class='pageno' id='Page_94'>94</span>The ends might be closed with blankets, or sail-cloth if necessary, but owing to the warm climate -it was not thought advisable to shut themselves out -from a plentiful supply of fresh air until a storm -should render it imperative.</p> - -<p class='c007'>It was nearly nightfall when this work had been -completed to the satisfaction of all hands, and then -Vance went on the wreck once more for lanterns.</p> - -<p class='c007'>“We may as well make things look as cheerful -as possible,” he said, “and it’s a good deal more -pleasant to have a light after the fire goes out than -be in the darkness.”</p> - -<p class='c007'>“If you say the word I’ll get the stove from the -cook’s quarters,” Ned suggested. “It isn’t very -large, an’ I could almost handle it alone.”</p> - -<p class='c007'>“I think we’d better leave that until morning. -It will take quite a while before we got it going, because -coal must be brought ashore, and Roy can -get us up one more meal on your fire.”</p> - -<p class='c007'>Ned was satisfied with any arrangement they -might wish to make, but he insisted on having a -couple of pails for fresh water to prevent the necessity -of running to and fro from the spring so -often, and these Vance brought with the lanterns.</p> - -<p class='c007'>The amateur cook prepared as tempting a supper -as he had the dinner, and when all had done it full -justice the dishes were placed outside the tent to be -<span class='pageno' id='Page_95'>95</span>washed in the morning, for night had now fully -come.</p> - -<p class='c007'>Ned piled the fire high with wood, for since he -had an ax the labor of preparing fuel did not seem -very great to a boy like him, who had always been -forced to perform such laborious tasks, and then he -lay down on one of the yacht’s mattresses, feeling -that he had every reason to be thankful for the -change in his surroundings.</p> - -<p class='c007'>“Now tell us how you happen to be here,” Roy -said. “We’ve got plenty of time, for we don’t want to -go to sleep immediately after supper, and when you -have finished Vance and I will explain how it is -the yacht came ashore with only us two as a crew.”</p> - -<div class='chapter'> - <span class='pageno' id='Page_96'>96</span> - <h2 id='VII' class='c005'>CHAPTER VII.<br /> <span class='small'>THE DISASTER.</span></h2> -</div> - -<p class='c006'>Ned not only told the story of his being marooned, -but gave a detailed account of his life from -his first recollections to the present day, and when -this rather long narrative was ended, Roy began according -to agreement.</p> - -<p class='c007'>“Vance’s father and mine live at Tampa, in -Florida, during the winter, but they haven’t come -down yet. We were allowed to start ahead of the -two families because just at this time it is a question -to be decided whether we attend school any -longer or call our education finished and go into -some kind of business.</p> - -<p class='c007'>“The Zoe hails from Key West, but she has -been chartered by Vance’s father for the season, -and we had permission to cruise in her as far as -Savannah, with her regular crew, of course, at -which port we were to meet our parents and carry -them around to Tampa.</p> - -<p class='c007'>“We had on board day before yesterday a sailing -master, an engineer and his assistant. Vance and -<span class='pageno' id='Page_97'>97</span>I acted as stewards. I don’t know where we were -when the storm came up, but had heard the master -say he should run close up the chain of keys. Of -course you know the hurricane began in the night, -and since Vance and I were both below, we had no -idea of the nearest land.</p> - -<p class='c007'>“I was awakened by the pitching and tossing of -the yacht, and as it made me feel rather sick I -thought it would be wisest to remain where I was -instead of venturing on deck, where there was little -chance of seeing anything.</p> - -<p class='c007'>“It was nearly daylight when Vance realized -that something unusual was going on, and then he -felt so nearly the same as I that it was a case of -both remaining where we were until I thought I -heard a scream from the deck. Twice it appeared -as if some one was calling me by name from a distance, -although Vance declared I must be mistaken, -and then I managed to get on deck to investigate.</p> - -<p class='c007'>“Even then it seemed as if the little craft was under -water more than half the time, and while I stood -in the companion-way wondering whether it was safe -to attempt to go forward, a wave broke over the -stern and literally drowned Vance out of his berth. -He yelled for me not to make a fool of myself by -keeping the door open at risk of swamping the -steamer, but to come back, and just at that instant -<span class='pageno' id='Page_98'>98</span>I saw the engineer in the pilot-house waving his -hand for me to join him.</p> - -<p class='c007'>“From the expression of his face, and the fact -that he was at the wheel instead of where he belonged, -I knew there was something wrong; but -since it would have been worse than useless to have -gone across the deck just then, and I’m inclined to -believe the best sailor in the world couldn’t have -done it, I ran below, through the passage into the -engine-room, and from there to the pilot-house.</p> - -<p class='c007'>“You can fancy how startled I was at seeing no -one attending to the machinery. Both Vance and -I had been taking lessons in running the craft, and -the engineer continually impressed on our mind the -necessity of always keeping a strict watch on the -engine. After learning that this portion of the -yacht was ‘going it alone,’ I got to the wheel as -soon as possible, and there found no one but the -engineer.</p> - -<p class='c007'>“Without waiting for me to ask any questions he -said that the master and his own assistant had been -washed overboard and drowned half an hour ago. -It seems the engineer had sent the young fellow to -the wheel-house to carry some coffee which had -been prepared on the boiler during the night, and -the poor man slipped just as he opened the door -leading from the deck to the wheel. A big wave -<span class='pageno' id='Page_99'>99</span>carried him over the side, but he clung to the rail, -and the sailing master ran out to help him.</p> - -<p class='c007'>“Just at that moment another wave swept the -yacht fore and aft, carrying both the unfortunate -men with it, and the engineer saw the whole -thing without being able to aid them in the slightest. -The steamer, with no one at the helm, began -to yaw, and would have been swamped then and -there if he hadn’t run to the helm. From that -moment until I appeared at the companion-way he -had been shouting for us. The engine and the fires -needed attention, but he couldn’t go below until -some one relieved him from the steering.</p> - -<p class='c007'>“I knew a little about such things, and since we -were running on a course which it had been the -sailing master’s intention to hold until noon, there -was nothing to do but keep her by the compass. -The engineer went below, and after what seemed -like a very long time, Vance, worried because I had -not come back, went into the engine-room. Ten -minutes later he was with me, looking about as pale -as any fellow you ever saw.”</p> - -<p class='c007'>“I couldn’t have been much whiter than you -was,” Vance retorted.</p> - -<p class='c007'>“I’m willing to admit that,” Roy replied, “for I -was as frightened as I well could be, and the -thought that two out of our crew of three were -<span class='pageno' id='Page_100'>100</span>dead didn’t tend to make the situation seem any -more cheerful.”</p> - -<p class='c007'>“Could you have run the yacht to Savannah if -she hadn’t got wrecked?” Ned asked.</p> - -<p class='c007'>“We might, but only by pure chance, and then it -would have been necessary to heave to at night. -The engineer confessed that he couldn’t do it, so -you can see that even then matters appeared to be -about as bad as possible, though we soon had good -proof they were not. For two hours more we -staggered along as best we could, and it seemed to -me that the yacht was completely under water -half the time. Then the engineer came to tell us -that Vance must come into the engine-room with -him. Something had gone wrong and he needed -assistance.</p> - -<p class='c007'>“Vance went, and when they arrived there the -engineer discovered that several of his tools were -in the forepeak. He started after them. I saw -him come on deck and tried to make him go back. -At that moment the engine stopped suddenly; the -yacht seemed to be filled with steam, and when it -was possible to see anything more the engineer had -disappeared, probably washed overboard as the -others had been.</p> - -<p class='c007'>“Of course it was useless to stand at the wheel -while there was no steerage-way on, and Vance and -<span class='pageno' id='Page_101'>101</span>I had begun to discuss whether it would be possible -for us to hoist one of the sails in order to keep her -before the wind, when the final disaster came.</p> - -<p class='c007'>“I can’t describe how it happened, but in an -instant she was on her beam-ends, and every movable -thing, including both the boats, was washed -away. I didn’t feel so very bad when the tenders -went, because they would have been of no service to -us in that sea, even if we could have gotten them -free from the davits, which I doubt.</p> - -<p class='c007'>“From that hour until you saw us we could do -no more than cling to the rail waiting for the last -moment to come, and many times did it seem certain -the wreck was going to the bottom. I gave up -all hope when the engineer was washed overboard, -and never saw a ray of promise again, even when -you shouted for us to jump.”</p> - -<p class='c007'>“Well,” Ned said reflectively after a brief pause, -“now we’re here, what’s the chance of ever gettin’ -away? The yacht might be floated, but the question -is whether you could run her.”</p> - -<p class='c007'>“I don’t know but that the machinery is injured -so badly we couldn’t even turn the screw. Don’t -you suppose some kind of a craft will come along -this way pretty soon?”</p> - -<p class='c007'>“I’m afraid not,” Ned replied. “You see, Captain -Bragg most likely set me ashore in a place -<span class='pageno' id='Page_102'>102</span>where there wasn’t much chance anything like that -would happen, otherwise I might have told my -story before he had an opportunity to collect the -insurance.”</p> - -<p class='c007'>“That’s true,” Vance replied sleepily. “I’ll -venture to say, though, that we shall come out all -right in a few days, even if it is necessary to take -to a raft. So let’s go to sleep now. I feel as if I -hadn’t closed my eyes for a week.”</p> - -<p class='c007'>Roy was quite willing to act upon this suggestion, -and in a very short time the two were sleeping -soundly; but Ned could not compose himself for -slumber so readily.</p> - -<p class='c007'>The question of the treasure troubled him considerably.</p> - -<p class='c007'>If he should reveal the secret the boys would -most likely claim their share, and although he now -had very much more than he had ever expected to -own, it was hard to part with a single piece.</p> - -<p class='c007'>In case he did not tell them, how could he take it -away?</p> - -<p class='c007'>If any craft came along and they had an opportunity -of leaving the key, he could not carry the -treasure with him unknown to his companions, and -would also be debarred from searching for more.</p> - -<p class='c007'>“I shall have to let them into the snap,” he said, -with a sigh. “It’s too bad, but I don’t see how it -<span class='pageno' id='Page_103'>103</span>can be helped. In the morning I’ll show what I -found, an’ we’ll begin work on the wreck.”</p> - -<p class='c007'>With this resolve his mind was freed from the -greater portion of the trouble which had weighed -heavily upon it, and he fell asleep.</p> - -<p class='c007'>When the boys awakened on the following morning -the scene which met their gaze was really a -cheerful one, save for the disabled steamer lying -half-submerged on the shore.</p> - -<p class='c007'>She alone told of disaster.</p> - -<p class='c007'>The waves were shimmering like gold in the rays -of the sun; the foliage was of the densest green, -with the white tent at the edge of the grove like -a jewel on a piece of rare enameling, and as a -background the yellow sands, which sparkled like -silver.</p> - -<p class='c007'>Ned stood at the door of the tent drinking it all -in until Vance, awakening, cried:</p> - -<p class='c007'>“What is the matter? Do you see a craft?”</p> - -<p class='c007'>“There’s nothin’ in sight. I was lookin’ around -and thinkin’ that, accordin’ to the way things appear -this mornin’, it isn’t such a terrible thing to -be either marooned or shipwrecked.”</p> - -<p class='c007'>“Not after a fellow has gotten safely ashore; -but as for going through the experience, I’ve had -enough in mine. I don’t believe I shall ever again -feel perfectly safe on the water, no matter how big -a craft I’m in.”</p> - -<p class='c007'><span class='pageno' id='Page_104'>104</span>The hum of conversation awakened Roy, and he -heard the last remark.</p> - -<p class='c007'>“Nonsense!” he cried with a hearty laugh. “If -we get off this island safely, it won’t be a week before -you’ll be trying your luck in the first boat that -comes at hand.”</p> - -<p class='c007'>“Wait and see.”</p> - -<p class='c007'>“That’s what I shall have to do. I reckon I’m -booked for the most of the cooking, as I did on the -Zoe, and I happen to fancy some fried fish. If you -two fellows will get the stove on shore, I’ll try my -luck with one of Ned’s lines.”</p> - -<p class='c007'>Ned was eager to see what Roy could do in the -culinary department when he had every convenience. -He had proved himself such a success as a cook on -the evening previous with nearly everything lacking -that the breakfast should be a marvel, and he -started on without waiting to hear what Vance had -to say on the subject.</p> - -<p class='c007'>Lying on her beam-ends as the little steamer was, -the task of getting the stove ashore was not a difficult -one.</p> - -<p class='c007'>The kitchen was on the port side, and she had -been flung upon the starboard rail, consequently -they would not be impeded by the water. It was -only necessary to pull the small range up, and then -let it slide down the almost perpendicular deck.</p> - -<p class='c007'><span class='pageno' id='Page_105'>105</span>Roy had not brought his labors as a fisherman to -a close when the stove was in position near one end -of the tent, and Ned began making a swinging-cap -to the pipe in order that it might not be necessary -to move the entire apparatus whenever the wind -shifted.</p> - -<p class='c007'>Vance brought another supply of provisions on -shore, and marked out a site for the cook-tent, saying -as he did so:</p> - -<p class='c007'>“The sooner we get a second camp up, the sooner -we can begin to bring the stuff ashore from the -steamer. I figure that we’ve got enough canvas to -make another tent as big as the first, and it will -give us ample room for all our supplies.”</p> - -<p class='c007'>“And we can’t get them on shore any too soon, -according to my way of thinking,” Roy added as he -finished cleaning the fish. “No one knows when -another storm may spring up, and I don’t believe -the poor old Zoe would stand a second such beating -as she got yesterday. It may be we haven’t many -days left in which to strip her.”</p> - -<p class='c007'>“We’ll begin as soon as breakfast is over. It -won’t take more than two hours to put up the other -tent, and by nightfall there should be enough here -to last us a good many months, if we don’t get too -extravagant and serve bacon with our fish,” he -added laughingly as he saw what Roy was preparing -to do.</p> - -<p class='c007'><span class='pageno' id='Page_106'>106</span>“If you knew very much about cooking you -wouldn’t grumble at anything like this. All first-class -cooks, including myself, serve bacon with fish.”</p> - -<p class='c007'>“Not when they are cast away with no chance of -replenishing their stores.”</p> - -<p class='c007'>“I can’t say as to that until after making inquiries, -but I’ll let you know at the first convenient -opportunity. Breakfast is ready, if the boarders -will please arrange themselves on the ground in -proper attitudes.”</p> - -<p class='c007'>“I’ll start the thing,” Ned said as he seated himself -near the stove, “an’ after we’ve eaten our full -I’ll show you fellows something that’ll make your -eyes stick out more’n they ever did before.”</p> - -<p class='c007'>“Something connected with the island?” Vance -asked.</p> - -<p class='c007'>“Yes.”</p> - -<p class='c007'>“Then tell us now, or I shall spoil my breakfast -trying to guess what it is.”</p> - -<p class='c007'>“It would spoil your breakfast for a certainty if -I should even hint at it, and this grub is too good -to be wasted.”</p> - -<p class='c007'>Neither Roy nor Vance fancied for a moment -that their companion could have any very important -secret, but they bantered him to reveal it until the -last fish and slice of bacon had disappeared, when -he said with an air of seriousness which surprised -them:</p> - -<p class='c007'><span class='pageno' id='Page_107'>107</span>“Put the dishes away while I go aboard the -steamer for a shovel, an’ when I come back you’ll -get the biggest kind of a surprise.”</p> - -<p class='c007'>The boys understood from the tone in which Ned -had spoken that he was not trying to make sport of -them, and both watched him earnestly as he returned -with the necessary tools for unearthing his -treasure.</p> - -<p class='c007'>“Now keep your eyes peeled,” he said as he -began the work, “an’ tell me what you see.”</p> - -<p class='c007'>Exclamations of surprise burst from the lips of -the boys when the piles of silver were exposed to -view, and Ned turned the pieces over much like a -miser counting his hoard.</p> - -<p class='c007'>“Is this all yours?” Vance cried as soon as he -had recovered from his surprise sufficiently to be -able to speak.</p> - -<p class='c007'>“I reckon it is, seein’s how I’m the first one to -find it.”</p> - -<p class='c007'>“Find it?” the boys cried in concert.</p> - -<p class='c007'>“That’s what I said. It was in a box, but I -didn’t have anything to open the cover with, so had -to burn it off, an’ after that there was nothin’ left -in which to put the money.”</p> - -<p class='c007'>“How many dollars’ worth are there?”</p> - -<p class='c007'>“I haven’t had time to count them. I didn’t find -the beauties until the night of the storm.”</p> - -<p class='c007'><span class='pageno' id='Page_108'>108</span>“And was it on this island you discovered -them?”</p> - -<p class='c007'>“Of course. You don’t fancy Captain Bragg -would send that much ashore with me, do you?”</p> - -<p class='c007'>“Where did it come from?” Roy cried, pale with -excitement.</p> - -<p class='c007'>“I’ll show you, an’ it seems as if we ought to be -able to get more, for I didn’t hunt very much.”</p> - -<p class='c007'>Ned led the way through the grove, his companions -urging him to greater speed, so eager were they -to see the exact spot from which the treasure had -been taken.</p> - -<p class='c007'>“There it is,” he finally said as he pointed to the -blackened timbers which could be seen above the -sand.</p> - -<p class='c007'>“A pirate vessel!” Vance exclaimed.</p> - -<p class='c007'>“I don’t think so,” Ned replied decidedly, although -his ideas as to what a piratical craft might -be like were very hazy. “It don’t seem as if they’d -keep money boxed up the same as that was which -I found. I was after the timbers to build a hut of, -an’ dug the sand away with sticks, so you can -fancy I didn’t have a chance to search over very -much space.”</p> - -<p class='c007'>The storm had obliterated all signs of his labor, -but he remembered exactly which of the ancient -timbers he had counted on first taking away, and -<span class='pageno' id='Page_109'>109</span>was thus able to point out the exact spot where the -treasure had reposed so long.</p> - -<p class='c007'>“Let’s overhaul the whole place, and see what -we can find,” Vance cried excitedly, and would have -started at full speed after a shovel but for Roy, -who caught him by the arm as he said impressively:</p> - -<p class='c007'>“Wait a minute. There is plenty of time, and -we’d better talk this matter over. No one can say -how long we may be obliged to stay here, and perhaps -the hour will come when food seems more -valuable than gold. If there is other treasure in -this place it will stay, and that is what can’t be said -for the yacht.”</p> - -<p class='c007'>“You think we’d better get the grub ashore before -foolin’ ’round here?” Ned asked.</p> - -<p class='c007'>“Yes, most decidedly. When we have taken -from the yacht all which may be useful, we shall -still have plenty of time to dig over this sand. Or, -even if it happens that we are rescued very soon, -our fathers will be willing to come here after hearing -Ned’s story.”</p> - -<p class='c007'>“Very well, let’s get to work at once, for I’m -eager to see how many more of those dollars can -be found,” Vance said with a laugh. “I don’t suppose -they’ll do us any good while we’re prisoned -here, but it must be mighty pleasant work digging -them out.”</p> - -<div class='chapter'> - <span class='pageno' id='Page_110'>110</span> - <h2 id='VIII' class='c005'>CHAPTER VIII.<br /> <span class='small'>WRECKING.</span></h2> -</div> - -<p class='c006'>As nearly as could be ascertained after the boys -were on board the wreck once more, she had not -sustained any very serious damage so far as the hull -was concerned.</p> - -<p class='c007'>Ned lowered himself down over the port side by -means of a rope, and reported that the timbers appeared -to be intact.</p> - -<p class='c007'>“I can’t see that a single plank has been started, -an’ it wouldn’t be such a terrible job to get her -afloat once more.”</p> - -<p class='c007'>“I guess we won’t try anything of that kind yet -awhile,” Roy replied with a laugh. “It’s positive -that some accident happened to the machinery, and -neither Vance nor I could repair it.”</p> - -<p class='c007'>“I thought you said you had been learnin’ how -to run her.”</p> - -<p class='c007'>“So we did; but we weren’t so far advanced in -the study as to be able to repair a broken engine.”</p> - -<p class='c007'>“Perhaps there isn’t so very much the trouble. -I’ve seen boilers in Treat’s sawmill blow out a tube -<span class='pageno' id='Page_111'>111</span>or two, an’ it didn’t require any skill to repair that -kind of damage.”</p> - -<p class='c007'>“There must have been something more serious -than that happen, otherwise she wouldn’t have -stopped so suddenly,” Vance replied. “At all -events, we needn’t talk yet awhile of trying to float -her. We’ll get the movable property ashore, and -tackle your old hulk before doing anything more -in the way of wrecking.”</p> - -<p class='c007'>The boys had not anticipated having such a task -as was really before them, until after working at it -an hour.</p> - -<p class='c007'>Very many of the fittings they were most eager -to save belonged, or had fallen, on the starboard -side, and in order to reach these it was necessary to -dive, for the hull was filled with water to about -half its breadth.</p> - -<p class='c007'>When noon came they were glad of a breathing-spell.</p> - -<p class='c007'>The tent had not yet been put up, and that labor -was to be performed immediately after dinner.</p> - -<p class='c007'>They had on the shore a large collection of goods, -however, and Ned said as he surveyed the pile:</p> - -<p class='c007'>“It won’t take us much more than a week to finish -the job in great shape.”</p> - -<p class='c007'>“Have we got to wait all that time before finding -the dollars?” Vance grumbled.</p> - -<p class='c007'><span class='pageno' id='Page_112'>112</span>“It isn’t certain we shall ever see any more, so -there’s no use in worryin’ about what may not -exist.”</p> - -<p class='c007'>“That’s where you’re right, Ned,” Roy cried. -“It may be Vance will have a chance of learning -that there are other things in this world more valuable -than money, although I hope he won’t get the -lesson in quite so rough a manner as is possible.”</p> - -<p class='c007'>“It isn’t so much the money as it is the pleasure -of finding it that I’m after,” Vance replied laughingly. -“To hear you fellows talk any one would -think I had suddenly turned miser.”</p> - -<p class='c007'>“Then don’t be so impatient to dig,” Roy replied, -and just then it was necessary for him to cease his -part in the conversation because the soup he was -making needed his immediate attention.</p> - -<p class='c007'>Despite the fact that he appeared so eager to hunt -for treasure, Vance was not willing to cut the -“nooning” short by so much as a single minute, for -the unusual exertion had tired him thoroughly, and -he insisted that the party should rest not less than -two hours.</p> - -<p class='c007'>“If, as you say, we are likely to be here a long -while, there isn’t any very great need of hurrying, -and I feel as if I’d been shoveling coal for a week.”</p> - -<p class='c007'>The others were quite as willing as he to delay -the labor during the heat of the day, and the result -<span class='pageno' id='Page_113'>113</span>was that the task of wrecking was not resumed -until nearly three o’clock, when the greater portion -of the remaining time was spent in putting up the -tent.</p> - -<p class='c007'>It was necessary this work be done in a thorough -manner, lest the next gale should level it to the -ground, and each fastening was looked to carefully.</p> - -<p class='c007'>When the task was finished the young wreckers -had good reason to feel proud of their arrangements -for “housekeeping.”</p> - -<p class='c007'>The cook-tent was placed at right angles with the -other, so that one end of the sleeping apartment -would be partially screened from the wind, and both -were lashed together in such a manner as to add to -the solidity of each.</p> - -<p class='c007'>“It will be a case of losing both or holding all,” -Roy said in a tone of satisfaction as he surveyed the -result of their labors. “Now when such provisions -as have not been spoiled by the salt water are under -cover, I shall feel as if we were in fair condition for -a long stay here.”</p> - -<p class='c007'>“Don’t you suppose your fathers will search for -you when the yacht fails to show up at Savannah?” -Ned asked.</p> - -<p class='c007'>“Of course; but the chances they will ever find -this little island seem to me mighty slim,” Roy replied. -“It won’t pay to discuss the matter just -<span class='pageno' id='Page_114'>114</span>now, though, for all that stuff on the shore should -be under cover by sunset. Come on; we shall have -to work mighty hard to finish before dark.”</p> - -<p class='c007'>And the young wreckers soon learned that Roy -was correct.</p> - -<p class='c007'>The sun had been behind the sea fully an hour -before the last package was sheltered from the -weather and the labor of getting supper could be -begun.</p> - -<p class='c007'>It had been unnecessary to light the lanterns in -order to finish the job. There was not a cloud in -the sky, and the stars gave sufficient light to enable -them to see their way to and fro from the beach to -the tent.</p> - -<p class='c007'>Both Ned and Vance assisted the cook in preparing -the evening meal, and what a delicious sense -of comfort was theirs when, supper having been -eaten, all three lay on the soft beds where they -could look out over the ocean!</p> - -<p class='c007'>“For shipwrecked mariners I think we’re fixed -mighty well,” Vance said dreamily. “We’ve got as -good a shelter as could be asked for in this climate, -plenty of water, provisions enough to last several -months with economy, a supply of fish whenever -we feel disposed for such food, and a bank on which -to draw for what gold and silver we need to pay -with.”</p> - -<p class='c007'><span class='pageno' id='Page_115'>115</span>“Don’t count too much on that, for your checks -might not be honored,” Roy replied with a laugh. -“Say, are we going to leave Ned’s treasure out of -doors all the time?”</p> - -<p class='c007'>“Certainly not. It must be hidden in the store-tent -to-morrow.</p> - -<p class='c007'>“Why do you call it mine?” Ned asked. “I’m -livin’ on the stuff brought by you fellows, an’ it’s -only right we should divide the dollars as well.”</p> - -<p class='c007'>“I don’t think that would be fair,” Roy replied. -“If we find any more it’ll be the square thing to -whack up even, but the pile near the fire belongs -to you entirely.”</p> - -<p class='c007'>“That’s so,” Vance added, and although Ned insisted -he should divide it, his companions stated positively -that they would not take a single dollar.</p> - -<p class='c007'>This decision afforded Ned no slight amount of -satisfaction, for, even though he would not have envied -them the possession of a full two-thirds, he -felt very much relieved in mind when they refused -to allow him to share the treasure with them.</p> - -<p class='c007'>But little time was spent over the matter, however. -All hands were so sleepy that even in the -midst of quite a heated argument one after another -fell asleep until the camp was in a state of complete -repose.</p> - -<p class='c007'>The sea, which had been so cruel to two of them -<span class='pageno' id='Page_116'>116</span>a few hours previous, now sang the softest lullaby, -and the stars twinkled above them as if their faces -had never been hidden by the angry storm clouds -which sent the wind and rain to overwhelm travelers -upon the ocean.</p> - -<div class='chapter'> - <span class='pageno' id='Page_117'>117</span> - <h2 id='IX' class='c005'>CHAPTER IX.<br /> <span class='small'>GHASTLY VISITORS.</span></h2> -</div> - -<p class='c006'>On the next morning work was resumed upon -the wreck, and, following Ned’s suggestion, the -party made a proper division of time, during which -certain tasks were to be performed.</p> - -<p class='c007'>Seven o’clock was the hour set for Vance and -Ned to begin whatever task might be the most important; -but Roy would not join them for an hour -later, in consideration of the fact that he, as cook, -had been at work fully sixty minutes before the -others.</p> - -<p class='c007'>In order that dinner might be ready at a regular -time, Roy was to cease all outside labor an hour before -noon, and remain in camp an hour later than -his friends in order to set the “house” to rights generally. -At night he would return from wherever the -others might be toiling an hour sooner than either -of his companions, and both were to assist in washing -the dishes used at supper.</p> - -<p class='c007'>By this division of labor it was certain there -<span class='pageno' id='Page_118'>118</span>could be no complaint that one was doing more -than another, and regularity of movements would -be insured.</p> - -<p class='c007'>The work of wrecking was continued in a more -workmanlike fashion, thanks also to Ned.</p> - -<p class='c007'>He rigged a tackle to one of the short masts, and -by such means the goods could be hoisted out of the -hold with a great deal less exertion than was necessary -in pushing and pulling by hand.</p> - -<p class='c007'>This contrivance was particularly useful when -they wished to send ashore a portion of the coal to -be used in the range, and, thanks to it, very much -more could be accomplished in a given time with -less labor than by the former haphazard fashion of -working.</p> - -<p class='c007'>Roy’s proposition was to dismantle the yacht entirely, -saving everything possible, even to the machinery, -and Ned raised no objections, for all this -would be necessary in order to carry into execution -a plan he had already formed.</p> - -<p class='c007'>It was his intention to float the little craft if possible.</p> - -<p class='c007'>While engaged in wrecking he examined thoroughly -every portion of the hull, and became convinced -that she was as sound as ever, unless, by -chance, some of the starboard timbers, which it was -impossible to see because of her being heeled over -on that side, had been stove.</p> - -<p class='c007'><span class='pageno' id='Page_119'>119</span>Without saying anything regarding this matter -to his companions, he was mentally calculating how -the task might best be performed with the limited -appliances at their disposal, and this problem occupied -his mind even to the exclusion of the supposed -treasure.</p> - -<p class='c007'>It must not be fancied, however, that because -Ned put from him all thought of the wealth which -might yet be gained from the hulk, the subject was -dropped entirely.</p> - -<p class='c007'>Vance talked of little save what they would do -when the work of treasure-hunting was begun, and -Roy was quite willing to join in such conversation.</p> - -<p class='c007'>When the second day of wrecking had come to -an end and while the cook was yet busy over the -range with a certain mysterious compound which -Vance declared would be either a stew or a roast as -it chanced to turn in the process of cooking, Ned -proposed that his store of silver be taken better -care of than by allowing it to remain under the -sand, where there might be some trouble in finding -it quickly should such a necessity happen to arise.</p> - -<p class='c007'>Vance was all the more willing to assist in the -work because he had a most intense desire to learn -how many dollars there were in the pile, and the -two set about the task, having first converted three -pillow-cases into bags.</p> - -<p class='c007'><span class='pageno' id='Page_120'>120</span>Counting the money proved to be a long job.</p> - -<p class='c007'>When Roy insisted that his companions postpone -the work until after supper lest the “compound” -should be spoiled by getting cold, they had set out -only seventeen piles, in each of which was $100, -and the main portion of the coins seemed nearly -as large as ever.</p> - -<p class='c007'>“There is more than twice that amount in the -lot,” Vance said as with a sigh of regret he ceased -his very pleasing occupation of handling the money -long enough to eat, “and it was a lucky day for -you when the captain of the Evening Star decided -to scuttle her.”</p> - -<p class='c007'>“It seems so,” Ned said just a trifle doubtfully; -“but both the money and I are here on a key which -doesn’t appear to be in the track of sailing vessels, -and it is a very serious question whether the silver -will do us much good.”</p> - -<p class='c007'>“We’re bound to get away some time,” Vance -replied in a positive tone. “We must be somewhere -off the coast of Florida, and I don’t believe -we can stay such a very long while without being -discovered.”</p> - -<p class='c007'>“What do you call a long while?” Ned asked.</p> - -<p class='c007'>“Two or three months.”</p> - -<p class='c007'>“Suppose a year should roll around, and we were -still in this place?”</p> - -<p class='c007'><span class='pageno' id='Page_121'>121</span>“Before then I should advocate trusting ourselves -to a raft.”</p> - -<p class='c007'>“Built out of what?”</p> - -<p class='c007'>“There is plenty of stuff. We could cut down -trees enough to make a famous craft, with what -might be taken from the yacht.”</p> - -<p class='c007'>“But you forget that she is likely to go to pieces -in the next gale.”</p> - -<p class='c007'>“Stop discussing the future possibilities,” Roy -cried impatiently. “There will be time for that -after all the work has been done, and just now I -want you to find out whether I’ve got a roast or a -stew. It isn’t such a great while ago since Vance -was worrying terribly about it, and now the stuff is -getting cold.”</p> - -<p class='c007'>Ned was perfectly willing to sample Roy’s cookery, -but he did not intend that the subject which -he had brought up should be dropped without a -thorough discussion.</p> - -<p class='c007'>He was most eager to interest his companions in -the task of saving the little steamer, and mentally -resolved to broach the matter again at the first -convenient opportunity.</p> - -<p class='c007'>There was no mistaking the savory dish Roy set -before them for anything but stew, even though it -had been made of canned meat, and the tired boys -ate until even the counting of silver seemed very -much like a hardship.</p> - -<p class='c007'><span class='pageno' id='Page_122'>122</span>A short siesta seemed absolutely necessary after -such a hearty meal, and not until an hour had -passed was the work of stowing away the treasure -resumed.</p> - -<p class='c007'>Then all three assisted in the counting, and when -the task had been completed they knew Ned’s find -amounted to exactly twenty eight hundred Mexican -dollars.</p> - -<p class='c007'>“The pile looked as if it was much larger,” -Vance said in a tone of disappointment as the last -piece was placed in one of the pillow-case bags.</p> - -<p class='c007'>“Considering the fact that it was got without -very much labor, I don’t think there is any reason -to kick,” Roy replied with a laugh. “To hear you -one would fancy you thought you were an injured -individual because the money wasn’t counted, placed -in bags bearing your monogram, and tagged in -proper shape.”</p> - -<p class='c007'>“No, that’s where you’re wrong,” Vance said -gravely. “I’m willing to do the counting and -stowing away, but I don’t like to make such a mistake. -I figured that there couldn’t be less than -$6,000 in the lot.”</p> - -<p class='c007'>“Well, now that you have been undeceived, -what do you propose to do about it?”</p> - -<p class='c007'>“Turn in as soon as we hide this stuff somewhere.”</p> - -<p class='c007'><span class='pageno' id='Page_123'>123</span>The question of where the money should be concealed -was not easily settled.</p> - -<p class='c007'>Ned proposed that it be stored with the goods in -the cook-tent, but neither Vance nor Roy would -agree to anything of the kind.</p> - -<p class='c007'>Although there was not a living being on the -island except themselves, it did not seem safe to -leave so much wealth lying around loose, and Vance -actually appeared afraid some portion of it might -be spirited away.</p> - -<p class='c007'>He suggested that the bags be placed under the -mattresses, and this plan was tried, but only to be -rejected, for although it is pleasant to have a great -many dollars, it is not comfortable to lie on them, -and the possession of the treasure promised to -deprive the boys of no little amount of sleep.</p> - -<p class='c007'>It was nearly ten o’clock when the matter was -finally settled by depositing the silver in a tool -chest which had been brought ashore from the -yacht, and then the castaways were able to gain the -necessary rest.</p> - -<p class='c007'>Two more days were spent in wrecking, and by -the end of that time everything worth saving, except -the machinery, had been brought ashore.</p> - -<p class='c007'>The store-tent was well filled, and it was so difficult -to find any particular article which might be -needed that Roy insisted one day should be devoted -<span class='pageno' id='Page_124'>124</span>to repacking the goods in such a manner that they -could find what might chance to be needed without -being forced to overhaul the entire stock.</p> - -<p class='c007'>Thus another day went by without their searching -for more treasure or making any progress -toward regaining the mainland.</p> - -<p class='c007'>During all this time a strict watch had been kept, -as a matter of course, in the hope of sighting a sail, -but nothing larger than a sea-gull’s wing had come -within their range of vision.</p> - -<p class='c007'>They were beginning to realize that it might be -weeks, perhaps months, before they would succeed -in leaving the key.</p> - -<p class='c007'>It was on the morning after the store-tent had -been put in proper shape that Roy, who in his -capacity of cook was forced to rise earlier than the -others, electrified his companions by shouting as he -went outside the camp to build the fire:</p> - -<p class='c007'>“Here’s a boat heading this way, fellows!”</p> - -<p class='c007'>It can readily be fancied how quickly the boys -leaped to their feet at the summons, and running -with all speed to where Roy was standing, they saw -the object to which he referred.</p> - -<p class='c007'>There certainly was <i>something</i> on the sea a long -distance from the key, but whether it was actually -a boat or not neither was able to say with any degree -of certainty.</p> - -<p class='c007'><span class='pageno' id='Page_125'>125</span>“I believe I can see her bow as she rises on the -swell!” Roy cried after they had stood gazing in -silence several moments upon the floating object.</p> - -<p class='c007'>“That can’t be, unless she is empty, for if so -much could be distinguished, we should see the oars -as they were raised or lowered.”</p> - -<p class='c007'>“Perhaps those on board are asleep.”</p> - -<p class='c007'>“That isn’t very possible, if they are shipwrecked -sailors, as seems likely.”</p> - -<p class='c007'>“Why couldn’t they be pleasure seekers?” Vance -asked.</p> - -<p class='c007'>“Because it isn’t probable they’d fool around -here in such a craft as that appears to be. There -isn’t so much as a mast to be seen, and if anybody -was coming here for fun they wouldn’t depend on -oars all the time, when the wind would send them -along very much faster.”</p> - -<p class='c007'>There could be no question but that Ned’s argument -was a good one, and the boys watched eagerly -for some signs of life.</p> - -<p class='c007'>An hour passed, and neither had thought it might -be well to economize the time by getting breakfast.</p> - -<p class='c007'>Now the floating object could be seen quite distinctly, -for both the current and the light breeze -was setting it directly toward the key.</p> - -<p class='c007'>There was no longer any question as to what it -was.</p> - -<p class='c007'><span class='pageno' id='Page_126'>126</span>They could distinguish the bow and stern as the -little craft was raised on the gentle swell, and Ned -finally said:</p> - -<p class='c007'>“She’s a boat about the size of the three I saw on -board the Evening Star, and most likely has gone -adrift from some vessel. If there was anybody on -her we should have seen them before this.”</p> - -<p class='c007'>“It’ll be a mighty lucky thing for us if she comes -ashore here, for we shall be able to leave this place -as soon as we have dug up the rest of your silver,” -Vance suggested.</p> - -<p class='c007'>Singularly enough, the others had not thought of -this, and it seemed as if fortune was favoring them -wonderfully.</p> - -<p class='c007'>“It won’t be much of a job to rig up a spar and -make a sail out of our canvas,” Roy said, and Ned -began to regret her coming, for with such a means -of departing from the island he feared his companions -would not be willing to assist in saving the -Zoe.</p> - -<p class='c007'>“We might as well have breakfast,” Vance suggested. -“It will be at least two hours more before -she comes ashore, and there’s no reason why we -should stand here like statues.”</p> - -<p class='c007'>This remark reminded Roy of his duties, and he -went at once to the range, where he was soon engaged -in preparing the morning meal, stopping -<span class='pageno' id='Page_127'>127</span>every few moments to look at the on-coming -boat.</p> - -<p class='c007'>When breakfast had been cooked and eaten the -craft was within half a mile of the shore, and no -one believed she had an occupant, because as yet -not a sign of life had been seen.</p> - -<p class='c007'>Ned was the first to note the fact that she was -hardly in as perfect a condition as had been fancied.</p> - -<p class='c007'>“Look at her port rail when she comes up on -the waves once more!” he cried. “I believe it has -been stove.”</p> - -<p class='c007'>“It certainly appears like that,” Roy replied after -a careful scrutiny, and as she drifted nearer it was -soon ascertained that she was hardly more than a -wreck.</p> - -<p class='c007'>Such a sea as might have been kicked up by an -ordinary breeze would have swamped her at once, -and Roy fancied he had solved the question as -to how she chanced to be drifting around in that -vicinity.</p> - -<p class='c007'>“There has been a collision at sea not far away, -and this craft was torn out of the davits. According -to my way of thinking, there must have been -a couple of vessels near here last night.”</p> - -<p class='c007'>“It’s precious little good that would have done us -if they kept out of sight or passed the key while we -were asleep,” Vance grumbled. “Perhaps we ought -to stand watch during the night.”</p> - -<p class='c007'><span class='pageno' id='Page_128'>128</span>“That wouldn’t effect very much, for we shouldn’t -be able to see any great distance, and I don’t suppose -an ordinary craft’s lights make much of a show -half a mile away.”</p> - -<p class='c007'>“It isn’t likely we’d— Look there!” Ned cried -excitedly, interrupting himself as the boat was -swung around by the swell just as she was sliding -down from the crest of a wave and the interior was -momentarily exposed to view.</p> - -<p class='c007'>Both Vance and Roy had seen the same thing -which had attracted Ned’s attention so suddenly, -and they were very pale.</p> - -<p class='c007'>“What did you make out?” the former asked, as -if distrusting his own eyes.</p> - -<p class='c007'>“A dead man,” Ned replied solemnly.</p> - -<p class='c007'>“That is what I thought I saw,” Roy added.</p> - -<p class='c007'>During several moments neither of the party -spoke.</p> - -<p class='c007'>It seemed like an ill omen to have this craft with -its freight of death borne by an unseen force -directly to the place where they had been cast -by the wickedness of man and the fury of the -elements.</p> - -<p class='c007'>The boat with her ghastly crew was coming -straight for them as if steered by the lifeless man, -and no course could have been more true had she -been fully manned.</p> - -<p class='c007'><span class='pageno' id='Page_129'>129</span>“It’s either some sailor who has lost his vessel -at sea and been drifting around until he starved to -death, or one who was in this boat when the collision——”</p> - -<p class='c007'>“There are two of them!” Vance cried as the -little craft rolled shoreward once more.</p> - -<p class='c007'>“Perhaps they ain’t dead!” Ned exclaimed, and -the possibility that these apparent corpses might be -sufferers to whom life could be restored took from -the scene much which had appeared uncanny.</p> - -<p class='c007'>The boys advanced to the very edge of the surf, -ready to pull the craft ashore as soon as she should -strike the sand, and ten minutes later she was so -near that everything on board could be distinctly -seen.</p> - -<p class='c007'>There was no longer any hope the occupants were -alive.</p> - -<p class='c007'>Neither was it any question as to how they had -died.</p> - -<p class='c007'>The interior of the little craft was covered -with blood, and several ghastly slashes across the -face of one told that it had been a duel to the -death.</p> - -<p class='c007'>It was left for Ned to add the crowning horror -to this terrible tragedy.</p> - -<p class='c007'>“It’s Captain Bragg and his mate, Mr. Stout!” he -cried, and then covered his face with his hands as if -unable longer to look upon the horrible scene.</p> - -<p class='c007'><span class='pageno' id='Page_130'>130</span>The boys could readily picture all that had taken -place on the boat.</p> - -<p class='c007'>The Evening Star had probably been scuttled as -agreed upon between the two officers, who had -most likely left the sinking brig in a boat by themselves.</p> - -<p class='c007'>Then a quarrel had arisen, perhaps in regard to -the division of the spoils, and, armed with knives if -nothing more, the duel had been fought.</p> - -<p class='c007'>To the affrighted three on the beach it seemed -as if they could see the hideous tragedy as the -men, frantic with passion, faced each other in that -frail craft.</p> - -<p class='c007'>How she must have tossed to and fro beneath -their heavy tread! How many waves had been -shipped while they were locked in the last wild -clutch, and what must have been the thoughts of the -dying survivor as he sat in front of his lifeless -adversary, knowing he would soon join him on the -last voyage, which would end only when they were -brought before the all-seeing Judge to answer not -only for this, but all the crimes they had ever committed!</p> - -<p class='c007'>“I would be willing to stay on this key a mighty -long while rather than leave in that craft,” Vance -said with a shudder, and neither he nor his companions -thought any longer that a way of escape -<span class='pageno' id='Page_131'>131</span>had been opened to them by the coming of the -boat.</p> - -<p class='c007'>It was destined, however, that there should be -no possibility of their ever putting to sea in the -craft which had brought such a cargo of crime’s -evidences.</p> - -<p class='c007'>Within twenty yards of where they were standing -a fringe of coral rose nearly to the surface of -the water, and when the boat was almost over this -a short wave lifted her on high. Then, receding, -it allowed the half wrecked craft to drop directly -upon the knife-like coral.</p> - -<p class='c007'>The timbers were divided as if with a saw, and -the dead bodies of the murderers flung out inside -the small reef, where the action of the water caused -them to advance and retreat as if swimming in -sport.</p> - -<p class='c007'>The boys would have thought it possible the men -were yet alive, owing to these grotesque movements, -but for the fact that they had been watching them -so long, and after one quick, frightened glance at -the hideous corpses, the castaways, with a common -impulse, ran to the tent to shut out from view the -horrible scene.</p> - -<div class='chapter'> - <span class='pageno' id='Page_132'>132</span> - <h2 id='X' class='c005'>CHAPTER X.<br /> <span class='small'>TREASURE-SEEKING.</span></h2> -</div> - -<p class='c006'>Not until they were in the tent cowering among -the bedclothes as if fearing they might have been -pursued by specters did either of the party realize -how foolishly he was acting.</p> - -<p class='c007'>Ned was the first to rise to his feet and step outside -the camp.</p> - -<p class='c007'>“See here, fellows,” he said after gazing toward -the place where such a terrible sight had been seen, -and noted the fact that the fragments of the boat -were drifting past the island, “we mustn’t allow -ourselves to be such fools. It was the swirl of the -water that made those bodies swim around in that -fashion.”</p> - -<p class='c007'>“Of course it was; but how horrible they looked!” -Roy replied.</p> - -<p class='c007'>“That’s a fact; but we’ve got to brace up and -get them out of the way. Most likely they’ll stay -inside the reef until a storm throws them ashore, -unless we do something.”</p> - -<p class='c007'>“What do you mean?”</p> - -<p class='c007'><span class='pageno' id='Page_133'>133</span>“We are bound to bury them.”</p> - -<p class='c007'>“I wouldn’t go within fifty yards of where they -are,” Vance said tremblingly. “It seemed as if -they were trying to catch us.”</p> - -<p class='c007'>“Now you are talking nonsense. We have got -to stay here, that’s certain, and it won’t do to have -a place that we’re afraid of. It would be mighty -disagreeable to see those corpses every time we -were forced to pass there, and our only course is to -get them under the sand as soon as possible. It -won’t be so bad if we do the work now as if we -waited and imagined all sorts of horrible things.”</p> - -<p class='c007'>“Ned is right,” Roy said as he stepped to the -door of the tent, trying unsuccessfully to appear -brave. “It will be a disagreeable job, and therefore -should be finished at once.”</p> - -<p class='c007'>“And we’ve got to have their graves where we -must look at them every day? It is horrible!” and -again Vance covered his face to shut out the pictures -conjured up by imagination.</p> - -<p class='c007'>“We’ll drag them to the other side of the island -where I was landed, if that will make the matter -any better,” Ned replied. “It’ll be a long, hard -job, but ’way ahead of feeling that we could never -go near the spot again, for now they are in plain -sight from where the yacht lies.”</p> - -<p class='c007'>“How will you haul them across?” Roy asked.</p> - -<p class='c007'><span class='pageno' id='Page_134'>134</span>“Pull them on to a piece of canvas; roll it up -and tie it securely, leaving an end to which a drag-rope -can be fastened. It will take the greater -portion of the day, and we’d better get about it at -once.”</p> - -<p class='c007'>Roy forced himself to put from his mind all that -was hideous in the matter and treat it as a necessary, -though disagreeable, task which must be accomplished.</p> - -<p class='c007'>He and Ned selected from their stores one of the -steamer’s jibs, cut it into such sized pieces as was -thought sufficiently large for the purpose, and -marched resolutely out to the spot where the boat -had been shattered.</p> - -<p class='c007'>Vance was ashamed to remain idle while they -were working and after a brief delay joined them.</p> - -<p class='c007'>It devolved upon Ned to secure the bodies, which -he did by wading into the surf and passing a noose -under and around them.</p> - -<p class='c007'>Then he also was forced to roll them in the -canvas shrouds; but after this had been done, and -the ghastly freight presented the appearance of -merchandise rather than human forms, Vance was -ready to assist in the task of dragging them across -the island.</p> - -<p class='c007'>“We shall need a couple of shovels,” Ned said -when everything was in readiness for the journey. -<span class='pageno' id='Page_135'>135</span>“Vance shall carry them, and he can spell one of -us when we’re tired.”</p> - -<p class='c007'>This was a division of labor at which no one -could complain, and the fatiguing journey was -begun, the heavy weight causing the most severe -labor necessary in order to pull them through the -sand.</p> - -<p class='c007'>It was a great undertaking to convey the bodies -so far, but all three of the boys believed they were -fully warranted in such an expenditure of strength -and energy, because of the relief of mind which -would be theirs when the corpses were so far from -the camp that even the burial-place could not be -seen.</p> - -<p class='c007'>It was considerably past noon when they arrived -at the opposite shore, and then it was necessary to -dig the grave.</p> - -<p class='c007'>Owing to the fact that the deposit of sand on the -coral foundation of the island was shallow, this was -not a long nor a difficult task, and the boys felt a -decided sense of relief when the canvas shrouds -were hidden from view.</p> - -<p class='c007'>Both murderers, and both murdered, they shared -a common grave where their bones might at any -time be disturbed by the action of the waves, and -there was little doubt but that during the next -severe storm the bodies would be disinterred.</p> - -<p class='c007'><span class='pageno' id='Page_136'>136</span>There was nothing the boys could do to prevent -this unless they had been willing to bury them in -the center of the island overlooking their camp, -which would be in the highest degree disagreeable.</p> - -<p class='c007'>The spot selected was where Ned had been -landed, and there was a certain poetic justice in -thus leaving the two where they had left the boy -who had been so unfortunate as to have heard their -guilty secret.</p> - -<p class='c007'>“It’s lucky for me they concluded that I must be -marooned,” Ned said as they retraced their steps -over the hot, shimmering sand. “If they hadn’t -done that most likely I’d been taken in the boat -with them to prevent my telling the men what I’d -heard, an’ in that case where would I be now?”</p> - -<p class='c007'>“Overboard, I reckon,” Roy replied in a tone of -awe. “It must have been a terrible fight before -the first man died, and you would have been forced -over the side while they were leaping around trying -to kill each other. Spider Key has used you mighty -well, according to my way of thinking.”</p> - -<p class='c007'>“That’s a fact, and I’m expecting to have yet -better luck here. When we get back to camp I’m -goin’ to open up a scheme to you fellows, an’ I hope -you’ll see things in the same light I do.”</p> - -<p class='c007'>“What’s in the wind now?”</p> - -<p class='c007'>“I’ll tell you when we get back. The day is so -<span class='pageno' id='Page_137'>137</span>nearly spent that it won’t pay to begin work until -morning, an’ we shall have plenty of time to talk.”</p> - -<p class='c007'>The others were obliged to curb their curiosity as -best they could, for Ned absolutely refused to -gratify it until they were where a conversation -could be carried on in a comfortable manner.</p> - -<p class='c007'>After the disagreeable work and the general excitement -and horrors of the morning, none of the -party felt particularly hungry, therefore Roy served -a cold lunch for dinner, promising a more hearty -meal at night.</p> - -<p class='c007'>“It’s so late now that if I tried to do very much -cooking it would be sunset before the job was finished,” -he explained.</p> - -<p class='c007'>“This is good enough for me,” Ned replied as he -helped himself to some sea biscuit and a generous -slice of cheese.</p> - -<p class='c007'>“Then while you are eating suppose you give us -a glimpse of that famous scheme. It is better to -talk about almost anything rather than sit here -thinking of what we have just seen,” and Vance -moved nearer, as if the closest possible companionship -was necessary in order to drive away the -memories of the morning.</p> - -<p class='c007'>“It isn’t so very much that I’ve got to say, but -it counts for a good deal in my mind. To begin -with, we want to get away from here as soon as we -can.”</p> - -<p class='c007'><span class='pageno' id='Page_138'>138</span>“That goes without saying, and especially now,” -Roy replied with a nervous laugh.</p> - -<p class='c007'>“And it may be a year before any craft comes -this way.”</p> - -<p class='c007'>“I’m not prepared to admit quite as much as -that, for a vessel of some kind must happen around -before so much time elapses.”</p> - -<p class='c007'>“Well, we would get tired in considerably less -than six months. While there is plenty to be done -a fellow don’t have a chance to get lonesome; but -how about when there’s nothin’ to do but walk -around thinkin’ of where we’d like to be?”</p> - -<p class='c007'>“Of course we shall be lonesome then,” Vance -replied impatiently. “I wish we were certain of -getting away as soon as we’d overhauled the hulk, -for in the course of a week our folks will understand -that something has happened to us, and it’ll -be terrible to know they are feeling bad when we -are all right.”</p> - -<p class='c007'>“Then instead of waitin’ for a craft to come, -which may never happen, why not do all we can toward -rescuing ourselves?”</p> - -<p class='c007'>“How can we accomplish more than we are now -doing?”</p> - -<p class='c007'>“By launching the yacht.”</p> - -<p class='c007'>“You’re crazy,” Vance replied impatiently.</p> - -<p class='c007'>“We never could do it, no matter how hard we -<span class='pageno' id='Page_139'>139</span>might try,” Roy added, as if the idea was so preposterous -that it was worse than useless to discuss -it.</p> - -<p class='c007'>“You are both wrong,” Ned said quietly. “The -job can be done if we set about it in a proper manner, -and if you’ll agree to work with me three days, -I’ll show you it isn’t so much of an undertaking as -you seem to think.”</p> - -<p class='c007'>“Why, we couldn’t put her on an even keel, let -alone get her off the bank.”</p> - -<p class='c007'>“I’ll have her swung around in forty-eight hours -and ready for launching two days after that,” Ned -said doggedly.</p> - -<p class='c007'>“How would you go to work?”</p> - -<p class='c007'>“In the first place I’d carry both anchors as far -as the cables would run, make them fast to the -capstan, and, aided by the tide, haul in until she -was pulled up on her keel.”</p> - -<p class='c007'>“Should you swim out with the anchors?” Vance -asked with just a tinge of sarcasm perceptible in his -tones.</p> - -<p class='c007'>“How long would it take to build a raft?”</p> - -<p class='c007'>“If you were going to do that it would be best -to make one large enough to carry us to the mainland.”</p> - -<p class='c007'>“We haven’t the materials for that. A small -one would answer our purpose in floating her, and -<span class='pageno' id='Page_140'>140</span>I can rig up such a craft alone. Say, suppose you -two dig for the treasure and leave me to get ready? -I won’t ask you to help me more than an hour the -first day, and then when I call on you for regular -work you may decide whether my plan can be carried -out.”</p> - -<p class='c007'>Ned was so deeply in earnest his companions -could not but be impressed, and Vance, realizing -that by agreeing to this proposition he would be -able to get at the treasure-seeking just so much the -sooner, replied:</p> - -<p class='c007'>“I’m willing if Roy is.”</p> - -<p class='c007'>“And I shouldn’t be surprised if Ned was correct -in what he says,” the cook added thoughtfully. “A -few men have moved a large ship before now, and -I don’t see why, with so much in the way of -material for working, the Zoe could not be gotten -into deep water.”</p> - -<p class='c007'>“She can!” Ned exclaimed, rendered even more -excited than before by his partial success in convincing -his companions. “What will be the difference -between floating her and finding silver -dollars? She is worth three such lots of coin as I -dug up, and even if there is more treasure in the -hulk, the chances are that there isn’t as much as -would pay for her.”</p> - -<p class='c007'>“She cost $8,000,” Roy replied.</p> - -<p class='c007'><span class='pageno' id='Page_141'>141</span>“Think of it! We know how to earn that much -money, or save it, which amounts to the same -thing, and yet are not willing to make one trial. -She isn’t hurt any to speak of, and even if half a -dozen timbers have been shattered, it wouldn’t cost -a great deal to replace them.”</p> - -<p class='c007'>“But we shall probably be unable to work the -engine in case you get her off the bank.”</p> - -<p class='c007'>“Well, what of that? If a vessel comes along, -we can have her towed into port. She will lay in -the little bay as snug as a bug in a rug if we moor -her properly, but is bound to go to pieces in case -the next heavy gale finds her where the surf can -beat directly upon her bottom.”</p> - -<p class='c007'>It was impossible not to be convinced by the -arguments which Ned brought forward, and the -boys began to consider seriously the idea of escaping -from the key by means of the yacht. He -seemed to be so positive it could be accomplished -that they fancied it was a very much more simple -matter than had at first been supposed.</p> - -<p class='c007'>Vance insisted, however, that the proposition -should stand as first made.</p> - -<p class='c007'>“You get things in order for floating the yacht, -and Roy and I will see what there is under the sand -which covers the old hulk. We can come up to help -you at any time, and when you are ready for the -<span class='pageno' id='Page_142'>142</span>more serious part of the business we shall have -finished our job.”</p> - -<p class='c007'>As a matter of fact Ned would have preferred -that they work together, since the task could be accomplished -in so much less time when there were -hands enough to carry everything forward at the -same moment; but he could not well object after -having been the one to propose it, and thought he -had succeeded very well in effecting this much.</p> - -<p class='c007'>There was no intention of beginning any new -labor now that the night was so near at hand.</p> - -<p class='c007'>All were both tired and depressed because of the -scenes through which they had passed, and they remained -in the tent discussing Ned’s plan until it was -time to prepare another meal.</p> - -<p class='c007'>After this had been eaten Ned and Vance were -eager to retire, the former that he might be ready -to begin work on the yacht at an early hour, and -the latter in order to commence the search for -treasure at the earliest possible moment.</p> - -<p class='c007'>Both were awake before the sun showed his face -above the waters, and Roy was surprised by the -offers of assistance he received.</p> - -<p class='c007'>When breakfast had been finished Ned went on -board the wreck to map out his work, but Vance -was forced to wait until the cook had finished his -regular morning tasks, for the two were to overhaul -the old hulk in company.</p> - -<p class='c007'><span class='pageno' id='Page_143'>143</span>Ned had no fears as to the result of his labors, -providing nothing occurred to prevent him from -doing as he wished, and as the anchor-laying was -the most important, he began that at once by building -a raft.</p> - -<p class='c007'>Had the others been with him this task would -have been comparatively a light one, but forced to -work at a disadvantage because alone, he had hardly -got the first layer of timbers secured in place, when -a series of wildest yells from the vicinity of the hulk -attracted his attention.</p> - -<p class='c007'>“If I thought they’d found another box I -wouldn’t stir a step from this place,” he said to -himself; “but it may be they are in trouble of some -kind, and I s’pose I must find out.”</p> - -<p class='c007'>Making fast his timbers that they might not float -away and thus necessitate the additional labor of -preparing more, Ned started at full speed through -the grove, and on arriving at the opposite side saw -Vance and Roy dancing wildly around an excavation -in the sand, alternately calling him by name -and yelling after the fashion of a Comanche Indian.</p> - -<p class='c007'>“They’ve dug out more money!” Ned cried, and -for the time being the raft and the yacht were forgotten, -for he could be as enthusiastic over treasure-finding -as either of the others.</p> - -<p class='c007'>“What have you got?” he cried, dashing forward -at a swift pace.</p> - -<p class='c007'><span class='pageno' id='Page_144'>144</span>“Come and see!” Vance shouted. “Hurrah for -Spider Key! Hurrah for ourselves! Hurrah for -the pirates’ treasure!”</p> - -<p class='c007'>There was certainly sufficient to cause excitement.</p> - -<p class='c007'>When he arrived at the scene of their labors it -was only necessary for Ned to peer over the huge -wall of sand which had been thrown up, in order to -see four boxes lying side by side, exactly like the -one he had previously found.</p> - -<p class='c007'>It was evident they had been stored in the very -stern of the craft, probably under the cabin floor, -as was customary when sailing vessels carried much -treasure, and who could say how many years the -wealth had been lying on the shore of Spider Key, -awaiting the chance which should lead to its discovery?</p> - -<p class='c007'>“That’s the same sort I found!” Ned cried, -equally as much excited now as the others. “Let’s -have them out of there. We’ll get back to camp -an’ open the boxes!”</p> - -<p class='c007'>Two of the packages were much heavier than the -rest, and Vance said:</p> - -<p class='c007'>“These fellows are full of gold! Talk about -mining in California! Why, it isn’t a marker alongside -of this way of finding money all coined and -ready to spend!”</p> - -<p class='c007'><span class='pageno' id='Page_145'>145</span>The boys had a difficult task to raise the boxes -from their long resting-place, and the united -strength of all three was necessary in order to place -them above the wall of sand.</p> - -<p class='c007'>“You’ve got the whole of it this time,” Ned said -as he wiped the perspiration from his face and -turned to look at the spot from which the treasure -had been removed. “How long did it take you to -shovel all that sand away?”</p> - -<p class='c007'>“Not such a very great while. We wanted to -make certain of getting at the entire collection, so -Roy began on one side and I the other. We had -cleared almost the whole space before striking the -boxes.”</p> - -<p class='c007'>It was fully half an hour before the treasure-seekers -recovered from their excitement sufficiently -to take any steps toward conveying their treasure -to the tent, and then it was decided to make a sort -of litter with poles, for the weight of two of the -packages was too great to admit of their being -carried by one boy.</p> - -<p class='c007'>As a matter of course this required considerable -time, and it was an hour past noon when Vance began -to chop at the top of the first box for the purpose -of opening it.</p> - -<p class='c007'>The wood was not so rotten but that a good deal -of labor was necessary in order to effect his purpose, -<span class='pageno' id='Page_146'>146</span>and then exclamations of delight burst from the lips -of all.</p> - -<p class='c007'>This was one of the heaviest boxes, and, as Vance -had predicted, was filled with gold coins, the majority -of them having come from a Spanish mint.</p> - -<p class='c007'>Owing to the fact that they were unable to determine -the value of many of the pieces, it was impossible -to figure up the amount of the “find;” but, -judging from the weight, in comparison with that -of the silver, the total sum was very large.</p> - -<p class='c007'>Vance was not satisfied until he had opened all -four of the boxes, finding gold in two and silver in -both the others.</p> - -<p class='c007'>“It isn’t a pirate’s hoard, that’s certain,” he said -after looking at the wealth until his eyes fairly -ached. “But never mind who it may have belonged -to once, there can be no question but that it’s ours -now by right of discovery.”</p> - -<div class='chapter'> - <span class='pageno' id='Page_147'>147</span> - <h2 id='XI' class='c005'>CHAPTER XI.<br /> <span class='small'>THE YACHT.</span></h2> -</div> - -<p class='c006'>That they were the possessors of a large sum -of money there could be no question, and after he -fully realized this very pleasing fact, Vance was as -eager as any of his companions to escape from the -key.</p> - -<p class='c007'>To Ned’s delight he had come to believe that it -was in the highest degree important they should -leave the island in the Zoe, and was now as ready -to push forward the work on her as he previously -had been to search for the hidden treasure.</p> - -<p class='c007'>“If a vessel should come along this minute and -offer to take us off, I don’t see how we could leave,” -he said as he stood gazing at the money.</p> - -<p class='c007'>“Why not?” Roy asked in surprise.</p> - -<p class='c007'>“Because we couldn’t carry all this wealth away -without the fact being known, and I shouldn’t like -to trust everybody with the secret that these boxes -were filled with gold and silver.”</p> - -<p class='c007'>“Then you are ready to aid in launching the Zoe?” -Ned said interrogatively.</p> - -<p class='c007'><span class='pageno' id='Page_148'>148</span>“Of course I am. We mustn’t waste a single -moment. Help me stack these boxes up under the -tool chest, and we’ll get to work as soon as Roy -cooks dinner.”</p> - -<p class='c007'>“If I’d known how it was goin’ to affect you I’d -voted to go ahead with the treasure-finding two or -three days ago; but I thought it would take very -much longer to clear that hulk of sand.”</p> - -<p class='c007'>“There hasn’t been any time lost. Do you think -it will be many days before we can have the yacht -afloat?”</p> - -<p class='c007'>“I hope not. It seems as if three of us should be -able to do a great deal in a short while. Suppose -you and I tackle the raft while Roy is doing the -cooking? That will put us ahead just so much.”</p> - -<p class='c007'>The treasure had been stowed away near the -beds, and Vance was more than willing to act upon -Ned’s suggestion.</p> - -<p class='c007'>He followed him to the scene of his morning’s -labors, and when Roy finally called them to dinner -Vance grumbled not a little because it was necessary -to cease the work in order to eat.</p> - -<p class='c007'>“We must have the anchors out before sunset,” -he said emphatically, much as if expecting his companion -would object.</p> - -<p class='c007'>“Of course, for then we’ll be takin’ advantage of -the night tide.”</p> - -<p class='c007'><span class='pageno' id='Page_149'>149</span>“And we shall get along much faster, because -Roy will be here to help us.”</p> - -<p class='c007'>Vance hardly allowed his companions time to eat -their dinner properly.</p> - -<p class='c007'>He urged first one and then the other to make -more haste, until Roy said quite sharply:</p> - -<p class='c007'>“This morning you thought it was the same as -wasting time to work on the yacht, and now you’re -not willing to do the thing in a reasonable way. I -shall eat all I want, and even then there’ll be -plenty of daylight in which to accomplish as much -as Ned has laid out for this day’s work.”</p> - -<p class='c007'>Vance was forced to restrain his ardor, since the -others were not willing to keep at the job with such -a rush, and the result was that very much more labor -was performed than if he had been allowed the -direction of affairs.</p> - -<p class='c007'>The raft was finally built as strongly as Ned -thought necessary, and the largest anchor with -plenty of cable loaded on it.</p> - -<p class='c007'>It was no slight task to paddle the unwieldy craft -out to sea with the heavy hawser trailing astern, -and dragging back until oftentimes more advantage -would be lost than gained.</p> - -<p class='c007'>Vance assisted Ned, both using the oars as paddles, -and Roy remained on the wreck to pay out -the cable.</p> - -<p class='c007'><span class='pageno' id='Page_150'>150</span>It was necessary to strain every muscle to accomplish -the purpose, but it was finally done, and the -boys pulled swiftly back to the yacht to ascertain, -by bringing the rope to the capstan, what kind of -holding ground they had.</p> - -<p class='c007'>“Now rouse her in!” Ned cried as he took a double -turn and prepared to hold the slack. “Walk -her around, an’ we’ll soon know whether that -blessed anchor has got to be picked up again.”</p> - -<p class='c007'>It was not necessary to make any change.</p> - -<p class='c007'>When the hawser was hauled as taut as was possible -with such a heavy rope, the anchor held firm, -and Ned said in a tone of satisfaction:</p> - -<p class='c007'>“There’s the biggest half of our work done! -Now we must make this cable fast somewhere else -until the other anchor is in place. By working -lively we can finish it before dark.”</p> - -<p class='c007'>This seemed like rather a rash statement, since the -sun was already very near the horizon, but so rapidly -did the little crew work that the task was accomplished -before night had fully come, and the boys -had the satisfaction of seeing the two ropes stretched -far out into the water like strands of iron.</p> - -<p class='c007'>“I reckon we can call this a full day’s work,” Ned -said as he brought the raft around on the shore -side of the stranded yacht. “If we find those ropes -a little slack to-morrow morning, we shall know she -has slipped off just that much.”</p> - -<p class='c007'><span class='pageno' id='Page_151'>151</span>“But suppose it doesn’t happen?” Roy asked.</p> - -<p class='c007'>“Then it’ll be a question of using our muscle at -the next high tide, and bringing out a portion of the -machinery to lighten her.”</p> - -<p class='c007'>“If we take the engine apart we shall never be -able to get it together again,” Vance said in alarm.</p> - -<p class='c007'>“That doesn’t make any difference. We shall -have to do it if this plan don’t work, and then try -to get her along under sail. We’ve got canvas -enough to fit her out in pretty good shape.”</p> - -<p class='c007'>“There won’t be any show of going very fast -with the screw dragging behind.”</p> - -<p class='c007'>“I’ll be satisfied if we make two knots an hour, -for that’s more than we’re doing now.”</p> - -<p class='c007'>The boys were thoroughly tired when they returned -to the tent, but so much had been accomplished -since sunrise that they were hardly aware -of their weariness.</p> - -<p class='c007'>The treasure was only spoken of now and then, -but Vance and Roy talked almost incessantly of -floating the yacht, and Ned felt well satisfied that -before very long they would be sailing in search of -the mainland.</p> - -<p class='c007'>The possibility of getting free from the island -suggested to his mind something which he had paid -very little attention to before.</p> - -<p class='c007'>“How shall we know what way to steer when -we are ready to leave?”</p> - -<p class='c007'><span class='pageno' id='Page_152'>152</span>“Jimminey! I never thought of that,” Vance exclaimed. -“I haven’t the slightest idea where the -coast of Florida is, except that it seems as if, it -should be in that direction,” and he pointed toward -the west.</p> - -<p class='c007'>Roy felt quite positive they ought to steer a -northerly course, while Ned, having been locked in -the state-room so long before coming ashore, was -unable to form any idea whatever.</p> - -<p class='c007'>“We shall be an interestin’ kind of a crew when -we do get started,” he said with a laugh. “How -are we to decide the matter?”</p> - -<p class='c007'>“I know I’m right,” Vance replied decidedly.</p> - -<p class='c007'>“And I’m convinced the mainland lies to the -north of us,” Roy added in quite as positive a tone.</p> - -<p class='c007'>“I don’t know anything about it, so it will be necessary -for you fellows to fight it out among yourselves.”</p> - -<p class='c007'>“Of course you’ll agree that we want to get back -to Key West rather than attempt to go to Savannah?” -Vance said to Roy.</p> - -<p class='c007'>“Certainly.”</p> - -<p class='c007'>“Well, suppose this key is on the very edge of -the line of shoals, and we steer due north: there’s a -possibility of our striking straight across to where -we were originally bound, which wouldn’t be pleasant.”</p> - -<p class='c007'><span class='pageno' id='Page_153'>153</span>“Well, what if we went to the west?”</p> - -<p class='c007'>“We are positive this key isn’t south of Key -West, and if we run a westerly course we’re bound -to strike some land between here and the Gulf of -Mexico.”</p> - -<p class='c007'>“It’s my opinion that Vance has got the best of -this argument,” Ned said with a laugh, and Roy -replied:</p> - -<p class='c007'>“I reckon he has, and I’ll get supper if you fellows -will turn to and help. After dragging on -those heavy ropes it doesn’t seem as if I had -strength enough to feed myself.”</p> - -<p class='c007'>All were hungry, but felt at the same time so -tired that the exertion of cooking seemed too great -to be thought of, and Ned proposed that they content -themselves with a cold supper.</p> - -<p class='c007'>“I can soon build a fire on the ground large -enough to cook the coffee, and that will be all we -shall need.”</p> - -<p class='c007'>The others were perfectly willing to agree to this -proposition, and the last work of the day was -quickly dispatched.</p> - -<p class='c007'>Then the boys lay down to rest, and neither of -them felt like prolonging a conversation when their -eyes were so heavy.</p> - -<p class='c007'>Before nine o’clock the three were sleeping -soundly, and it seemed to Vance that he had but -<span class='pageno' id='Page_154'>154</span>just lost himself in slumber, when he was aroused -by what sounded very much like a groan, as if a -human being was in agony.</p> - -<p class='c007'>There were cold, bead-like drops of perspiration -on his face as he raised himself to a sitting posture -and listened.</p> - -<p class='c007'>The unearthly sound was repeated, and he trembled -with fear, while before his eyes came a picture -of the horrible sight he had witnessed during the -forenoon.</p> - -<p class='c007'>Now Vance was not a boy who believed in ghosts -or anything of that kind, but he knew perfectly -well there were no other persons on the island, and -yet here was a noise apparently close at hand, which -must have been made by a human being.</p> - -<p class='c007'>“Of course those men whom we buried were -dead,” he said to himself, “and if I waken the fellows -they’ll insist I’m afraid of my own shadow.”</p> - -<p class='c007'>He was about to lie down again when the unearthly -sound floated on the night air once more, -and this time he fancied it came from some point -nearer the tent than before.</p> - -<p class='c007'>There was no longer any fear in his mind that -Ned and Roy would think him cowardly.</p> - -<p class='c007'>Anything was better than listening to such noises -while his companions were unconscious in slumber, -and he shook Ned, who chanced to be nearest him, -violently.</p> - -<p class='c007'><span class='pageno' id='Page_155'>155</span>“What’s the matter?” the sleepy boy asked as he -rubbed his eyes.</p> - -<p class='c007'>“Hush! Don’t speak so loud! I’ve been hearing -the queerest kind of a noise. It sounds as if -some one was on the island.”</p> - -<p class='c007'>Ned’s eyes had closed again while Vance was -talking, and the latter shook him yet more violently -than before.</p> - -<p class='c007'>“Wake up and listen. It may be that men have -landed, and we must look out for the treasure!”</p> - -<p class='c007'>This was sufficient to render Ned very wide -awake, and he raised himself on his elbow as he -said:</p> - -<p class='c007'>“I don’t hear anything.”</p> - -<p class='c007'>“Wait awhile and you will.”</p> - -<p class='c007'>It was not necessary for Ned to listen many seconds; -Vance had hardly ceased speaking when the -noise was heard again, and one would have failed to -decide which boy was the most frightened.</p> - -<div class='chapter'> - <span class='pageno' id='Page_156'>156</span> - <h2 id='XII' class='c005'>CHAPTER XII.<br /> <span class='small'>THE MYSTERY.</span></h2> -</div> - -<p class='c006'>Ned was unable to form any idea as to the cause -of such a doleful sound.</p> - -<p class='c007'>He knew, or thought he did, that there was no -one on the key when they lay down, and yet there -could be no mistaking the fact that something unusual -was going on.</p> - -<p class='c007'>The most natural course appeared to be the -awakening of Roy, but this was not accomplished -without considerable difficulty, for the cook was a -very sound sleeper, and on this particular night it -seemed as if his eyelids were glued together.</p> - -<p class='c007'>It might have been really impossible to arouse -him if, just at the moment when he was more nearly -awake than at any time since Ned began operations, -the groan had not been heard.</p> - -<p class='c007'>This time it was of a most doleful kind, and so -loud that one might have heard it half a mile away.</p> - -<p class='c007'>Roy was wide awake in an instant, asking wildly -as he scrambled to his feet:</p> - -<p class='c007'>“What was that?”</p> - -<p class='c007'><span class='pageno' id='Page_157'>157</span>“We’ve been trying to find out,” Ned replied. -“I can’t think of anything around here that could -make such a noise. It’s horrible!”</p> - -<p class='c007'>“Light one of the lanterns.”</p> - -<p class='c007'>“What good will that do?”</p> - -<p class='c007'>“If any one attempts to get in here we shall be -able to see what is going on,” Roy whispered.</p> - -<p class='c007'>“And if the thing which made the noise is bent -on mischief, the light of the lantern showing through -the canvas might make matters worse.”</p> - -<p class='c007'>“But we must try to learn what’s the matter.”</p> - -<p class='c007'>“I’ll creep softly out if you fellows will follow. -I’m willin’ to admit that it frightens me an’ don’t -care to take the chances of going alone.”</p> - -<p class='c007'>“I’ll stay close at your heels.”</p> - -<p class='c007'>Ned started, but did not attempt to rise to his -feet.</p> - -<p class='c007'>Convinced that an enemy was near at hand, such -a course hardly seemed prudent, and he wriggled -along over the sand until it was possible to gain a -view of that portion of the island directly in front -of the tent.</p> - -<p class='c007'>The stars were shining brightly and he could see -surrounding objects distinctly, but nothing unusual -met his gaze.</p> - -<p class='c007'>As a matter of course it was impossible to peer -through the grove in the gloom, and while he was -<span class='pageno' id='Page_158'>158</span>wondering if some animal was not among the trees, -the fearsome noise was heard again.</p> - -<p class='c007'>It appeared to come from the rear of the tent, and -Ned turned back to whisper to his companions:</p> - -<p class='c007'>“I can’t see a thing, but whatever has come must -be in our rear. Shall we go out?”</p> - -<p class='c007'>“We’ve got to learn what it is.”</p> - -<p class='c007'>“I think some animal has swum up from the sea. -At all events, we’ll soon know. Don’t make the -slightest noise as you follow me.”</p> - -<p class='c007'>Then very cautiously Ned crept out until he had -a full view of the shores and as far back in the interior -as the center of the island.</p> - -<p class='c007'>There was not so much as a bird to be seen, and -what seemed very strange, the groan was not -repeated, although they listened intently fully five -minutes.</p> - -<p class='c007'>Then he rose to his feet and his companions did -the same.</p> - -<p class='c007'>The most perfect silence reigned save for the -soft lip, lip, lipping of the water on the sandy -shore.</p> - -<p class='c007'>“Well, that beats me!” Ned said aloud after ten -minutes had passed and nothing was heard. “It -can’t be that all three of us have been dreaming.”</p> - -<p class='c007'>“There was more than a dream in that terrible -noise,” Vance replied with a shudder.</p> - -<p class='c007'><span class='pageno' id='Page_159'>159</span>Ned led the way completely around the tents and -then to the edge of the grove without having discovered -anything.</p> - -<p class='c007'>“It’s certain we haven’t visitors, and the best -thing we can do is to go to bed again.”</p> - -<p class='c007'>“I shan’t be able to get another wink of sleep to-night,” -Vance said in a voice that trembled woefully.</p> - -<p class='c007'>“Then you’ll be on hand to let us know if it comes -again. But I won’t make fun of you,” he added as -he saw the look of horror on his companion’s face, -“for it was enough to frighten a wooden man, and -I was as badly scared as any one. There’s no use -in staying out here any longer now we’re certain -nothing’s in sight.”</p> - -<p class='c007'>Ned led the way back to the tent, and once there -Roy took good care to light two lanterns.</p> - -<p class='c007'>“It won’t do any harm to leave them burning,” -he said half-apologetically. “If we hear the noise -again we can at least see each others’ faces, and -there’ll be some little comfort in that.”</p> - -<p class='c007'>Neither of the party felt very much like indulging -in slumber for a long while, and they sat cross-legged -on their beds talking in whispers of what -was to them, as indeed it might have been to any -one, the most profound mystery.</p> - -<p class='c007'>No reasonable theory could be formed regarding -<span class='pageno' id='Page_160'>160</span>it, and after an hour had passed with nothing to -cause additional fear, one after another of the little -party began to grow sleepy, until all were slumbering -soundly once more.</p> - -<p class='c007'>If there were any more groans on the island during -the night the castaways were in blissful ignorance -regarding them, and not until the sun had been -up from his bath in the sea fully an hour did either -of the party awaken.</p> - -<p class='c007'>Ned was the first to open his eyes, and after -rousing his companions he ran out of the tent to -look for strange footprints in the sand.</p> - -<p class='c007'>If their unwelcome visitor had come from the -sea there must have been some signs left behind, -yet Ned failed to find any.</p> - -<p class='c007'>He returned to the tent with joyful tidings, however.</p> - -<p class='c007'>“The yacht must have worked herself off some -during the night!” he cried. “The hawsers are -considerably slacker than when we saw them last, -and I fancy she isn’t heeled over quite so much.”</p> - -<p class='c007'>Vance and Roy ran out of doors to assure themselves -by a personal inspection that such was the -case, and the former said, after looking scrutinizingly -at the little steamer:</p> - -<p class='c007'>“I think you are right, Ned, and I sincerely hope -so. If that craft was afloat I wouldn’t sleep -<span class='pageno' id='Page_161'>161</span>another night on this island. I can stand a good -deal, but when it comes to living where dead men -are prowling around, then I get more than I need.”</p> - -<p class='c007'>“You surely are not foolish enough to believe -that what we heard last night was caused by those -wretches whom we buried,” Roy said in surprise.</p> - -<p class='c007'>“Tell me what else could have made the noise, -and I’ll own up to being foolish.”</p> - -<p class='c007'>“Of course I can’t do that; but this much I’ve -got sense enough left to understand, that there’s no -such things as ghosts.”</p> - -<p class='c007'>“Then what made the noise?”</p> - -<p class='c007'>Roy turned away unwilling to continue such a -profitless conversation, and Ned said decidedly:</p> - -<p class='c007'>“If it is heard again I’ll get at the bottom of the -mystery, or know the reason why. We should -have gone directly outside when the noise was first -heard.”</p> - -<p class='c007'>“You were prowling around soon enough to distinguish -anything, if it could be seen,” Vance persisted, -“and I have an idea you failed to find the -tracks you counted on.”</p> - -<p class='c007'>“How did you know that?”</p> - -<p class='c007'>“I watched while you were searching, and, of -course, understood what you expected to see.”</p> - -<p class='c007'>Ned joined Roy at the tent without making any -further reply.</p> - -<p class='c007'><span class='pageno' id='Page_162'>162</span>He did not believe in ghosts, but at the same -time it made him just a trifle nervous to have Vance -attribute the disturbance to an unearthly source.</p> - -<p class='c007'>There was too much work to be done before sunset -to permit of spending many moments discussing -what was so profitless as the subject of ghosts.</p> - -<p class='c007'>The hawsers were to be hauled in until they should -be as taut as on the night previous, and Ned was -revolving in his mind the use of blocks and wedges -to bring the yacht on an even keel more quickly.</p> - -<p class='c007'>In order to perform this labor, however, it was -necessary all hands should assist, therefore Ned was -forced to remain idle until after breakfast had been -prepared and eaten.</p> - -<p class='c007'>This did not prove to be such a very long task, -owing to the fact that all hands assisted in the -work, and at a reasonably early hour the wreckers -were ready for business.</p> - -<p class='c007'>The hawsers were drawn as taut as possible once -more, and Ned said in a tone of satisfaction when -this had been done:</p> - -<p class='c007'>“There; now it’s for the tide to do the rest. If it -helps us as much as it did last night, we shan’t have -to work a very long while in order to get her into -the bay. Now we’ll rig something to shore her up -on this side, and that will come pretty near finishing -the day.”</p> - -<p class='c007'><span class='pageno' id='Page_163'>163</span>He set about this portion of the work with such -zeal and determination that the others, urged on by -their fear caused by the noises heard on the previous -night, were soon laboring with feverish eagerness, -and before the tide had turned all had been done -that was possible until the hawsers should need -tautening once more.</p> - -<p class='c007'>“Now we can afford to rest,” Ned said as he -walked slowly toward the tent, wiping the perspiration -from his face.</p> - -<p class='c007'>“And it’s high time,” Roy replied with a laugh. -“It plays a fellow out mighty fast to keep at a job -when the weather is so very warm. I don’t believe -I should ever make a very good citizen for this part -of the country.”</p> - -<p class='c007'>“Why not?”</p> - -<p class='c007'>“Because the heat pulls me down so severely.”</p> - -<p class='c007'>“You would soon get accustomed to working in -the early morning and late at night,” Vance replied. -“That is the way people do in the tropics.”</p> - -<p class='c007'>“I notice you don’t take kindly to turning out -so very early,” Roy replied as, they having arrived -at the tent, he flung himself upon one of the mattresses.</p> - -<p class='c007'>“But it is most likely I should if I got in the -habit of indulging in a siesta every noon, the same -as we saw those fellows at Key West.”</p> - -<p class='c007'><span class='pageno' id='Page_164'>164</span>Ned took no part in this conversation. He had -followed Roy’s example, so far as lying down was -concerned, but his mind was fully occupied trying -to devise some means for floating the Zoe more -quickly than it could be done by waiting for the -tide to pull her off the shore.</p> - -<p class='c007'>It was not many moments before all the party -were in a proper mood for the siesta, which seems -so necessary in warm climates, and before either -was aware of the fact, all three were sleeping -soundly.</p> - -<p class='c007'>How long this state of happy unconsciousness -lasted no one could say; but all were awakened at -the same instant by a repetition of the horrible -groaning which had so disturbed and frightened -them on the previous night.</p> - -<p class='c007'>As if electrified by one common current, the little -party sprang to their feet, and it is no stretch of -the imagination to say that Vance’s teeth were actually -chattering from fear.</p> - -<p class='c007'>“We shall be able to learn what it is this time,” -Ned said in a whisper as he stepped cautiously toward -the flap of the tent.</p> - -<p class='c007'>“That is, if it’s anything which can be seen,” Roy -replied gravely, for he was beginning to share his -cousin’s views as to the supernatural causes of the -blood-curdling sounds.</p> - -<p class='c007'><span class='pageno' id='Page_165'>165</span>“Now don’t get as foolish as Vance,” Ned said -sharply, and it is just possible the reproof aided -him in controlling his own fears, for even the boldest -could not but have been affected in some degree -by the groans which appeared to come from the -immediate vicinity of the tent.</p> - -<p class='c007'>Cautiously the boy who had been marooned -stepped from the camp and looked around.</p> - -<p class='c007'>The sun was beating down upon the glistening -sands with quite as much fervor as he had shown at -noon-day, and yet not an animate object was within -sight.</p> - -<p class='c007'>It would have been impossible for the smallest -animal to have moved within the boy’s range of -vision and escaped his observation.</p> - -<p class='c007'>But even as he gazed around him the terrible -noise was repeated.</p> - -<p class='c007'>“It beats me,” he said as Roy stepped close -by his side. “I was looking in the same direction -from which the sound seemed to come, and failed -to see anything.”</p> - -<p class='c007'>“Then perhaps you won’t make so much fun of -me after this,” Vance suggested in a trembling -voice as he timidly ventured outside with his companions. -“You can laugh about ghosts as much as -you please, but how else can you account for the -noise now, when it is light enough to see every inch -of the island?”</p> - -<p class='c007'><span class='pageno' id='Page_166'>166</span>“I’ve always heard it said that ghosts walk, if it -is possible for them to do such a thing, only in the -night, and yet this one seems to be prowling around -while the sun is shining. There must be something -in the grove, an’ I’m goin’ to have a thorough look -at the place before I’m willin’ to admit the men we -buried can come back to make trouble for us.”</p> - -<p class='c007'>Ned advanced boldly as he spoke, but his companions -did not follow.</p> - -<p class='c007'>It seemed to them as if the tent, frail though it -was, might afford some protection against the unearthly -visitant, and they preferred to remain -where it would be possible to beat a retreat if -necessary.</p> - -<p class='c007'>Ned did not pause because of being thus abandoned, -as it were, but continued straight on through -the underbrush, overturning every fallen branch, -or poking amid the creeping vines in the hope of -disturbing the author of the terrifying noises.</p> - -<p class='c007'>Twice while engaged in this work did he hear -the groans, and on each occasion they sounded as if -coming from the rear, much nearer the tent.</p> - -<p class='c007'>“It’s no use to hunt here any longer, for whoever -is kicking up the row must be behind me.”</p> - -<p class='c007'>Now he also was becoming disturbed in mind.</p> - -<p class='c007'>There could be no question but that the unearthly -sounds came from that portion of the key where -<span class='pageno' id='Page_167'>167</span>was not the slightest shelter for man or beast, and -he began slowly to retrace his steps.</p> - -<p class='c007'>While doing so he involuntarily glanced toward -the ocean once more, and noted the fact that it was -nearly high water.</p> - -<p class='c007'>“We shall have to haul in on the hawsers pretty -soon, an’ I hope that groanin’ will stop before then, -or else it will be impossible to persuade Vance into -lending us a hand.”</p> - -<p class='c007'>With this thought in his mind he walked toward -the yacht, and was standing within thirty feet of her -when the noise was repeated, and this time he distinctly -saw the little craft move seaward several -inches.</p> - -<p class='c007'>The mystery was explained.</p> - -<p class='c007'>“Hurrah!” he cried with a shout of triumph, and -immediately afterward burst into a loud fit of -laughter.</p> - -<p class='c007'>“What is the matter?” Roy asked as he ventured -out of the tent once more, his face several shades -whiter than it had been, for this last groan fully -convinced him they were to be haunted by the -ghosts of those who had scuttled the Evening Star.</p> - -<p class='c007'>“I’ve found your spirits, an’ only hope they’ll -keep on groanin’, for then we shall have the yacht -afloat just so much the sooner!”</p> - -<p class='c007'>“What do you mean?” and Roy gathered sufficient -<span class='pageno' id='Page_168'>168</span>courage to admit of his taking a few steps -toward where Ned was standing.</p> - -<p class='c007'>“Watch the yacht, an’ you’ll soon find out what -the trouble is. It’s high tide, or will be in half an -hour. The hawsers are strainin’ hard, an’ as she -has to slip off the shore there comes a sound as if -something was pulled out of the mud.”</p> - -<p class='c007'>“But there’s no mud here.”</p> - -<p class='c007'>“I know it, yet at the same time that is what -causes the noise. She fell heavy when she struck, -and has made a hole in the sand, where, most -likely, the air is confined. Watch five minutes, and -then if you’re not convinced I’ll give my head for a -football. Don’t spend any more time than necessary, -however, for we must help the little craft a -bit.”</p> - -<p class='c007'>After some difficulty Vance was persuaded to -join the committee on investigation, and while they -kept their eyes fixed upon the yacht, Ned clambered -on board by aid of the raft.</p> - -<div class='chapter'> - <span class='pageno' id='Page_169'>169</span> - <h2 id='XIII' class='c005'>CHAPTER XIII.<br /> <span class='small'>AFLOAT.</span></h2> -</div> - -<p class='c006'>It was not necessary for the boys to wait very -long before the mystery was as plain to them as to -Ned.</p> - -<p class='c007'>In a few moments a prolonged and particularly -unearthly groan was heard, which began as the -Zoe commenced to move seaward and ceased when -she stopped.</p> - -<p class='c007'>There could no longer be any question in regard -to the matter, and Roy said in a tone of the most -intense relief:</p> - -<p class='c007'>“Well, that settles it. I had began to make a -fool of myself, and am mighty glad it’s settled at -last. If we had left the key without having discovered -the cause of the noises, I’m afraid I should -have been convinced so long as I lived that this -island was haunted by the captain and mate of the -Evening Star. What do you think now, Vance?”</p> - -<p class='c007'>“That we’ve been mighty silly. Almost anybody, -except Ned, would have been frightened by -such sounds when they knew there wasn’t a living -thing on the key.”</p> - -<p class='c007'><span class='pageno' id='Page_170'>170</span>“I might as well own up that I was in a pretty -bad funk toward the last of it,” Ned replied with a -hearty laugh. “That last screech came mighty -near settlin’ me, an’ if I hadn’t happened to be -standin’ close to the yacht when the next one came, -I reckon I’d joined you in the tent. But now that -the thing is settled, one of you come aboard with -me an’ help haul in on the longest cable. The -other must stay on the raft an’ do his best at drivin’ -the wedges in when we take up the slack.”</p> - -<p class='c007'>Vance was on the Zoe’s deck almost before Ned -ceased speaking, and the two tugged at the capstan -until Roy shouted from the raft:</p> - -<p class='c007'>“You’ve raised her three or four inches already. -I’ve put in new wedges, and if you’ll take a whack -at the other cable she’ll be in fair condition for the -next tide.”</p> - -<p class='c007'>The boys worked with a will until nearly dark, -and then the yacht was in a better position than -even Ned had dared to hope for.</p> - -<p class='c007'>She was very nearly on a level keel, a slight heel -shoreward only showing that she was aground, and -her stern had been hauled around a couple of feet, -so much so, in fact, that the lead-line showed deep -water directly beneath the screw.</p> - -<p class='c007'>“We must keep awake this night, or leave one -fellow on watch,” Ned said after the tide had fallen -<span class='pageno' id='Page_171'>171</span>so much that it would have been a useless expenditure -of strength to work longer, “and when it’s -high water once more I expect to see her afloat.”</p> - -<p class='c007'>“It can’t be done so soon,” Vance said decidedly -as they walked toward the tent. “We may possibly -succeed by the day after to-morrow; but not before.”</p> - -<p class='c007'>“That remains to be seen,” Ned replied with a -laugh. “We’ll get something in the way of dinner, -and then decide whether all three or only one shall -stand watch.”</p> - -<p class='c007'>Now that the “ghost” had been laid, the experiment -of floating the yacht evidently a future success, -and matters in what Roy called “comfortable -shape” once more, the little party was in the best -of spirits.</p> - -<p class='c007'>Roy fairly outdid himself in the way of preparing -dinner, and the tired wreckers ate until it seemed -as if food would never again be necessary.</p> - -<p class='c007'>Since it would not be high water until about midnight, -it was thought useless for all hands to remain -awake, therefore hourly watches were begun from -nine o’clock, the time set for retiring, until twelve, -when the work would be commenced once more.</p> - -<p class='c007'>The question of who should “do the first trick” -was settled by drawing lots, and it so chanced that -Ned was the one selected for the last hour.</p> - -<p class='c007'><span class='pageno' id='Page_172'>172</span>He made sleeping a matter of business from the -time the first watch was begun until summoned to -do his share of the work, and then, in order to -drive the remnants of slumber from his eyelids, -went out on to the beach for a stroll.</p> - -<p class='c007'>After walking a couple of miles as a means of -preparing for the more arduous labor, he returned -to the yacht and clambered on board.</p> - -<p class='c007'>The hawsers were stretched taut as bars of iron, -and there was every reason to believe the strain -upon the anchors was beginning to tell.</p> - -<p class='c007'>Contrary to his expectation the groaning was not -heard, probably because the craft had been raised -partially out of the sandy bed; but as he stood -there watching the water creep up inch by inch -upon the white sand, he fancied there was a certain -motion to the craft.</p> - -<p class='c007'>“The anchors are pullin’ her once more,” he said -to himself. “I wish it might be possible to get her -off before the boys awaken. I don’t believe she’s -now on so very firm, and with the hawsers dragging -dead astern a little additional weight would -take her off.”</p> - -<p class='c007'>The cable connected with the largest anchor was -yet made fast to the capstan, and as the yacht -quivered again, Ned exerted all his strength to take -another turn of the drum.</p> - -<p class='c007'><span class='pageno' id='Page_173'>173</span>At first this was impossible, but as the hawsers -were slackened he succeeded, and was rewarded by -feeling that she continued to move slightly.</p> - -<p class='c007'>“It’s now or not until to-morrow!” he said after -making certain the water was nearly at its proper -height, and shutting his teeth tightly, he gave way -on the capstan-bar with every ounce of weight and -strength it was possible for him to exert.</p> - -<p class='c007'>Just for an instant he fancied he had made some -mistake as to the holding power of the craft, and -then the capstan began to revolve as if the cable -had suddenly been unloosened.</p> - -<p class='c007'>There was no necessity to look over the side, for -Ned could see by the objects ashore that the little -steamer was moving rapidly through the water, and -a second later there was a slight dip as the bow -slipped from the bank.</p> - -<p class='c007'>The Zoe was afloat once more.</p> - -<p class='c007'>Ned came very near giving vent to a cry of triumph, -which might have awakened his friends, and -that was exactly what he did not want to do.</p> - -<p class='c007'>He wished them to sleep on until morning and, -coming out to look for him, see the little craft rising -and falling on the swell as if she had never -known what it was to come in contact with the -bank; therefore he remained silent, hauling in on -the cables until she was riding within a short distance -of the anchors.</p> - -<p class='c007'><span class='pageno' id='Page_174'>174</span>It would have pleased him immensely had it been -possible to have pulled the steamer around into the -bay, and he would have made the attempt if he had -had a boat; but there was too much risk in trying -to tow her alone, with the raft as a craft, therefore -it only remained to pass the hours of darkness in -the most comfortable manner possible.</p> - -<p class='c007'>The port lockers were comparatively dry, and on -one of these in the after cabin he prepared to continue -his nap; but the feeling of triumph was so -strong in his mind that quite a while elapsed before -slumber visited his eyelids.</p> - -<p class='c007'>Fortunately, so far as the plans for enjoying his -triumph were concerned, he awakened at an early -hour, and was on deck busying himself with examining -the rigging when Roy appeared at the flap of -the tent.</p> - -<p class='c007'>The boy was evidently surprised at not having -been called when the tide was at its height, and was -looking around for Ned when he saw the change -which had been made in the position of the yacht.</p> - -<p class='c007'>For an instant he remained motionless, as if -speechless with astonishment, and then gave vent to -a series of cheers which brought Vance from the -tent in short order.</p> - -<p class='c007'>“How did you get the yacht afloat?” the latter -asked in astonishment as he ran to the shore.</p> - -<p class='c007'><span class='pageno' id='Page_175'>175</span>“Pulled her off, of course. You fellows believed -she couldn’t be launched for two or three days, so I -thought it would be a good chance to prove you -were mistaken.”</p> - -<p class='c007'>“You’re a brick!” Vance exclaimed enthusiastically. -“Bring the raft ashore so we can go on -board.”</p> - -<p class='c007'>“That is exactly what I propose to do,” Ned replied -as he clambered over the rail. “There isn’t -a breath of air stirrin’, an’ if we pull her around -into the bay now, it’ll give us an appetite for breakfast.”</p> - -<p class='c007'>“Do you think we can do it with that raft?”</p> - -<p class='c007'>“Hold on!” and Ned clambered back to the deck -again. “We’ll run a line ashore, and with one -haulin’ on that, while the other two row the raft, I -reckon it won’t be so very much of a job.”</p> - -<p class='c007'>“Go ahead and fix things in any way you see -fit,” Roy cried encouragingly. “You’ve shown -yourself the captain of this crowd, and from now -out Vance and I will obey orders without a word. -Eh, Vance?”</p> - -<p class='c007'>“Well, I should say so! If it hadn’t been for -him we should have left the poor little Zoe on the -bank until a storm came and knocked her to -pieces.”</p> - -<p class='c007'>Ned was decidedly well pleased by these words -of praise, but he took good care not to show it.</p> - -<p class='c007'><span class='pageno' id='Page_176'>176</span>It delighted him that his companions should thus -voluntarily give him credit for having engineered -the work successfully, and he was resolved she -should be taken into port in good condition, if such -a thing was possible.</p> - -<p class='c007'>A line, made fast to the capstan, was soon carried -ashore and given in charge of Roy, while Ned took -Vance back with him to the yacht.</p> - -<p class='c007'>Then it was simply a matter of hard work to pull -the steamer around, and before nine o’clock that -morning she was moored in the little bay ready to -receive once more the goods which had been taken -ashore.</p> - -<p class='c007'>“Now, captain, what’s the next thing on your -programme?” Vance asked when they were back at -the tent and Roy was preparing breakfast.</p> - -<p class='c007'>“I think it would be a good idea for you two to -overhaul the machinery, and see if it can be put in -running order. I’ll take a portion of the stores on -board, by way of gettin’ ready for our departure.”</p> - -<p class='c007'>“But suppose we find that it is impossible to do -anything with the engine? You know we don’t -profess to have very much knowledge of such matters.”</p> - -<p class='c007'>“Then it’ll be a case of bendin’ the sails an’ gettin’ -along the best we can in that way. With main, -fore, an’ a jib we should be able to strike some port -<span class='pageno' id='Page_177'>177</span>where you can hire an engineer and sailin’ master. -You know we’ve got money enough to indulge in -all those luxuries.”</p> - -<p class='c007'>The cook did not spend any very great amount -of time over the range on this morning.</p> - -<p class='c007'>Now that it appeared possible they might be able -to leave the key as soon as the yacht was in sailing -trim, each member of the party was eager to be -under way, and at the earliest possible moment the -amateur engineers went on board.</p> - -<p class='c007'>Ned did not accompany them.</p> - -<p class='c007'>He realized fully how much labor there was yet -to be performed before they could begin the voyage, -and found plenty with which to occupy himself -until Roy hailed him from the deck of the yacht.</p> - -<p class='c007'>“We can’t make head nor tail of the machinery, -and even if we could I don’t think it would be safe -for us to attempt to run her any distance under -steam.”</p> - -<p class='c007'>“All right,” Ned replied cheerily. “Suppose you -come ashore, and we’ll tackle the canvas.”</p> - -<p class='c007'>“Are you counting on bending that at once?”</p> - -<p class='c007'>“Of course; it’s the hardest part of the job, and -should be attended to first.”</p> - -<p class='c007'>“But by doing that we shall destroy our tent.”</p> - -<p class='c007'>“What’s to prevent our livin’ on board the rest of -the time we’re forced to stay here?”</p> - -<p class='c007'><span class='pageno' id='Page_178'>178</span>“Crickey! I never thought of that!” Roy exclaimed -with a hearty laugh, and five minutes later -he and Vance were pulling the raft ashore.</p> - -<p class='c007'>By Ned’s instructions the rope which had been -used in guiding the yacht around the point into the -bay was not cast off when that task was completed, -but had been made fast ashore, so that in order to -work the raft back and forth it was only necessary -to pull either way on the line.</p> - -<p class='c007'>A painter with a sliding loop moored the collection -of timbers which was to serve as a boat, and -the communication with the shore could be kept up -easily and readily.</p> - -<p class='c007'>Ned already had one of the tents down, and this -canvas (the foresail) was taken on board without -delay.</p> - -<p class='c007'>The boys were by no means experienced sailors, -therefore fully twice the time necessary was spent -in bending the sail.</p> - -<p class='c007'>When it had finally been completed to the satisfaction -of the young captain, Roy insisted that the -range be put back in its old place at once.</p> - -<p class='c007'>“There’s no use keeping it ashore when a fellow -can work so much more easily on board,” he said. -“From now on we shall be here the greater portion -of the time, and the sooner we begin ship duties the -better it will be for the cook.”</p> - -<p class='c007'><span class='pageno' id='Page_179'>179</span>“And he’s such an important personage that his -comfort must be attended to very carefully,” Vance -replied laughingly. “It won’t take us more than -an hour to bring such things here as you’ll need.”</p> - -<p class='c007'>That noon the little party ate dinner aboard, and -a very jolly meal it was.</p> - -<p class='c007'>Roy had taken great pains with his portion of the -work, and the consequence was that they had a -regular Thanksgiving dinner, as appeared right and -proper to all, since they had a great deal for which -to give thanks.</p> - -<p class='c007'>It surely seemed as if Ned would never get tired -working, so eager was he to be under way once -more.</p> - -<p class='c007'>When the others pleaded for a rest he kept -steadily on, saying he had rather “be at somethin’ -than layin’ still,” and even after nightfall he persisted -in bending the jib in order to “save time.”</p> - -<div class='chapter'> - <span class='pageno' id='Page_180'>180</span> - <h2 id='XIV' class='c005'>CHAPTER XIV.<br /> <span class='small'>UNDER WAY.</span></h2> -</div> - -<p class='c006'>During the first day the Zoe was afloat nothing -of any consequence had been taken from the store-tent, -and, singular as it may seem, Vance had forgotten -about the treasure until supper was eaten.</p> - -<p class='c007'>Ned had just begun labor on the jib, when his companion -remembered that the gold and silver was yet -ashore, and he said in reply to Vance’s proposition -that it be brought on board at once:</p> - -<p class='c007'>“It’s as safe there as here. What’s the good of -botherin’ about it now? If you fellows are so anxious -to work, you’ll find plenty of chance at the -pumps, for there’s a good bit of water in the hold.”</p> - -<p class='c007'>“But it isn’t work I’m after,” Vance replied. “I -shall feel better if the money is in the cabin.”</p> - -<p class='c007'>“It will take you an hour to bring it aboard.”</p> - -<p class='c007'>“That is nothing compared to the chance of losing -the treasure.”</p> - -<p class='c007'>“I don’t see how it can be lost, but if you are -so worried, there’s nothin’ to prevent your tacklin’ -the job.”</p> - -<p class='c007'><span class='pageno' id='Page_181'>181</span>“Don’t you think you’d better bear a hand? If -one of those boxes should fall overboard we’d feel -mighty blue.”</p> - -<p class='c007'>“I’ll risk your allowin’ anything like that to happen; -besides, I can’t leave this job half done, unless -I sit up to finish it after we get back.”</p> - -<p class='c007'>Vance realized that that would be asking too -much of the ever-willing laborer, and he insisted -that Roy should help him.</p> - -<p class='c007'>The cook had no fear the treasure would be disturbed, -even though it did remain on the key without -them to guard it, but Vance was so anxious the -work should be done that he finally consented, and -the last lot was deposited in the cabin about the -time Ned finished his task.</p> - -<p class='c007'>From this moment Vance considered himself -chosen as the treasurer of the party, and took the -wealth under his own charge.</p> - -<p class='c007'>The coins were stored in a small locker aft, which -had been used as a wine closet by the previous masters -of the yacht, and here it was as safe as could -be possible on board ship.</p> - -<p class='c007'>“Now, if the Zoe goes to the bottom we’ve lost -everything,” Ned said, not because he feared such a -catastrophe, but as a means of causing Vance additional -worriment of mind.</p> - -<p class='c007'>“That’s a fact!” the treasurer exclaimed, as if -<span class='pageno' id='Page_182'>182</span>such a possibility had not occurred to him before. -“But there’s no way out of it, for we would be little -less than fools to leave it behind.”</p> - -<p class='c007'>“How would it do to furnish each coin with a -life-preserver?” Roy asked laughingly.</p> - -<p class='c007'>“That might answer,” Ned replied, “and Vance -can stand guard over the locker with a gun to prevent -their walking away.”</p> - -<p class='c007'>“It’s all very well for you boys to make sport of -what I’ve done,” the treasurer replied grimly; “but -it wouldn’t have been at all funny if we’d gone on -shore to-morrow morning and found it missing.</p> - -<p class='c007'>“Not funny, but strange, considering that there -isn’t a soul anywhere around,” Ned replied.</p> - -<p class='c007'>“That may be true at this minute, but no one -knows how soon somebody will land here.”</p> - -<p class='c007'>“I don’t s’pose there’s any good reason why Roy -and I should try to be merry at your expense, -Vance, for as a matter of course it would have -been necessary to bring it aboard some time, and -since it has already been done there is just so much -less work to be attended to. Now where are we -goin’ to sleep? This cabin feels as if it had been -under water a month.”</p> - -<p class='c007'>“Suppose we bunk in the engine-room? By using -the blankets to lie on we shall be all right, and to-morrow -I reckon this portion of the yacht will be -dried out in proper shape.”</p> - -<p class='c007'><span class='pageno' id='Page_183'>183</span>This suggestion of Roy’s was acted upon without -discussion, and half an hour later the three boys -were sleeping soundly as the little craft rose and -fell on the gentle swell.</p> - -<p class='c007'>Next morning the work of making ready for sea -was continued without intermission, save during the -heat of the day, when Ned allowed his crew a siesta -of two hours.</p> - -<p class='c007'>By nightfall very much had been accomplished.</p> - -<p class='c007'>A greater portion of the goods had been lightered -from the shore, the sails were bent, and the -hold nearly freed from water.</p> - -<p class='c007'>As the custodian of the treasure Vance, thought -it necessary to keep a strict watch seaward lest some -craft should heave in sight without his knowing it, -although what possible injury this might have been -to the money, neither Roy nor Ned could understand.</p> - -<p class='c007'>The second day of refitting resulted in the accomplishment -of a satisfactory amount of work, -according to Ned’s ideas, and the third saw the -task nearly completed.</p> - -<p class='c007'>With the exception of filling the water-casks the -Zoe was ready for sea, and on this evening a very -interesting and important discussion took place in -the cabin, which was now used as a sleeping apartment, -the hangings and upholstering having dried -very quickly in the hot climate.</p> - -<p class='c007'><span class='pageno' id='Page_184'>184</span>“It is time we settled upon the course we are to -steer,” Ned said when the three were enjoying the -few moments of rest before going to bed. “I count -on leavin’ this port by nine o’clock to-morrow, and -the matter had better be settled now.”</p> - -<p class='c007'>“Is everything done?” Vance asked.</p> - -<p class='c007'>“We have yet to fill the water-casks, but that -can’t take more than a couple of hours.”</p> - -<p class='c007'>“It seems that you are counting on having a -wind?”</p> - -<p class='c007'>“I’m hoping for one, but if it’s calm we shall be -forced to lay here a spell longer. In case of a -breeze what course shall we steer?”</p> - -<p class='c007'>“What is your opinion?”</p> - -<p class='c007'>“I think we’d better run pretty near west until -land is sighted, and then, if that proves to be an -uninhabited key like this one, we can steer a little -southerly. I saw a chart of the coast which the -mate of the Evening Star had, and from that it -seemed as if we should be able to get into Key West -without losin’ sight of land after we get among the -keys.”</p> - -<p class='c007'>“It seems to me as if it would be better to steer very -nearly due north in the hope of striking the reefs. -If after sailing a couple of days we shouldn’t find -what we wanted, it would be an easy matter to put -back,” Roy said, knowing full well that Vance -would object to such a course.</p> - -<p class='c007'><span class='pageno' id='Page_185'>185</span>The latter replied very quickly:</p> - -<p class='c007'>“It seems to me that would be a waste of time. -Why not do as Ned suggests and turn back from -that course if we don’t get a squint of the land? It -is as broad as it is long, but I believe we shall be -nearer right in following his plan.”</p> - -<p class='c007'>Roy was not willing to give in so easily, and -during the next half-hour quite a heated discussion -ensued, but at the end of that time he withdrew -very gracefully by saying:</p> - -<p class='c007'>“There’s no reason why we should talk so much -about what is virtually settled already. You fellows -are in the majority, consequently there is -nothing to do but let you have your own way. It -may be I am in the wrong, for the whole thing is a -matter of guesswork, and I can only say I hope -you are right, for then we shall arrive at Key West -so much the sooner. It seems as if we should get -there before our parents have had time to worry -about us.”</p> - -<p class='c007'>“Do you think we had better telegraph to Savannah?”</p> - -<p class='c007'>“Yes, if they haven’t arrived; and it would also -be a good idea to send word home, for if the news -that the Zoe was missing should get into the papers -it would be believed we were dead.”</p> - -<p class='c007'>Vance and Roy allowed themselves to discuss the -<span class='pageno' id='Page_186'>186</span>matter as if they were certain of gaining a port in a -few days, and Ned stopped them by saying:</p> - -<p class='c007'>“I wouldn’t count too much on gettin’ anywhere -very soon. With the screw draggin’ we shan’t -make great headway, and it wouldn’t be strange if -we had it calm a good deal of the time, so you’d -better figger on bein’ aboard this craft a good many -days, even if it should turn out that my idea of the -course to be sailed is the right one.”</p> - -<p class='c007'>This was rather a wet blanket on the boys’ -plans, and they ceased speaking of the future very -suddenly.</p> - -<p class='c007'>On the following morning Ned, like the prudent -skipper, was on deck a long while before the sun -showed his face above the water.</p> - -<p class='c007'>A light breeze was blowing from the southeast, -and if it held would be fair for them.</p> - -<p class='c007'>Anxiously Ned watched the ripples on the waves, -and, to his great delight, the wind freshened instead -of decreasing after the sun rose.</p> - -<p class='c007'>“Turn out here and bear a hand with the water-casks” -he shouted from the head of the companion-way. -“It’ll be time enough to do the cookin’ after -we’ve started. The wind is freshenin’ an’ we must -get of here as soon as possible.”</p> - -<p class='c007'>Vance and Roy obeyed his call without delay, -and the last work which they hoped it would ever -<span class='pageno' id='Page_187'>187</span>be necessary for them to do on Spider Key was -begun.</p> - -<p class='c007'>An hour sufficed, and the shore line was cast -off when the last cask had been rolled on to the -raft.</p> - -<p class='c007'>The rude craft was hauled alongside and unloaded, -the rope thrown inboard, and the collection of -timbers which had served them such a good turn -was set adrift.</p> - -<p class='c007'>“Now up with the anchors, my hearties!” Ned -cried cheerily, “and then stand by to make sail!”</p> - -<p class='c007'>All hands tried to be as much like sailors as possible, -and to the music of a very odd-sounding sea-song -the cables were hove in until the Zoe was freed -from all her moorings.</p> - -<p class='c007'>Then the captain, who knew even less about -nautical matters than did his crew, took his station -at the halyards, and one by one the little sails were -hoisted.</p> - -<p class='c007'>Almost any kind of a fresh-water sailor can run a -craft with the wind dead astern, therefore there -was no danger of any mistake being made until it -should be necessary to change the course; but as -he took his station at the wheel, Ned could not fail -to ask himself what might be the result before the -voyage came to an end.</p> - -<p class='c007'>“I never run a boat before with more than one -<span class='pageno' id='Page_188'>188</span>sail,” he said to himself, “an’ am afraid I’ll make a -mess of it before we got very far; but things can’t -be much worse than they were when we was on the -island waitin’ for a craft that never hove in sight.”</p> - -<p class='c007'>His unpleasant thoughts were interrupted by a -shout from his companions, who were standing -directly in front of the pilot-house watching as the -yacht glided slowly away from the land.</p> - -<p class='c007'>“We’re not only afloat, but moving!” Roy cried, -“so let’s give three cheers for good luck!”</p> - -<p class='c007'>Vance aided him in thus starting the yacht with -proper ceremony, while Ned remained silent, his -face wearing an expression of deepest anxiety.</p> - -<p class='c007'>“Why don’t you cheer?” Vance asked. “Any -one would think you didn’t feel glad at getting -away from the key.”</p> - -<p class='c007'>“I am all the same; but now I can’t help feelin’ -nervous about the trip. Neither of us know how -to handle a craft properly, and, to make the matter -worse, we can only guess at the direction we want -to go. It begins to look more serious than when -we were only talkin’ the matter over.”</p> - -<p class='c007'>“Don’t borrow trouble before we’ve fairly got -clear of the land,” Roy cried cheerily. “It’s enough -for me that we’re under way, and I’ll let the future -take care of itself.”</p> - -<div class='chapter'> - <span class='pageno' id='Page_189'>189</span> - <h2 id='XV' class='c005'>CHAPTER XV.<br /> <span class='small'>AT SEA.</span></h2> -</div> - -<p class='c006'>Sailoring under such circumstances as the boys -experienced immediately after leaving the key was -decidedly pleasant work, and it appeared to be a -very easy matter to navigate a vessel.</p> - -<p class='c007'>The wind was hardly more than what might -have been called a gentle breeze, and the Zoe glided -through the water at the rate of three or four knots -an hour.</p> - -<p class='c007'>Ned was at the helm, and his companions, in -order to discuss the question of a course in case land -should be sighted suddenly, were also in the pilot-house.</p> - -<p class='c007'>“If it wasn’t for the drag of the screw we’d be -slippin’ along right lively now,” Ned said as he -looked back at the island they had been so eager to -leave.</p> - -<p class='c007'>“According to this we shall need a good stiff -wind to make any kind of time,” Roy replied -thoughtfully, “and how she’ll act when we have to -tack is more than I can fancy.”</p> - -<p class='c007'><span class='pageno' id='Page_190'>190</span>“There’s no use in borrowing trouble about that,” -Vance said quickly. “Who knows but we shall hold -the wind this way all the voyage?”</p> - -<p class='c007'>“It isn’t very likely. Don’t you remember that -it has nearly always died out about noon, from the -first day we struck the key?”</p> - -<p class='c007'>“That is no sign it will do so now.”</p> - -<p class='c007'>“No, but there’s good reason for believing it may -act in the same manner. Which of us is on watch? -I suppose one must consider himself doing duty, -even though he may be loafing.”</p> - -<p class='c007'>“Vance is the lookout, for you can’t be spared -from the galley; but how are we to work it at -night?” Ned asked. “I never thought of that before -we started, an’ it’s goin’ to be kinder tough if -a feller has to stay at the wheel two or three days -without any sleep.”</p> - -<p class='c007'>“We must contrive to run into a harbor every -day before sunset, and then all hands can turn in,” -Vance suggested.</p> - -<p class='c007'>“There don’t seem to be much chance of that to-night. -With no land in sight now, the Zoe couldn’t -get very near a port between this and nightfall.”</p> - -<p class='c007'>“If it is necessary to run after dark we must contrive -so that each has the proper amount of rest. -By standing half-hour watches there wouldn’t be -much chance of a fellow getting asleep at the -wheel.”</p> - -<p class='c007'><span class='pageno' id='Page_191'>191</span>“Have we anything aboard in the shape of a -clock?” Ned asked. “I don’t reckon you’ve been -able to make your watches go since they got such -a soakin’?”</p> - -<p class='c007'>“They will need a watchmaker’s care before they -can do very much toward keeping time,” Vance -said ruefully as he looked at his, the hands of which -had not moved since he landed in such a helpless -fashion.</p> - -<p class='c007'>“I shouldn’t be surprised if the little clock in the -pantry was all right,” Roy said after a moment’s -thought. “It couldn’t have got very wet, and perhaps -it needs only to be wound.”</p> - -<p class='c007'>He left the wheel-house on a tour of investigation -as he ceased speaking, and returned a short time -later with the article referred to.</p> - -<p class='c007'>“It’s all right,” he said as he hung it on a hook -directly in front of the helmsman. “I don’t reckon -it will be valuable as a time-keeper, inasmuch as we -haven’t any very good idea of what hour it is now; -but she will serve to show when the watches should -be begun or ended.”</p> - -<p class='c007'>During another hour the boys discussed the -probability of being able to reach Key West within -a certain length of time, and then Roy went below -to make preparations for dinner.</p> - -<p class='c007'>Vance found the moments hanging rather heavily -<span class='pageno' id='Page_192'>192</span>on his hands, and presently he lay down for a nap, -leaving Ned to work the craft alone.</p> - -<p class='c007'>Fortunately she did not need much guiding. The -wind had been gradually decreasing until it died -away entirely, and before the noon-day meal was -ready the yacht lost steerage-way.</p> - -<p class='c007'>It was useless to remain longer at the wheel, and -Ned went below to overhaul the cabin on the -chance of finding a pair of marine glasses in one of -the lockers which had not been overhauled.</p> - -<p class='c007'>In this he was successful, much to his delight, and -he went on deck once more in the hope of being -able to see land.</p> - -<p class='c007'>He searched the horizon carefully in every direction, -but failed to see that for which he sought.</p> - -<p class='c007'>This fact worried him not a little.</p> - -<p class='c007'>“It is almost certain there will be a breeze after -the sun sets, and unless the stars shine very brightly -we shall be obliged to keep on without knowing -whether we’re goin’ to strike a reef or run out into -the ocean.”</p> - -<p class='c007'>Now for the first time since he decided in his own -mind that it would be possible to carry the Zoe into -port did he begin to question the wisdom of such -an attempt.</p> - -<p class='c007'>Limited though his experience as a sailor had -been, he understood how many chances there were -<span class='pageno' id='Page_193'>193</span>against success and also the dangers which were in -their way.</p> - -<p class='c007'>“It would come pretty tough if I’d insisted on -the boys tryin’ to get to Key West in this craft, an’ -it turned out that they were to meet their death by -following my advice,” he said to himself, and -straightway the most dismal forebodings took possession -of him.</p> - -<p class='c007'>It was while he was in this mood that he went -below, as if needing companionship, and the cook, -busily engaged as he was, could not fail to note the -lugubrious look on his face.</p> - -<p class='c007'>“Is Vance at the wheel?”</p> - -<p class='c007'>“He’s asleep on the locker. It is a dead calm, -an’ there’s no need of anybody standin’ there.”</p> - -<p class='c007'>“What makes you look so glum?”</p> - -<p class='c007'>“Perhaps it’s because I’m just beginnin’ to get -some common sense into my head.”</p> - -<p class='c007'>“What do you mean by that?”</p> - -<p class='c007'>“I’m thinkin’ that perhaps we did a foolish thing -in tryin’ to take this craft into port. I coaxed you -an’ Vance until you had to give in, an’ it would be -terrible if anything should happen.”</p> - -<p class='c007'>“I reckon you are suffering from an attack of -foolishness instead of common sense. We wanted -to come, and probably should have insisted on trying -to float the yacht or howled after she had been -<span class='pageno' id='Page_194'>194</span>beaten to pieces because we didn’t do such a thing. -What has struck you so suddenly?”</p> - -<p class='c007'>“The fact that we shall be out to-night not knowin’ -where we’re steerin’, but obliged to run because I -can’t heave a craft to.”</p> - -<p class='c007'>“I don’t reckon there’ll be much danger in that. -If there’s no land to be seen when the sun sets it’s -precious little chance she’ll run any down before -morning. Is the island out of sight yet?”</p> - -<p class='c007'>“No, but we’ve sailed a great deal further than I -thought would be possible in so short a time. Of -course it is in full view, but you can’t distinguish -anything on the shore.”</p> - -<p class='c007'>“And we couldn’t get back if it should become -necessary?”</p> - -<p class='c007'>“Not without wind.”</p> - -<p class='c007'>“Then the only thing is to make the best of it. -All hands of us had rather be here, taking our -chances of ever getting into port, than back on the -island to make the start over again. So what’s the -use of being down in the mouth about having been -able to do exactly as you wanted?”</p> - -<p class='c007'>It was such talk as this which made Ned feel decidedly -comfortable in mind, and by the time dinner -had been cooked and eaten he was as jolly as -ever.</p> - -<p class='c007'>Until about four o’clock in the afternoon there -<span class='pageno' id='Page_195'>195</span>was nothing to be done except loaf around wishing -for a breeze, and then the wind sprang up again in -the same direction as before.</p> - -<p class='c007'>Ned was at the helm when the sails began to flap, -and once more the Zoe was gliding through the -water with her short bowsprit pointed due west.</p> - -<p class='c007'>Both Roy and Vance were on the lookout, each -hoping to see some signs of land, but the hours -wore away until the key was only a faint smudge -on the horizon, and around them nothing save -water.</p> - -<p class='c007'>“We’re in for a night-run,” Roy said cheerily -as the sun began to sink behind the sea, “and most -likely by morning we shall have something to guide -us.”</p> - -<p class='c007'>“It may happen that we shall be forced to trust -to the wind for anything of that sort,” Ned replied -as he pointed to the sky, which was being rapidly -covered with fleecy clouds. “I don’t know much -about weather signs on the ocean, but if I was -back in Maine I should say we were goin’ to have -a storm.”</p> - -<p class='c007'>Neither Vance nor Roy thought the swiftly moving -masses of vapor portended anything in particular, -and the latter went into the kitchen once more, -for he was determined that his portion of the work -should be attended to in proper shape.</p> - -<p class='c007'><span class='pageno' id='Page_196'>196</span>Before he reappeared again there was a very decided -change in the aspect of the sky.</p> - -<p class='c007'>The wind had begun to veer around, and continued -to increase in violence until it was blowing -directly from the north, causing the sea to rise until -the little craft wallowed into the trough, throwing -the spray high over the deck.</p> - -<p class='c007'>For fully twenty minutes after this change Roy -gave no signs of life, and then he came into the -wheel-house looking decidedly alarmed.</p> - -<p class='c007'>“It’s beginning to blow,” he said, as if it was a -piece of news which would please his companions.</p> - -<p class='c007'>“We understood that quite a while ago,” Vance -replied quickly. “Is this the first you knew of it?”</p> - -<p class='c007'>“I could tell by the motion of the yacht that a -sea was getting up, but I didn’t suppose it was so -bad as this. Do you intend running on the same -course, Ned?”</p> - -<p class='c007'>“We had to change that when the wind shifted. -Now she is headin’ due south.”</p> - -<p class='c007'>“Why, that means we are running out to sea, -surely, no matter which side the chain of keys we -were!”</p> - -<p class='c007'>“You’re right; but I don’t see any other way for -it. To take the chances of pilin’ up on the land by -headin’ west would be worse than foolish, and besides, -with such poor sailors aboard, we might as -<span class='pageno' id='Page_197'>197</span>well be on a raft, for the only safe thing to do is to -go with the wind. I wonder if you fellows can’t -reef the sails?”</p> - -<p class='c007'>“Of course we can, and I think it would be a -good idea to get out the lanterns, unless we want -to be run down.”</p> - -<p class='c007'>“I declare I never thought of that!” Ned exclaimed. -“Attend to it, will you, and then see -what can be done toward shortening the canvas. -I’ll bear a hand if one of you will take the wheel.”</p> - -<p class='c007'>“Stay where you are. I reckon Vance and I can -do that much.”</p> - -<p class='c007'>“Be careful of yourselves!” Ned cried as the two -left the pilot-house. “You know it wouldn’t take -much of a flap of the sails to knock you overboard.”</p> - -<p class='c007'>“We’ll look out!” Vance cried, and then the two -disappeared down the companion-way to the engine-room -in the search for the signal lights.</p> - -<p class='c007'>It was fifteen or twenty minutes before the lanterns -were in their places, and then the foresail was -lowered as the boys began to reef it.</p> - -<p class='c007'>Meanwhile Ned stood at the wheel trying in vain -to peer through the dense blackness of the night, -and the little yacht plunged on her way to possible -perils—perhaps a second shipwreck.</p> - -<div class='chapter'> - <span class='pageno' id='Page_198'>198</span> - <h2 id='XVI' class='c005'>CHAPTER XVI.<br /> <span class='small'>AN ANXIOUS CREW.</span></h2> -</div> - -<p class='c006'>Nervous as Ned was for the safety of his friends, -it seemed as if they would never finish reefing the -sails.</p> - -<p class='c007'>At each unfamiliar sound, and it appeared now -as if the laboring yacht was filled with odd noises, -he started in fear, fancying it betokened an accident.</p> - -<p class='c007'>He could only hold her steadily to the south, -without the faintest idea of where such a course -would lead them, and listen to the howling of the -wind as it lashed the waves into fury.</p> - -<p class='c007'>Now and then a heavy roller would strike the -Zoe on the quarter, causing her to quiver as if a -hidden reef had been met, but as a rule she rode -very steadily, and well she might, for a stancher -little craft had never been launched.</p> - -<p class='c007'>The only fear was that she might have received -some injury to her timbers by the contact with the -key, and weakened them to such an extent that -<span class='pageno' id='Page_199'>199</span>these downward plunges and sudden uprisings would -open a seam.</p> - -<p class='c007'>During the short time he was on board the Evening -Star, Ned had heard the sailors say that the -danger to be apprehended in running before the -wind was that of being swamped by the following -waves; but, so far as he could make out, there was -no occasion to fear anything of that kind yet awhile.</p> - -<p class='c007'>Had the boys been on board a craft manned by -experienced sailors they would not have thought -the wind so strong as to be terrifying.</p> - -<p class='c007'>As a matter of fact it did not even <i>approach</i> the -fury of a gale, and there is no question but that the -Zoe might safely have been kept on her westerly -course but for the fear of striking a reef.</p> - -<p class='c007'>It was fully an hour after Roy and Vance began -their work before they returned to the wheel-house, -and then the former said:</p> - -<p class='c007'>“The fore and main sail are reefed down; but -we didn’t dare tackle the jib.”</p> - -<p class='c007'>“I don’t think it will do any harm to let it stay -as it is. The canvas isn’t large and can’t do very -much toward putting her along,” Vance added. -“How fast do you think we are going?”</p> - -<p class='c007'>“I wish I knew,” Ned said fervently.</p> - -<p class='c007'>“What good would that do?”</p> - -<p class='c007'>“When the wind shifts or morning comes we -<span class='pageno' id='Page_200'>200</span>could have some idea of how far we are at sea in -that case.”</p> - -<p class='c007'>“I’ll guarantee we shall be outside, where there -won’t be any danger of striking the land, for she -must be going at the rate of eight or ten miles an -hour.”</p> - -<p class='c007'>“Not more than six or seven at the most,” Roy -replied in a positive tone. “The sea is kicking up -such a bobbery that it seems as if we were moving -through the water much faster than really is the -case; with the screw dragging we are doing well -to make six miles.”</p> - -<p class='c007'>“We’ll call it six; that will give us somethin’ to -guess by, at all events,” Ned replied. “There’s no -question but that this is goin’ to be an all-night job -for the whole crew, and I think you fellers had -better get your supper.”</p> - -<p class='c007'>“What about you?”</p> - -<p class='c007'>“I’ll come down when you have finished.”</p> - -<p class='c007'>“I don’t think it is safe to leave only one man on -deck,” Roy said decidedly. “Vance, you go and -fill up and I’ll stay with Ned till you get back.”</p> - -<p class='c007'>This was by all odds the wisest course to pursue, -and one by one the three ate their supper.</p> - -<p class='c007'>When it was Ned’s turn to sample the cookery -he realized more fully than while in the pilot-house -how severely the little craft was laboring.</p> - -<p class='c007'><span class='pageno' id='Page_201'>201</span>Below deck he could hear the straining of the -timbers, the pounding of the waves, and the creaking -of doors and lockers until a nervous person -might have imagined the yacht had a full crew of -ghosts on board.</p> - -<p class='c007'>It was so dismal and almost uncanny that Ned -partook of the food very hurriedly, and was glad to -be at the wheel once more.</p> - -<p class='c007'>There had been no change in the position of -affairs, save, perhaps, that the weight of the wind -had increased a trifle.</p> - -<p class='c007'>The yacht was running reasonably easy, and -shipped even less water over the bow than one -would have supposed while listening to the noises -below.</p> - -<p class='c007'>Roy was at the wheel when Ned entered, and he -said as the latter offered to relieve him:</p> - -<p class='c007'>“I had just as soon stand here as to be doing -nothing. Suppose you try to get some sleep?”</p> - -<p class='c007'>“That is impossible. I never felt wider awake in -my life than I do this minute.”</p> - -<p class='c007'>“That is the way with me, and I’ll stay here -awhile longer.”</p> - -<p class='c007'>Ned took advantage of this opportunity to crawl -aft and see how matters were going there.</p> - -<p class='c007'>So far as his peace of mind was concerned, perhaps -it would have been better if he had remained -<span class='pageno' id='Page_202'>202</span>with his companions, although there appeared to be -no question but that the yacht still had sufficient -sail on to enable her to keep ahead of the pursuing -waves.</p> - -<p class='c007'>It was the general appearance of the water which -would have terrified any landsman, and Ned was -not proof against such a sight.</p> - -<p class='c007'>There were moments when the huge liquid wall -towered high above the stern of the little craft, apparently -certain to break upon her, and at each of -these watery rushes Ned literally held his breath, -expecting each instant to hear the crashing of the -timbers as the wave dashed upon the craft.</p> - -<p class='c007'>The foam upon the waves shone with a certain -dull, white light, thus revealing the seething mass -beneath it, and it was what the beholder imagined -that made up the horror of the sight.</p> - -<p class='c007'>When Ned finally groped his way back into the -wheel-house he was trembling as if in an ague fit, -and, hearing his voice as he spoke to Vance, Roy -asked quickly:</p> - -<p class='c007'>“What’s the matter? Anything wrong?”</p> - -<p class='c007'>“No; we are getting along even better than -might be supposed.”</p> - -<p class='c007'>“What makes your voice tremble so?”</p> - -<p class='c007'>“I reckon I must have got chilled. I was standing -aft, and this wind is mighty cold, especially to -<span class='pageno' id='Page_203'>203</span>a fellow who has been livin’ in such a hot place as -the key.”</p> - -<p class='c007'>Roy was not satisfied with this explanation, and -fancying there was some new peril of which Ned -would not speak, said:</p> - -<p class='c007'>“Take the wheel a few minutes while I go below, -will you?”</p> - -<p class='c007'>Ned did as he was requested, and Roy left the -pilot-house, returning ten minutes later, and saying -to Ned in a low tone which could not be overheard -by Vance, who was curled up on one of the lockers:</p> - -<p class='c007'>“I know now why you felt so chilly a few minutes -ago.”</p> - -<p class='c007'>“Have you been aft?”</p> - -<p class='c007'>“Yes, and it’s terrible to watch the waves.”</p> - -<p class='c007'>“I suppose they look a good deal worse in the -darkness than they really are; but it would give a -fellow the horrors to stay there very long.”</p> - -<p class='c007'>“It doesn’t seem as if the little craft could live -through the night.”</p> - -<p class='c007'>“Nonsense,” Ned replied, speaking very much -more confidently than he felt. “This isn’t really a -gale, and she must be a good sea-boat, otherwise -your father wouldn’t have thought of coming from -Savannah in her.”</p> - -<p class='c007'>“It would be very much different if she was under -steam.”</p> - -<p class='c007'><span class='pageno' id='Page_204'>204</span>“I’m not so certain of that. So long as we keep -steerage-way on, I can’t see why she shouldn’t do -just as well under sail.”</p> - -<p class='c007'>“Perhaps she will,” Roy replied with a sigh, and -from his tone it was easy to understand that he had -his doubts regarding the possibility of outliving the -gale, if such it could be called.</p> - -<p class='c007'>An hour later Roy, weary of doing nothing, went -into the kitchen to clear away the dishes which had -been left as each of the crew finished his supper, -and before he returned there was quite a change in -the weather.</p> - -<p class='c007'>The wind was veering around from north to east, -and again Ned was forced to change the course or -call upon his companions to “tend sheets,” something -which he was not willing to do because of the -danger that they might be washed overboard.</p> - -<p class='c007'>When Roy came to the pilot-house again the -helmsman said with a laugh which had very little -mirth in it:</p> - -<p class='c007'>“It looks as if we were doomed to box the compass -this trip,” and he motioned toward the binnacle.</p> - -<p class='c007'>“I would rather see that than know we were -forced to run directly out to sea all night,” Roy -replied after a short pause.</p> - -<p class='c007'>“But the question is, where is this new course -likely to bring us?”</p> - -<p class='c007'><span class='pageno' id='Page_205'>205</span>“That’s what I don’t know; but it doesn’t seem -possible there could be any land in our way, certainly -not before to-morrow morning.”</p> - -<p class='c007'>Ned made no reply.</p> - -<p class='c007'>The voyage was rapidly becoming so erratic that -it was no longer possible to so much as guess where -it would end, and he tried to resign himself to -whatever the fates might have in store for him.</p> - -<p class='c007'>Time passed until the little clock marked the -hour of midnight, but no one could say how far -that might be out of the way until when the sun -rose next morning.</p> - -<p class='c007'>Vance no longer had any anxiety of mind; the -motion of the craft had caused slumber to visit his -eyelids, and the rolling and plunging was to him -like the rocking of a cradle.</p> - -<p class='c007'>Ned and Roy were both standing at the wheel -with their eyes fixed upon the inky blackness outside, -when, as if she had come from the depth of -the ocean, the huge hulk of a ship or steamer -loomed directly in front of them, the lights on deck -showing indistinctly the forms of several men near -the rail.</p> - -<p class='c007'>Had their lives depended upon it, neither could -have so much as moved a finger during that awful -time when it seemed sure they were to be run down.</p> - -<p class='c007'>Both clutched the spokes of the wheel, but without -<span class='pageno' id='Page_206'>206</span>turning it, and stood like statues, staring -through the window until the huge mass disappeared -as suddenly as it had come, and the darkness seemed -all the more intense because of having been partially -dispelled for an instant.</p> - -<p class='c007'>While one might have counted twenty the boys -remained silent and motionless after the stranger -passed, and then Ned said in the tone of a person -who speaks in his sleep:</p> - -<p class='c007'>“If she had been twenty feet nearer we should -have been crushed like an egg-shell!”</p> - -<p class='c007'>“And perhaps those on board would hardly have -known what had been done. I can’t understand -why she didn’t see our lights.”</p> - -<p class='c007'>“I don’t suppose they make much of a show on a -small craft like this. It was a danger I had never -thought about, and now I shall be expecting an accident -of that kind until daylight comes once more.”</p> - -<p class='c007'>“I don’t think we are likely to have more than -one such adventure in a night, but if it should come -we would be powerless. I’ve put some coffee on -to boil, and think you and I had better have a cup.”</p> - -<p class='c007'>“Go and get it; never mind milk or sugar. If -we drink it plain it will help to keep our eyes open.”</p> - -<p class='c007'>“Not much chance of their closing very soon -after that sight,” Roy replied mournfully as he carefully -made his way below once more.</p> - -<div class='chapter'> - <span class='pageno' id='Page_207'>207</span> - <h2 id='XVII' class='c005'>CHAPTER XVII.<br /> <span class='small'>IN PORT.</span></h2> -</div> - -<p class='c006'>Vance continued to sleep as soundly as if he had -been at home, and Ned said enviously when Roy -brought the coffee:</p> - -<p class='c007'>“I wish you an’ I were as well off as he. Until -he wakes up it won’t make any difference to him -whether the wind blows a gale or fines down into -a calm.”</p> - -<p class='c007'>“Would you waken him for the coffee?”</p> - -<p class='c007'>“Not a bit of it; let the poor fellow sleep while -he can. I only wish we could join him.”</p> - -<p class='c007'>Wishing never did mend matters however, and -Ned soon ceased such a very unprofitable occupation.</p> - -<p class='c007'>The hot coffee was really refreshing, and after -drinking two cups each, the boys felt almost as if -they had been taking a rest.</p> - -<p class='c007'>“It seems to me as if the wind was decreasing,” -Ned said after a time, and Roy replied:</p> - -<p class='c007'>“I am almost certain of it. I’ve noticed that the -yacht rode easier since we came so near being run -down by the steamer.”</p> - -<p class='c007'><span class='pageno' id='Page_208'>208</span>“And it seems to be hauling around again. If -we have many more changes the Zoe will have -sailed in a circle before morning.”</p> - -<p class='c007'>“I reckon we shall have to take it as it comes,” -Roy said grimly. “I am more afraid of a calm -than of an increase in the wind. It would be terrible -to be becalmed where we didn’t have the slightest -idea of our position.”</p> - -<p class='c007'>Ned made no reply.</p> - -<p class='c007'>According to his ideas there were plenty of disagreeable -things close at hand, without going into -the future to find them.</p> - -<p class='c007'>Not until the clock had marked the hour of three, -although it may have been two or four, did Vance -awaken, and then, whether the time-piece was correct -or not, he knew he had had more than his share -of sleep.</p> - -<p class='c007'>“Say, why didn’t one of you fellows turn me -out?” he asked as he came toward the wheel. -“Here I’ve been taking my ease as if I was a swell -passenger, while you two were on duty.”</p> - -<p class='c007'>“There was no reason why you shouldn’t have -slept while it was possible,” Roy replied. “There -was nothing to be done, even if you had remained -awake, and now when one of us feels like taking a -nap, you can do your share of the steering.”</p> - -<p class='c007'>“How are we getting along?”</p> - -<p class='c007'><span class='pageno' id='Page_209'>209</span>“Doing a heap of sailing, but it’s an open question -whether we are progressing very fast.”</p> - -<p class='c007'>“The storm seems to have cleared away.”</p> - -<p class='c007'>“Yes, we’ve got nothing but a fair sailing breeze -now, and with the drag of the screw I don’t fancy -we are more than tossing about on the waves,” Ned -replied, and then he added to Roy; “Suppose you turn -to and get breakfast, old fellow? It’s pretty early, -I know, but we shall feel the better for something -hot in the way of grub. Now that Vance is awake -there is nothing to prevent your staying below as -long as may be necessary.”</p> - -<p class='c007'>The amateur cook acted upon the suggestion at -once, and half an hour after he went into the kitchen -the sun began to show himself above the horizon.</p> - -<p class='c007'>“Now hunt around the cabin where the sailing -master slept for an almanac,” Ned said to Vance. -“There must be one somewhere aboard.”</p> - -<p class='c007'>“What are you going to do with it? See what -the weather prophets say about the weather?”</p> - -<p class='c007'>“I want to find out what time the sun rises, so -we can set this clock.”</p> - -<p class='c007'>Vance hurried away to obey this order, and in a -few minutes returned with the desired book, but it -looked rather the worse for wear, owing to its having -been soaked well in salt water.</p> - -<p class='c007'><span class='pageno' id='Page_210'>210</span>After some difficulty Ned succeeded in gaining -the information required, and to his surprise it was -found that they had guessed within twenty minutes -of the true time, or as nearly as could be judged -from the coming of the day.</p> - -<p class='c007'>The hands of the clock were moved forward to -where Ned thought they belonged, and then he looked -round the horizon, now that it was sufficiently light -to see surrounding objects, if indeed there were any.</p> - -<p class='c007'>At first glance it appeared as if they were alone -upon the ocean.</p> - -<p class='c007'>Not a sail could be seen in either direction, and -Vance announced that there was no land in sight, -when Ned exclaimed as he pointed about four -points to the southward of the course they were -then heading:</p> - -<p class='c007'>“Look over there! What do you make that to -be?”</p> - -<p class='c007'>Vance gazed earnestly in the direction indicated, -and after a long scrutiny replied in a careless -tone:</p> - -<p class='c007'>“Nothing but a cloud.”</p> - -<p class='c007'>“It’s land! There’s no question about it. Call -Roy, will you?”</p> - -<p class='c007'>“What’s that for?”</p> - -<p class='c007'>“We’ll see what he thinks about trying to make -it. It is not in the direction where we expected to -<span class='pageno' id='Page_211'>211</span>see anything of the kind, but it strikes me we -should do our best to reach it, if for no other purpose -than to find out where we are.”</p> - -<p class='c007'>Roy was soon in the pilot-house, and after looking -at what to an inexperienced eye appeared nothing -more than a cloud, as Vance had suggested, he -decided Ned was correct.</p> - -<p class='c007'>“What do you think of trying to make it?”</p> - -<p class='c007'>“Can you do so with this wind?”</p> - -<p class='c007'>“Yes, by trimmin’ the sails properly, an’ it seems -as if we ought to be able to do that.”</p> - -<p class='c007'>“Go ahead, then, so far as I’m concerned. If it -is an island of any kind we shan’t be worse off than -we are now, and in case of its being inhabited our -troubles will be at an end, for most likely we can -get some one to take us to Key West.”</p> - -<p class='c007'>“You may keep on with your cooking. I reckon -Vance and I can attend to this matter,” Ned replied -as he whirled the wheel around until the -steamer was headed for the apparent cloud.</p> - -<p class='c007'>Then, stationing Vance at the helm and directing -him to keep her on that course as near as possible, -the amateur captain went on deck to trim the sails.</p> - -<p class='c007'>This was not a difficult matter, and after some few -experiments Ned learned that there was very little -difference between sailing a steamer on the ocean -and a small boat on the pond in Maine.</p> - -<p class='c007'><span class='pageno' id='Page_212'>212</span>“She’s got a free wind now, and so long as that -holds we won’t have any trouble in keeping her -headed as we want to go,” he said cheerily, for the -fact that the little craft behaved much as any other -vessel raised his spirits wonderfully.</p> - -<p class='c007'>“It will take us a month to get there, though,” -Vance said ruefully.</p> - -<p class='c007'>“Nonsense! If the wind don’t die away entirely -I reckon we shall be able to see what that land looks -like before the sun sets again. The screw won’t -drag so much now that she heels over considerably, -an’ we’ll make good headway.”</p> - -<p class='c007'>The weight of the breeze had forced the yacht -over to an angle of perhaps thirty degrees, and although -it was rather more difficult to keep her true -to the course, she behaved very well.</p> - -<p class='c007'>Roy was preparing for a more sociable meal than -had yet been served, as was learned a few moments -later when he came to the pilot-house to call Vance.</p> - -<p class='c007'>“I’m going to bring the grub up here so we can -eat together,” he said, “therefore you must help -me. After breakfast I’ll try and clean up below, -for if we reach port there’s no reason why we -should look so slovenly.”</p> - -<p class='c007'>“Something should be done with the treasure before -any strangers come aboard,” Vance added, -thinking of the wealth in the cabin for almost the -<span class='pageno' id='Page_213'>213</span>first time since the previous night shut down upon -them so forbiddingly. “Where can we put it?”</p> - -<p class='c007'>“In the hold, well aft, an’ throw a lot of rope and -canvas over it,” Ned replied promptly. “No one -will fancy we’ve got treasure aboard.”</p> - -<p class='c007'>This satisfied Vance, more particularly since his -companions proposed that he take full charge of the -gold and silver, and ten minutes later a most -appetizing breakfast was spread on the wheel-house -locker.</p> - -<p class='c007'>With the assistance of his companions in the way -of passing him the food, Ned was able to eat at the -same time he performed his duties as helmsman, -and the spirits of the little crew revived wonderfully -when the meal had been concluded.</p> - -<p class='c007'>Ned was left alone while the other two went below, -Roy to put things to rights generally, and -Vance to hide the treasure in anticipation of -visitors.</p> - -<p class='c007'>It seemed very much as if this particular breeze -had come to stay until the yacht should reach -port.</p> - -<p class='c007'>It no longer shifted so often, but held steadily -from the same point, and with sufficient force to -send the Zoe along at quite a respectable rate of -speed.</p> - -<p class='c007'><span class='pageno' id='Page_214'>214</span>As might have been expected, the waves still ran -very high, but the little craft was showing herself -to be a good sea-boat, even though disabled, and -each instant the apparent cloud took on more the -semblance of land.</p> - -<p class='c007'>Vance was the first to complete his work below, -and he entered the wheel-house shortly before noon, -saying as he did so:</p> - -<p class='c007'>“I reckon the money is safe. I’ve hidden it -where no one would ever think of looking, unless -they were certain we had something of the kind on -board. Say! but that land shows up now, don’t -it?”</p> - -<p class='c007'>“There’s no longer any question about soon -having all the assistance we need,” Ned replied -cheerily. “Anything as large as that, even if it is -only an island, must be inhabited.”</p> - -<p class='c007'>“I hope we shall be able to telegraph to father, -for he must be worrying about us by this time.”</p> - -<p class='c007'>“You won’t have any trouble on that score. -Take the wheel awhile, and I’ll see if I can’t trim -the sails a little better. It looks to me as if we -might get more speed out of the yacht.”</p> - -<p class='c007'>Ned was correct in this belief, for after the canvas -had been drawn in a trifle more, it could -readily be seen that she moved through the water -<span class='pageno' id='Page_215'>215</span>considerably faster, and the “bone in her teeth” -was as large as one could have desired.</p> - -<p class='c007'>The sea was rapidly subsiding. The little craft -no longer flung the water over her decks, but sent -it swirling aft on either side in proper fashion.</p> - -<p class='c007'>In the cabin, pantry, and kitchen Roy was doing -wonders in the cleaning line, and the Zoe was -rapidly being gotten into shape for inspection.</p> - -<p class='c007'>“I’ll get dinner as soon as this is finished,” the -amateur cook said after Ned had praised him for -the altered appearance of the craft. “If you can -spare Vance awhile it will help things along just so -much.”</p> - -<p class='c007'>Once more Ned stood at the wheel alone; but -the chances of reaching port very soon seemed so -good that he was perfectly willing to remain there -until it should be possible to come to an anchor.</p> - -<p class='c007'>The sun was yet above the horizon when, after a -voyage which had been made at the caprice of the -wind and tides, the Zoe entered a roadstead wherein -were craft of every description.</p> - -<p class='c007'>“What city do you suppose this can be?” Roy -asked in perplexity as the three stood in the wheel-house, -where they had been every moment since the -land could be distinctly seen.</p> - -<p class='c007'>It was a question which each member of the -<span class='pageno' id='Page_216'>216</span>party had already asked half a dozen times, and no -one paid any particular attention to it.</p> - -<p class='c007'>It was sufficient for all that they had arrived at -some place where an engineer and sailing master -could probably be hired.</p> - -<div class='chapter'> - <span class='pageno' id='Page_217'>217</span> - <h2 id='XVIII' class='c005'>CHAPTER XVIII.<br /> <span class='small'>HAVANA.</span></h2> -</div> - -<p class='c006'>The yacht was run in as far toward the piers as -the wind would permit and then the anchor was -let go.</p> - -<p class='c007'>It seemed as if this had but just been done when -a boat rowed by four sailors, with a man in uniform -at the helm, pulled out to the Zoe.</p> - -<p class='c007'>“It begins to look as if we’d soon find out what -port this is,” Ned said as he noticed this craft. -“Those fellows are comin’ out most likely to -learn who we are, and I reckon they know where -they live.”</p> - -<p class='c007'>Just at that moment almost any visitor would -have been welcome because of the information he -could impart, and the amateur crew were ready to -receive the officer when he came alongside.</p> - -<p class='c007'>He hailed them in a foreign tongue, and Ned, -acting as the captain, replied in English:</p> - -<p class='c007'>“I’m blessed if I know what you are sayin’. This -is the steam yacht Zoe, disabled, and in here for -repairs.”</p> - -<p class='c007'><span class='pageno' id='Page_218'>218</span>The visitor could speak English, as was soon -learned when he came over the rail, saying as he -did so:</p> - -<p class='c007'>“Where is the captain?”</p> - -<p class='c007'>“I suppose I’m in charge,” Ned replied. “This -craft was chartered by the fathers of my companions -to be used at their winter home in Florida. -The crew were washed overboard during a gale -and the steamer nearly wrecked. We managed to -get her off and have come in here under sail. Will -you kindly tell me where we are?”</p> - -<p class='c007'>“This is the port of Havana.”</p> - -<p class='c007'>“And we are in Cuba!” Vance cried as if in -alarm.</p> - -<p class='c007'>“That is not so very far from home,” the officer -replied with a smile. “A sail of less than a hundred -miles will bring you to Key West.”</p> - -<p class='c007'>Then he questioned them further regarding the -craft, and on taking his departure promised to send -the boys an interpreter.</p> - -<p class='c007'>“Do not pay him more than $2 a day, and if, -while making your repairs, there should be any dispute -arise, come directly to me. I shall be pleased -to render you all the assistance in my power.”</p> - -<p class='c007'>“If the man whom you send can bring us a boat -at a reasonable price it will be a favor,” Ned said. -“All our tenders have been carried away.”</p> - -<p class='c007'><span class='pageno' id='Page_219'>219</span>“I will see that it is done,” the man replied, and -then, with many expressions of friendliness, the -official took his departure.</p> - -<p class='c007'>“Ain’t you goin’ it a little strong when you talk -of buying a boat?” Vance asked.</p> - -<p class='c007'>“We’ve got to have one, otherwise how will it be -possible to go ashore?”</p> - -<p class='c007'>“But what about money to pay for it?”</p> - -<p class='c007'>“I reckon what we took out of the hulk will see -us through.”</p> - -<p class='c007'>“Are you counting on using that?” Vance asked -in surprise.</p> - -<p class='c007'>“What else can we do? The machinery must be -put in working order, we are bound to hire a crew, -and we’ve got to have the interpreter which the -officer is goin’ to send. All that can’t be accomplished -without funds, and I see no reason why -we shouldn’t dip into the hoard which some very -jolly fellow must have stowed away for our especial -benefit.”</p> - -<p class='c007'>“Of course we shall use it,” Roy added. “It -would be ridiculous to suffer for anything when we -have sufficient means in the hold to buy even a new -craft if it should become necessary.”</p> - -<p class='c007'>Roy understood that he must do as his companions -wished, but at the same time it seemed almost -a sacrilege to use the treasure. As a matter of fact -<span class='pageno' id='Page_220'>220</span>he had become almost a miser since the discovery -of the wealth, and it pained him to think of spending -so much as a single coin.</p> - -<p class='c007'>It was necessary to draw on the hoard for funds, -and since this should be done while they were alone, -Vance went below to attend to that very important -task.</p> - -<p class='c007'>He returned with about a hundred Mexican dollars -and half that number of gold-pieces, the value -of which none of the party knew.</p> - -<p class='c007'>“I think your first work should be to go on shore -with the interpreter to have this money changed,” -Ned said when Vance had found a bag in which to -deposit the coin. “There must be plenty of places -here where you can sell it, and we ought to know -the value of it.”</p> - -<p class='c007'>“I’ll do that, and afterward send machinists on -board to see in what condition the engine is. We -can engage a crew the day before we are ready to -leave.”</p> - -<p class='c007'>Vance was eager to make one of the shore party, -and Ned insisted that there was no reason why he -should not go.</p> - -<p class='c007'>“There is nothing to be done here,” he said, “an’ I -reckon one is enough to attend to the loafin’; but if -that fellow don’t come pretty soon there’ll be no -goin’ ashore for any of us. It will be dark in an -<span class='pageno' id='Page_221'>221</span>hour, an’ you want daylight for it if you’re thinkin’ -of buyin’ anything.”</p> - -<p class='c007'>Ned had hardly ceased speaking when the interpreter -came alongside in an apparently new boat, -this last fact being sufficient to explain to the boys -who he was.</p> - -<p class='c007'>Judging from his face one would have said he -was a Cuban; but he spoke English so well that it -seemed certain he must have been born in the United -States.</p> - -<p class='c007'>He presented himself very politely, almost too -much so, Ned thought, and although not one of the -party could have told the reason why, all felt a -certain distrust of the man.</p> - -<p class='c007'>He explained that the officer of the port, probably -meaning a sort of harbor master, sent him, -and that the official had said that his wages were to -be two American dollars per day.</p> - -<p class='c007'>The boat, he said, was cheap at $30, but he had -only brought it out on approval, consequently -they were at liberty to return it if not satisfactory.</p> - -<p class='c007'>“We will talk about that when we come back,” -Roy said curtly. “Just now it is necessary to go -on shore at once. We have some Mexican money -which we want to turn into such coins as pass current -here.”</p> - -<p class='c007'>As he spoke Roy took one of the gold-pieces from -the bag and showed it to the man.</p> - -<p class='c007'><span class='pageno' id='Page_222'>222</span>“It is very old,” the latter said as he examined -the coin intently. “Have you just come from -Mexico?”</p> - -<p class='c007'>“No, indeed, we were wrecked on one of the keys, -we don’t know where, and this was the first port -we made.”</p> - -<p class='c007'>Ned believed the man was giving more attention -to the gold-piece than would have been natural had -his curiosity been excited simply because it was -very old.</p> - -<p class='c007'>He turned it over and over, glanced furtively -around the yacht as if expecting to see something -which might be connected with the money, and then -said:</p> - -<p class='c007'>“This looks as if it had been under water some -time.”</p> - -<p class='c007'>“I don’t see why,” Roy said quickly. “If exposed -for any length of time to the action of salt -water gold will turn very dark, whereas this is as -bright as could be expected if it had been in circulation -many years.”</p> - -<p class='c007'>“And yet it has not been used for a very long -while—perhaps a hundred years.”</p> - -<p class='c007'>“How do you make that out?” Vance asked -quickly.</p> - -<p class='c007'>“Because of its age. I should think a collector -<span class='pageno' id='Page_223'>223</span>of old coins would like to purchase such pieces of -money.”</p> - -<p class='c007'>“We haven’t the time to hunt for that class of -people. Just now we need money to pay for what -it is necessary to purchase, and unless we go ashore -pretty soon it will be too late to do anything until -to-morrow.”</p> - -<p class='c007'>“It is believed there is a great deal of piratical -gold hidden on the keys near here,” the interpreter -said as he gave back the coin.</p> - -<p class='c007'>“But that can’t be any of it,” Vance replied -quickly, “for——”</p> - -<p class='c007'>Roy prevented anything more being said by stepping -on his friend’s foot at that instant, and this -time Ned fancied he saw an odd expression come -over the man’s face.</p> - -<p class='c007'>He said nothing, however, but went toward the -rail as if ready to embark, and in a few moments -the three were pulling rapidly toward the nearest -pier.</p> - -<p class='c007'>“We shan’t be gone more than an hour,” Roy -cried as they left the yacht, “and when we come -back the boat shall be half-loaded with fruit. This -is a good place in which to buy such things.”</p> - -<p class='c007'>“Take your time. I’m all right here, an’ will see -to it that nobody comes on board while you are -away.”</p> - -<p class='c007'><span class='pageno' id='Page_224'>224</span>Ned watched until the little boat touched the -dock, and then muttered to himself as he examined -the hawsers to make certain they were holding:</p> - -<p class='c007'>“I’ll own up to bein’ a Dutchman if that fellow -don’t try to find out more about the gold before we -lose sight of him. I didn’t like his face for a cent. -He is one of that kind of fellows who wouldn’t -hesitate about putting a knife into a man’s back, an’ -I think will bear watching.”</p> - -<p class='c007'>After ascertaining that everything on deck was -in proper order, Ned went into the wheel-house to -watch for the return of his friends, and when they -had been absent about an hour his attention was -drawn to a small boat, containing two men, which -was being rowed around and around the yacht as if -to make a general inspection.</p> - -<p class='c007'>“I hope they’ll know the Zoe when they see her -again,” he said to himself as he watched the movements -of the craft, and then it seemed to him as if -these inquisitive strangers must have some connection -with the interpreter.</p> - -<p class='c007'>“I’m makin’ a fool of myself,” he said with a -laugh as the boat was finally headed for the shore. -“Just because I don’t like the man’s face I’m givin’ -him the credit of bein’ a tough case, when most -likely he’s a poor duffer who has never a thought of -<span class='pageno' id='Page_225'>225</span>more than earning $2 a day by acting as interpreter -for sea captains who can’t speak Spanish. -It won’t do any harm to make preparations for -trouble, though, even if there is precious little -chance we shall ever have any.”</p> - -<p class='c007'>Half an hour later the party returned, evidently -in the best of spirits.</p> - -<p class='c007'>Roy had kept his word in regard to buying fruit, -and had brought off enough of all kinds to be found -in the market, to provide for their wants during the -next week.</p> - -<p class='c007'>“Did you have any trouble in exchanging the -money,” Ned asked in a low tone as Roy came over -the rail.</p> - -<p class='c007'>“None whatever. The broker seemed surprised -to see the pieces, however, and he and the interpreter -talked for a long while in Spanish. The machinists -will come aboard bright and early to-morrow, -and Manuel thinks he can find a competent engineer -for us at a moment’s notice.”</p> - -<p class='c007'>“Who’s Manuel?”</p> - -<p class='c007'>“The interpreter, of course.”</p> - -<p class='c007'>“Say, Roy, give me about $30, will you?”</p> - -<p class='c007'>“It’s more yours than mine, so take as much as -you want,” and Roy pulled from his pocket a handful -of money. “What are you going to do with -it?”</p> - -<p class='c007'><span class='pageno' id='Page_226'>226</span>“I’ll show you when I come back. I’m thinking -of getting Manuel to go ashore with me.”</p> - -<p class='c007'>“All right. Don’t stay too long, for we’re bound -to have a swell supper to-night.”</p> - -<p class='c007'>“I shan’t be away more than half an hour,” Ned -replied, and then he asked the interpreter if he -would take him for a short trip.</p> - -<p class='c007'>Manuel professed to be not only willing, but -pleased to grant the favor, and as soon as the purchases -of fruit and provisions could be taken from -the boat, the two rowed toward the pier from which -she had just come.</p> - -<div class='chapter'> - <span class='pageno' id='Page_227'>227</span> - <h2 id='XIX' class='c005'>CHAPTER XIX.<br /> <span class='small'>SUSPICIONS.</span></h2> -</div> - -<p class='c006'>Not until they were ashore did Ned tell Manuel -the nature of his errand, and then he said with an -assumption of carelessness:</p> - -<p class='c007'>“Take me where I can buy a revolver.”</p> - -<p class='c007'>“A revolver?” the man repeated as if in surprise.</p> - -<p class='c007'>“Certainly. Is there anything to prevent?”</p> - -<p class='c007'>“Nothing, of course, only it seemed strange in the -first place that there should not be an ample supply -of weapons on the steamer, and then again that -you might think a revolver necessary so soon after -arriving at one of the most peaceable ports in the -world.”</p> - -<p class='c007'>“The yacht is only chartered, and her armory -belongs to her owners,” Ned replied, not intending -to let the interpreter know there was nothing of -the kind on board. “Besides, there are likely to be -bad people in any city, and while I don’t look for -any trouble, it is better to be prepared.”</p> - -<p class='c007'>Again he fancied the man had a peculiar expression -on his face; but he made no delay in leading -<span class='pageno' id='Page_228'>228</span>Ned to a gunsmith’s, where two Colt’s revolvers, -with a small amount of ammunition, were purchased.</p> - -<p class='c007'>Then he proposed that they return to the yacht -at once, and as the boat was rowed alongside, said -when he had laid his bundle on the rail:</p> - -<p class='c007'>“Wait there a minute, and I’ll see what remains -to be done this evening.”</p> - -<p class='c007'>With the weapons under his arm, for he did not -intend to give any one a chance to tamper with -them, he went directly to the kitchen, where he -knew Roy would be engaged in making preparations -for supper.</p> - -<p class='c007'>“Got back, have you?” the latter asked carelessly.</p> - -<p class='c007'>“Yes. Do you need the interpreter any more to-night?”</p> - -<p class='c007'>“Why, I thought it would be a good idea to have -him sleep on board, and then in case any one came -out from the shore we should be able to talk with -them.”</p> - -<p class='c007'>“Did you say anything to him about it?”</p> - -<p class='c007'>“No, for I only thought of the plan since you -went ashore.”</p> - -<p class='c007'>“Then let me send him away. I think we shall -be safer alone.”</p> - -<p class='c007'>“Why, do you think——”</p> - -<p class='c007'><span class='pageno' id='Page_229'>229</span>“I’ll explain the reason for taking so many precautions -after Manuel leaves,” Ned replied as he -hurried on deck, and then said as he leaned over -the rail where he could speak with the man; “There -is nothing more to be done. Will you please get -here in the morning as soon as the workmen come? -for we can’t tell them what is wanted unless you are -on hand.”</p> - -<p class='c007'>“Am I not to remain on board the yacht? It is -customary.”</p> - -<p class='c007'>“In this case it will be best not to do anything of -the kind. We have no cook, and each fellow waits -upon himself.”</p> - -<p class='c007'>“I should be willing to do the same.”</p> - -<p class='c007'>“We would rather you stayed on shore,” Ned replied, -and this time he spoke so decidedly that the -interpreter could do no less than take his departure.</p> - -<p class='c007'>Ned repeated the conversation to his friends, both -of whom were in the kitchen, when he went below, -and Roy asked curiously:</p> - -<p class='c007'>“Why is it you were opposed to his staying on -board? I think it might be rather nice, for he could -tell us all about the city and would be on hand -when the machinists arrive.”</p> - -<p class='c007'>“I don’t think it is safe,” was the emphatic reply, -which caused his companions to stare at him in -surprise.</p> - -<p class='c007'><span class='pageno' id='Page_230'>230</span>“Where can be the harm?”</p> - -<p class='c007'>“I don’t know as there would be any; but it -surely can’t be wrong to take precautions, even -though some of them may be foolish. I noticed a -queer look on that fellow’s face when you showed -him the gold, and you must remember that he -talked about piratical treasure as if he expected you -to tell him where we got what you sold. Now look -at the matter squarely: You carry on shore, after -saying we were wrecked on a key, a lot of old coins -such as have been found around here. It isn’t -likely you would have taken such money from -home, consequently every person who sees it must -at once come to the correct conclusion. That being -the case, don’t you think there would be people -enough in this city who would risk an encounter -with three boys for the sake of learning whether -there were any more of those ancient gold-pieces on -board?”</p> - -<p class='c007'>“You’re right!” Roy exclaimed, a startled look -coming into his eyes, and Vance added:</p> - -<p class='c007'>“How do we know but that the interpreter or his -friends wouldn’t attempt the job?”</p> - -<p class='c007'>“That was exactly why I didn’t want him on -board at night, and the reason of my buying these,” -Ned replied as he opened the package, exposing the -weapons to view. “I propose that we keep our -<span class='pageno' id='Page_231'>231</span>eyes open pretty wide, not only while we remain in -port, but until we can put the treasure in a safer -place. This yacht and her cargo would be such a -prize as might tempt very many men to turn pirates -for the time being.”</p> - -<p class='c007'>“You’ve got a mighty level head,” Vance added -approvingly, “and I say as I did when we were on -the key, that we will recognize you as the skipper of -this craft.”</p> - -<p class='c007'>Roy also believed there were good grounds for -Ned’s suspicions, and for the first time since reaching -port, both he and Vance were seriously disturbed -in mind.</p> - -<p class='c007'>“There is no reason why you should fuss about -the matter,” Ned hastened to say as he saw what -sort of an effect his words had upon his companions. -“It’s only a case of standing watch all the -time, and that won’t be such very hard work between -three.”</p> - -<p class='c007'>When a satisfactory supper had been eaten the -boys sat on the deck aft, where the lights of the city -could best be seen, and there all three remained -until nine o’clock, when Ned proposed that the -night watch be set.</p> - -<p class='c007'>“We’ll take it an hour apiece, and draw lots to -see who begins. At the first thing which looks suspicious, -or can’t be explained readily, the others are -<span class='pageno' id='Page_232'>232</span>to be awakened. It will be better to turn all hands -out on a false alarm than run any risk.”</p> - -<p class='c007'>Vance held three splinters of wood in his hands, -and it was understood that he who got the longest -should begin the work of watching.</p> - -<p class='c007'>By this arrangement Roy was to stand the first -trick, to be followed by Ned and Vance in the -order named, and, with one of the revolvers loaded -ready for use, the former began to pace to and fro -on the deck.</p> - -<p class='c007'>The clock had been brought from the wheel-house -and hung in the after cabin, where a lamp was to be -burning, in order that the sentinel might see when -his time of duty expired.</p> - -<p class='c007'>Roy and Vance retired, and, worn out by their -previous exertions, were soon asleep.</p> - -<p class='c007'>Although the watch was maintained regularly -and each boy attended strictly to “business,” nothing -of a suspicious nature was seen, and Roy began -to think that perhaps Ned was a trifle too cautious.</p> - -<p class='c007'>At seven o’clock two machinists, accompanied by -the interpreter, came on board, and Roy explained -what was to be done.</p> - -<p class='c007'>He was not certain whether the engine had received -any damage by its submersion, but asked -that it be thoroughly overhauled and put into running -order in the shortest possible space of time.</p> - -<p class='c007'><span class='pageno' id='Page_233'>233</span>Manuel repeated these instructions, and the men -went to work while Roy and Vance prepared breakfast, -in which the interpreter was invited to join -after it had been spread in the tiny forward cabin.</p> - -<p class='c007'>During the meal Manuel inquired particularly -concerning the plans of the boys, regarding the -port which they intended to make, who would be -there to meet them, and, in fact, so many things -that did not concern him as to cause Ned’s suspicions -to grow stronger.</p> - -<p class='c007'>“Suppose you try to telegraph to your parents?” -the latter suggested when the meal was concluded, -and while speaking he kept his eyes fastened on the -interpreter’s face.</p> - -<p class='c007'>It may have been only imagination on his part, -but he really believed Manuel looked disappointed -because such a thing was thought necessary.</p> - -<p class='c007'>“Can we do it from here?” Vance asked eagerly, -and the interpreter shook his head.</p> - -<p class='c007'>“I do not think so,” he replied promptly. “There -is a cable, but it has not been working. I can take -a letter to the purser of the next steamer which -sails for New York. He is a friend of mine and -will see that it is forwarded without delay.”</p> - -<p class='c007'>“When does she sail?”</p> - -<p class='c007'>“To-morrow.”</p> - -<p class='c007'>“Then we will get one ready to-day, and perhaps -<span class='pageno' id='Page_234'>234</span>our fathers will receive the news almost as quickly -as if it was possible to send a telegram,” Roy replied -in a tone of satisfaction as he arose from the -table.</p> - -<p class='c007'>Manuel went on deck to smoke his cigar, and -when he was gone Ned called his friends into the -kitchen.</p> - -<p class='c007'>“I am goin’ ashore to find out if that yarn about -the cable is true. Write out such a message as you -want sent, an’ we’ll soon know whether Manuel is -to be trusted or not.”</p> - -<p class='c007'>“You are too suspicious,” Roy said just a trifle -impatiently, and Vance added quickly:</p> - -<p class='c007'>“I don’t think so. It won’t do any harm if we -take too many precautions, and it may mean a good -deal to miss an opportunity of knowing just what -is going on.”</p> - -<p class='c007'>“But what benefit would it be to the man, even -if he has an idea the yacht can be captured, to -prevent us from sending a telegram?”</p> - -<p class='c007'>“Because,” Ned replied quickly, “there would be -less chance thieves could be tracked if your parents -had received no word from you since the Zoe left -Key West.”</p> - -<p class='c007'>“But he promises to send a letter.”</p> - -<p class='c007'>“And you will have no means of knowing whether -he does so or not. At all events, don’t write a line -or even a word about the treasure.”</p> - -<p class='c007'><span class='pageno' id='Page_235'>235</span>“I think you had better try your luck on shore,” -Vance said decidedly. “I’ll write a telegram if -Roy don’t care to, and there won’t be any damage -done if you can’t send it,”</p> - -<p class='c007'>“You do that and I’ll attend to the letter,” Roy -replied. “But how can Ned learn anything about -the cable while he doesn’t understand the language?”</p> - -<p class='c007'>“I’ll guarantee to find some one who’ll help me -along,” the boy replied confidently, and just then -the return of Manuel interrupted the conversation.</p> - -<p class='c007'>“The machinists wish to speak with one of you,” -he said.</p> - -<p class='c007'>“You go, Roy, while I look out for some business -which must be attended to,” Vance replied as he -began to write the telegram.</p> - -<p class='c007'>The two left the cabin, and as soon as the message -was finished Ned put it in his pocket.</p> - -<p class='c007'>Then, while the interpreter was in the engine-room, -he got into the boat and pulled ashore.</p> - -<p class='c007'>The machinists wanted to report progress, and -Roy was surprised at seeing that they had already -raised steam.</p> - -<p class='c007'>“They say it is all right now, except that it needs -cleaning,” Manuel said after listening to one of the -men a moment. “They have repaired the damage, -and there is nothing to prevent your leaving by -noon.”</p> - -<p class='c007'><span class='pageno' id='Page_236'>236</span>“That is just what we will do!” Roy exclaimed, -without thinking it necessary to consult his companions. -“Can you get us a sailing master, engineer, -and steward by that time?”</p> - -<p class='c007'>“I am certain of it,” the interpreter replied. “I -had already seen two of the men, and it will not be -difficult to find the third.”</p> - -<p class='c007'>“Then set about it as soon as possible. There is -no reason why we should lay here a moment longer -than necessary, and by starting now we can be at -Key West before morning.”</p> - -<p class='c007'>“Do you need any stores?” Manuel asked.</p> - -<p class='c007'>“We have enough of everything to last us into -that port. Don’t delay in getting the crew.”</p> - -<p class='c007'>As a matter of course when Manuel came on deck -he failed to find the tender; but a passing craft -responded to his hail, and he was set ashore within -five minutes after Ned landed.</p> - -<p class='c007'>An hour later he returned with two Cubans and -a negro, the latter being, according to his own account, -a first-class cook.</p> - -<p class='c007'>The man who was presented as the sailing master -was received by Roy and put in command at once, -with instructions to be ready to get under way as -soon as Ned returned.</p> - -<p class='c007'>He was not a particularly prepossessing looking -man, but had the air of a sailor and was so highly -<span class='pageno' id='Page_237'>237</span>recommended by Manuel that Roy thought he was -very fortunate indeed in being able to hire such a -master.</p> - -<p class='c007'>The engineer set about helping the machinists as -if thoroughly well acquainted with his duties, and -the negro began to wash the dishes, an action which -endeared him at once to Roy’s heart, for of all the -work connected with the kitchen this last was the -most disagreeable.</p> - -<p class='c007'>“Do you think it was just fair to engage these -people and set them to work before Ned came -back?” Vance asked as soon as it was possible to -speak with his friend where they would not be overheard.</p> - -<p class='c007'>“Why not?”</p> - -<p class='c007'>“Because we both agreed he should be the boss -of the steamer.”</p> - -<p class='c007'>“What nonsense! We shall gain so much time, -and the instant he steps aboard we will start out of -the harbor. Come with me while we pay the interpreter, -and then he can hail another boat to take -him ashore.”</p> - -<p class='c007'>“The one he brought the men in is still alongside.”</p> - -<p class='c007'>“So much the better, for he can go at once,” and -Roy went on deck, intent only on being under way -at the earliest possible moment.</p> - -<p class='c007'><span class='pageno' id='Page_238'>238</span>Manuel was talking very earnestly with the -sailing master, but he stopped instantly he saw the -boys and asked if there was anything more he -could do.</p> - -<p class='c007'>“I think not,” Roy replied, “and there is no -reason why you shouldn’t go ashore as soon as you -please.”</p> - -<p class='c007'>“But since you can’t speak the language how -will it be possible to tell the crew what you want -done?”</p> - -<p class='c007'>“I never thought of that,” Roy replied in perplexity. -“It might come unhandy.”</p> - -<p class='c007'>“You are right. Now, I have a proposition which -you will do well to accept. This gentleman agrees -to put the yacht into Key West for $15; the engineer -wants $10 and the cook $8, they getting back -here as best they can. Why not give me a ten-dollar -bill for the services already performed and -what I may be called upon for until the steamer is -in the home port?”</p> - -<p class='c007'>“What do you think of it?” Roy asked, turning -to Vance.</p> - -<p class='c007'>“I’ve got nothing to say,” the latter replied. “I -don’t think it is the square thing to make these -trades without at least consulting Ned.”</p> - -<p class='c007'>This remark piqued Roy, and he replied to the -interpreter:</p> - -<p class='c007'><span class='pageno' id='Page_239'>239</span>“All right, you shall go. Find out how much the -machinists charge for their services and we will send -them ashore at once. I suppose the engineer can -finish the job of cleaning up?”</p> - -<p class='c007'>“Certainly,” Manuel said as he went into the -engine-room, and a few moments later he came on -deck with the workmen.</p> - -<p class='c007'>Their bill was $2, and this seemed so very reasonable -as compared with some bills he had seen his -father pay that Roy added a dollar to the amount.</p> - -<p class='c007'>“Tell them to go ashore,” he said to the interpreter. -“I suppose they can use the boat you came -out in?”</p> - -<p class='c007'>“Of course. It is my only chance to send her -back.”</p> - -<p class='c007'>“Now ask the engineer to get steam on,” Roy -said when the men had disappeared over the side.</p> - -<p class='c007'>“Will your friend be back soon?” Manuel inquired.</p> - -<p class='c007'>“I am expecting him every moment, and as soon -as he steps aboard you may tell the captain to get -under way.”</p> - -<p class='c007'>Manuel repeated this order at once, and the -sailing master, after speaking a few words to the -engineer, did not disdain to work the capstan himself, -hauling the little craft directly over the -anchor.</p> - -<p class='c007'><span class='pageno' id='Page_240'>240</span>The black smoke which came from the stack, together -with the soft murmur of escaping steam, -told that the Zoe could be on her way out of the -harbor in less than three minutes from the time the -word to start was given.</p> - -<p class='c007'>Vance was thoroughly displeased that Roy should -have thus taken the management of matters so -wholly into his own hands.</p> - -<p class='c007'>He fancied that both the sailing master and the -interpreter looked very well satisfied after it was -decided the latter should accompany the yacht, and -felt quite confident they exchanged triumphant -glances when the word was given to be ready to -leave the instant Ned came aboard.</p> - -<p class='c007'>Unfortunately, however, he did not remonstrate -with Roy, as he should have done, but went aft and -remained there alone, watching for Ned.</p> - -<p class='c007'>The most suspicious person could have found nothing -in the actions of the crew to warrant any fears -on the score of foul play.</p> - -<p class='c007'>The steward and the engineer appeared to be -intent only upon their duties, and the captain had -already shown that he was willing to turn his hand -to anything which could forward the wishes of his -employers.</p> - -<p class='c007'>Not until nearly an hour after the machinists had -gone ashore did Ned put out from the dock, and -<span class='pageno' id='Page_241'>241</span>when he came alongside Manuel stood ready to -catch the painter.</p> - -<p class='c007'>Ned gazed with surprise at the captain and -steward, both of whom chanced to be on deck, and -then, beckoning to Roy, who was in the wheel-house, -went below.</p> - -<p class='c007'>“Well?” the latter asked as he followed the newcomer.</p> - -<p class='c007'>“I found the telegraph office, and there hasn’t -been any trouble with the cable for the past year. -The interpreter has lied to us, and he must have -some reason for so doing.”</p> - -<div class='chapter'> - <span class='pageno' id='Page_242'>242</span> - <h2 id='XX' class='c005'>CHAPTER XX.<br /> <span class='small'>AN ILL-ADVISED START.</span></h2> -</div> - -<p class='c006'>Vance hastened to the forward cabin as soon as -he saw Ned go down the companion-way, and -arrived there just in time to hear the last portion of -his remark.</p> - -<p class='c007'>Roy seemed thoroughly bewildered on thus -learning that the interpreter had deceived them, -and stood silent and motionless as Vance said bitterly:</p> - -<p class='c007'>“With such a man to manage the job, it isn’t -hard to fancy that they’ll make a pretty thorough -search of this craft before leaving her.”</p> - -<p class='c007'>“The best thing we can do is to send him ashore -at once,” Ned added. “We don’t want such fellows -around, for it isn’t safe.”</p> - -<p class='c007'>“But Boy has already hired a sailing master and -a steward. In addition to that, he has engaged -Manuel to go with us to Key West.”</p> - -<p class='c007'>Ned looked at Roy as if asking if the statement -was correct.</p> - -<p class='c007'><span class='pageno' id='Page_243'>243</span>“I didn’t think there would be any harm in -making ready to leave as soon as possible, for the -machinists reported that the engine had been repaired, -and by leaving now we can be in Key West -before morning.”</p> - -<p class='c007'>“But you surely are not willing to take a crew -selected by Manuel after what I have told you?” -Ned said in surprise.</p> - -<p class='c007'>“When I engaged them I didn’t know there was -anything wrong.”</p> - -<p class='c007'>“But now that—What is going on? It sounds -as if we were under way!”</p> - -<p class='c007'>Ned ran hastily up the companion stairs, looked -around for an instant, and then leaped below in the -greatest excitement as he said hurriedly:</p> - -<p class='c007'>“It is a fact! We are steaming out of the harbor! -What is the meaning of it?”</p> - -<p class='c007'>“I told them to start the minute you came on -board,” Roy said in a low tone, wishing from the -very bottom of his heart that he had never given -such an order.</p> - -<p class='c007'>“And we are going to run across with four -men on board who are perfect strangers, except -that we know one told an absolute lie for the purpose -of preventing you from sending any word to -your parents!” Ned exclaimed as he literally threw -himself into a chair and stared moodily at the -floor.</p> - -<p class='c007'><span class='pageno' id='Page_244'>244</span>“I wasn’t consulted in the matter at all,” Vance -said angrily. “I told Roy I thought he should -wait till you came aboard.”</p> - -<p class='c007'>“I surely asked your opinion about taking Manuel -as interpreter,” Roy said sharply.</p> - -<p class='c007'>“Yes; but that was after you had made the -trade with the others, and they virtually had possession -of the yacht.”</p> - -<p class='c007'>“Well, it can’t be helped now, and we must decide -what may be done to prevent them from taking us -by surprise,” Ned said with a long-drawn sigh.</p> - -<p class='c007'>He fancied he knew exactly how Roy felt when -he made the bargain, and that it had only been done -from a desire to be with his parents as soon as -possible, therefore it did not seem to him right that -the boy should be blamed.</p> - -<p class='c007'>“Why can’t it be helped?” Vance cried sharply. -“What is to prevent us from ordering them to put -back?”</p> - -<p class='c007'>“If they have come on board with any idea of -taking possession of the steamer, they wouldn’t -obey the command and we should only succeed in -starting a row before being prepared.”</p> - -<p class='c007'>“I’ll soon know what they mean!” Roy said -angrily as he went toward the companion-way.</p> - -<p class='c007'>“Wait a minute!” Ned cried as he caught him -by the arm. “Don’t act as hastily as you did before, -<span class='pageno' id='Page_245'>245</span>but think the matter over first. Suppose -they refuse to obey orders, what can we do before -mapping out a plan?”</p> - -<p class='c007'>“I’ll take one of the revolvers with me and make -them do as I say.”</p> - -<p class='c007'>“And probably be knocked down before you had -spoken half a dozen words, even though the men -were perfectly honest. Who do you suppose would -allow a boy to come at him with a drawn weapon -without making some kind of a row?”</p> - -<p class='c007'>It did not take many moments for Roy to realize -the truth of this, and he seated himself on one of -the lockers in moody silence.</p> - -<p class='c007'>“Well, see here, this won’t do,” Vance suddenly -cried. “The yacht is getting further out of the -harbor every moment, and if there is such an idea -as turning back, it should be carried into effect at -once.”</p> - -<p class='c007'>“I don’t know what to say,” Roy replied in dismay.</p> - -<p class='c007'>“And I think it would be foolish to attempt to -change any of the orders which have been given,” -Ned added. “If the men are bent on mischief they -wouldn’t obey, and if they are honest we shall get -to Key West without trouble.”</p> - -<p class='c007'>“Well, are you going to sit here and let matters -take their own course?” Vance asked impatiently.</p> - -<p class='c007'><span class='pageno' id='Page_246'>246</span>“This is what I think might be done,” Ned replied, -speaking slowly, as if weighing well his words. -“One of us could sit in the pilot-house and the other -in the engine-room all the time, each armed with a -revolver. The third would spell either when it became -necessary, and thus a watch might be kept -over the two most important sections of the craft.”</p> - -<p class='c007'>“But suppose they should raise a row because we -remained on guard?” Vance asked.</p> - -<p class='c007'>“If they are perfectly honest nothing of the kind -could happen, and if not, the question will surely -arise, when we can speak right out and say exactly -why we don’t like the looks of things. Men who -have come aboard simply to earn their wages by -performing the necessary work surely wouldn’t object -to those who stand in the place of the owners -caring for the property.”</p> - -<p class='c007'>“What do you think of that plan, Roy?” Vance -asked.</p> - -<p class='c007'>“I’ll go in for anything you two believe best. -After being so smart I ought to be willing to tie -my head in a bag until we reach port.”</p> - -<p class='c007'>“But you haven’t made any provision for keeping -an eye on the hold,” Vance suggested in a -whisper.</p> - -<p class='c007'>“Why can’t you do that? I’ll go into the pilot-house, -Roy into the engine-room, and you would be -<span class='pageno' id='Page_247'>247</span>at liberty to prowl around anywhere. It won’t be -a very long watch if they intend to play square.”</p> - -<p class='c007'>“Then let’s begin at once.”</p> - -<p class='c007'>All hands arose to their feet and ascended the -companion-way, since it was necessary first to go on -deck in order to reach either of the places referred -to.</p> - -<p class='c007'>Manuel was standing just beneath the wheel-house -when the boys reached the open air, and it -looked very much as if he had been hovering around -the hatch-way in the hope of overhearing what -might be said in the forward cabin, where the consultation -was held.</p> - -<p class='c007'>“We are under way,” he said to Roy, treating -him as the leader of the party, as was but natural, -since by him he and his friends had been put in -possession of the little craft.</p> - -<p class='c007'>“So I see. We should arrive some time during -the night, for this craft can make twelve knots -under ordinary circumstances.”</p> - -<p class='c007'>“If the weather holds good you will awaken in -port,” was the reply. “The captain has been to -Key West many times, and will get the little steamer -there as soon as any other person could.”</p> - -<p class='c007'>“How about the engineer?” Vance asked.</p> - -<p class='c007'>“Oh, he is a master of his trade; you need have -no fears but that she will be kept at full speed.”</p> - -<p class='c007'><span class='pageno' id='Page_248'>248</span>“I think I’ll have a look at him,” Roy said, and -as he started aft followed by Manuel, Ned suddenly -remembered that after deciding upon their course -of action they had been so careless as to forget the -weapons, which were in one of the after-cabin -lockers.</p> - -<p class='c007'>“Hold on a minute!” he said quickly. “I wish -you would show me where those papers were put.”</p> - -<p class='c007'>“What papers?” Roy asked innocently, and the -most careless observer would have understood that -there was nothing of the kind aboard.</p> - -<p class='c007'>“The ones I gave you just before I went on -shore,” and by dint of much winking, which may -or may not have been seen by the interpreter, Roy -finally understood that he should accompany his -friends.</p> - -<p class='c007'>“Well, of all thick-headed mortals you are the -worst!” Vance whispered when they were in the -after cabin. “It was necessary for Ned to give the -whole snap away before you could understand that -he wanted to speak with you.”</p> - -<p class='c007'>“I’ll admit that I’m about as stupid as fellows are -usually made,” Roy replied seriously, “and the -knowledge of what I have possibly done only makes -me worse. What is it you wanted, Ned?”</p> - -<p class='c007'>“We forgot the revolvers, like a set of chumps, -and they are here,” Ned replied as he opened the -locker.</p> - -<p class='c007'><span class='pageno' id='Page_249'>249</span>The words had hardly been spoken, and before -the weapons could be raised, when the companion-way -doors were suddenly pulled to, the hatch drawn -over, while the click of metal told that the bolts -had been drawn.</p> - -<p class='c007'>Vance was at the top of the stairs instantly -pounding on the wood-work, but no attention was -paid to him for several moments.</p> - -<p class='c007'>“Unlock this door!” he shouted. “What do you -mean by shutting us in here?”</p> - -<p class='c007'>The party on the outside appeared to be making -the fastenings secure, and not until this had been -done to his satisfaction did he condescend to reply; -then the prisoners heard the voice of Manuel as he -said loudly:</p> - -<p class='c007'>“We have taken a notion to learn where those -old coins come from and think you may have a good -supply on board, consequently found it necessary to -take possession. It won’t do any good to shout and -rave, for we are well out of the harbor. So try to -make the best of a bad matter.”</p> - -<p class='c007'>Ned took careful aim in the direction of the -voice and discharged one barrel of his revolver, the -bullet plowing its way through the thin barrier; -but, so far as could be ascertained, doing no further -damage.</p> - -<p class='c007'>“I’ll soon show you how to do that sort of thing, -<span class='pageno' id='Page_250'>250</span>my bantam,” Manuel replied angrily, and then the -sound of his footsteps on the roof of the cabin told -that he had gone forward.</p> - -<p class='c007'>“It is just as I feared,” Ned said with a sigh. -“That fellow had all the opportunity he needed -and has taken advantage of it. The sight of the -money told him almost as plainly as words could -have done that we had found a treasure on the key -where the yacht went ashore.”</p> - -<p class='c007'>“And I was such a fool as to arrange everything -for them in the best possible shape!” Roy moaned. -“It doesn’t seem as if a fellow <i>could</i> make such a -fool of himself as I have succeeded in doing.”</p> - -<p class='c007'>“It’s no use crying over what can’t be helped,” -Ned said cheerily as he mentally braced himself -to appear cheerful lest his companions should lose -all courage. “We must try to get the best of those -fellows.”</p> - -<p class='c007'>“And we stand a mighty good chance, don’t we? -Four of them against three who are locked into a -place where they not only can’t help themselves, -but are shut out from every other portion of the -steamer!” Vance said bitterly. “Now they are -convinced there is treasure on board, it won’t take -more than ten minutes to discover it, and most -likely the yacht is being headed this very minute -where they can trust to finding friends.”</p> - -<div class='figcenter id001'> -<img src='images/i-258.jpg' alt='' class='ig001' /> -<div class='ic001'> -<p><span class='sc'>Ned Shoots at Manuel Through the Cabin Skylight.</span>—Page <a href='#Page_251'>251</a>.</p> -</div> -</div> - -<p class='c007'><span class='pageno' id='Page_251'>251</span>“I don’t fancy she is bound for Key West,” Ned -replied, “but I can’t see why it is necessary to -look for friends, since they have got things all their -own way, while we’re shut up here like rats in a -trap.”</p> - -<p class='c007'>Then came a long interval of silence as each -fellow was trying in vain to devise some scheme by -which the recapture of the yacht would be possible, -and all were startled as if by an electric shock -when a loud report rang out, followed by the -splintering of wood and glass, as a bullet lodged in -the panels of the state-room door within a few -inches of Ned’s head.</p> - -<p class='c007'>For an instant the three stood as if panic-stricken, -and then Vance ran toward the bulkhead which -divided the cabin from a portion of the engine-room -as he cried:</p> - -<p class='c007'>“Get up here, quick! He’s trying for another -shot!”</p> - -<p class='c007'>As he spoke he pointed to the skylight, from -which direction the bullet had come, and there -could be seen the interpreter’s legs as he was gliding -noiselessly around in the hope of seeing his intended -victims more clearly.</p> - -<p class='c007'>This was just the opportunity Ned wanted, and, -resting his revolver on his arm in order to take -more steady aim, fired twice in rapid succession.</p> - -<p class='c007'><span class='pageno' id='Page_252'>252</span>A scream of pain told that at least one of the -missiles had struck the target, and the oaths and -imprecations which followed gave very good evidence -as to who had been wounded.</p> - -<p class='c007'>“You shall pay for this, you scoundrels!” Manuel -cried in a fury. “Don’t think that because you are -hidden from view it is impossible to get at you. -There is no need of our hunting you out; a few -days with neither food nor water will soon do the -business!”</p> - -<p class='c007'>“But what is to prevent our winging all hands of -your party before we’re starved?” Ned cried. “We -are justified in shooting to kill, for you have shown -yourselves to be pirates, and we shan’t give in without -a struggle. Watch your chance!” he added in -a whisper to Roy. “We’ve got to shoot them down -or else go under ourselves.”</p> - -<p class='c007'>“You won’t crow so loud to-morrow,” Manuel -shouted, and then the sound of halting footsteps -told that he had gone forward once more.</p> - -<p class='c007'>“You are shivering like a fellow with a chill,” -Vance said to Roy.</p> - -<p class='c007'>“So would you if you had gotten us into the -scrape that I have. It seems as if I had doomed all -three to death.”</p> - -<p class='c007'>“You mustn’t give way like that,” Ned said -sharply, “or there will be very little hope for us. -<span class='pageno' id='Page_253'>253</span>Vance, you take the revolver until Roy pulls himself -together, for just now I don’t believe he could -hit the side of a barn.”</p> - -<p class='c007'>“Is this all we are to do—stand here for them to -sneak up and shoot us whenever they feel like it?” -Vance asked as he obeyed the order.</p> - -<p class='c007'>“Not by any manner of means, an’ it won’t pay -to remain in this spot very long, for they can fire -at us from the engine-room. I’ll go into one of the -state-rooms, and you take the other. By leaving -the doors open it will be possible to keep watch on -the skylights, and that is the most dangerous point -just now.”</p> - -<p class='c007'>Vance made his way quickly into the room on -the starboard side, fastening the door open with a -chair lest the motion of the craft should close it, -and Ned went into the apartment opposite, Roy -following him.</p> - -<p class='c007'>Not until this had been done was it learned that -the stock of cartridges was yet in the locker, and it -was necessary they be divided before Manuel should -have attended to his wound and returned to watch -for a chance to shoot one of the prisoners.</p> - -<p class='c007'>Ned darted out very swiftly, knowing he stood a -poor show of returning if one of the pirates caught -a glimpse of him, and in a very short time both the -watchers were well supplied with ammunition.</p> - -<p class='c007'><span class='pageno' id='Page_254'>254</span>There was no encouragement to be gained from -the fact that they were well armed and sheltered -from view, as all three realized after they had had -time to think the matter over.</p> - -<p class='c007'>The men could easily find the gold and silver, run -the yacht into some harbor, and there abandon her, -or, making preparations to leave in the small boat -at the proper moment, scuttle her.</p> - -<p class='c007'>It was more than probable they would pursue -this last course, as Ned admitted to himself after -studying the matter several moments, and he could -not repress a shudder as he thought that even now -they might be arranging such a plan.</p> - -<p class='c007'>The yacht need not be taken more than a dozen -miles from the island of Cuba before the deed could -be done with but slight chance of detection, and the -treasure in the hold was sufficient to tempt such -men as they undoubtedly were to commit even a -greater crime in order to gain possession of it.</p> - -<p class='c007'>The watchers were sitting on the floor with their -backs against the bunks, where they could have a -full view of the skylight, and each held his revolver -in his hand ready for immediate use.</p> - -<p class='c007'>“There’s precious little hope that either of you -will get a chance to shoot,” Roy said after a long -time of silence, during which he had remained with -his face buried in his hands. “They are not obliged -<span class='pageno' id='Page_255'>255</span>to come aft for everything, and even if it should be -necessary, it could be done after dark when we can’t -see them.”</p> - -<p class='c007'>“I’m a Dutchman if there isn’t one thing in our -favor!” Ned cried as a sudden thought occurred to -him.</p> - -<p class='c007'>“What is that?” Roy and Vance asked in concert.</p> - -<p class='c007'>“The boat is being towed behind. They have -got to come around here before they can abandon -the yacht.”</p> - -<p class='c007'>“There’s no chance of that being done unless——”</p> - -<p class='c007'>Vance ceased speaking very suddenly as he understood -what Ned had been thinking about, and to -him the future, not very bright before, suddenly -grew yet more dark.</p> - -<p class='c007'>Then came another time of silence, during which -the motion of the screw suddenly ceased, and the -prisoners looked at each other in surprise and -alarm.</p> - -<p class='c007'>Was this stoppage due to the engine itself, or had -the pirates arrived at that point where they were -ready to adopt yet bolder tactics than before?</p> - -<p class='c007'>As a matter of course this question could not be -answered among themselves, and they waited in -painful suspense for some noise by which they -might gain an inkling of the true state of affairs.</p> - -<div class='chapter'> - <span class='pageno' id='Page_256'>256</span> - <h2 id='XXI' class='c005'>CHAPTER XXI.<br /> <span class='small'>PRISONERS.</span></h2> -</div> - -<p class='c006'>To the great relief of the prisoners the throbbing -of the engine was heard a few moments later, and -there was no longer any question but that the -momentary stoppage had been caused by some -trifling defect in the machinery, which could only -be remedied by slowing down.</p> - -<p class='c007'>The alarm which the boys felt at the yacht’s suddenly -becoming motionless on the waters served a -far different purpose than the pirates could have -suspected.</p> - -<p class='c007'>It suggested to Ned’s mind a way of overcoming -those who had taken possession of the steamer, and -that without taking too many risks of being killed.</p> - -<p class='c007'>Instantly the engine was started again he leaped -to his feet, thrust a revolver into Roy’s hands, and -whispered:</p> - -<p class='c007'>“Keep the sharpest lookout you know how on -the skylight. If you see so much as a shadow, fire -at once!”</p> - -<p class='c007'>“What are you going to do?”</p> - -<p class='c007'><span class='pageno' id='Page_257'>257</span>“I hardly know yet awhile; but I’ve got a sort -of an idea which may turn out to be a big thing.”</p> - -<p class='c007'>Then, to the great surprise of both his companions, -Ned began examining the partition which -separated the cabin from the upper portion of the -engine-room.</p> - -<p class='c007'>The inspection appeared to afford him considerable -satisfaction, and he began cutting the highly -polished moldings on either side of<a id='t257'></a> the center panel -with his pocket knife.</p> - -<p class='c007'>This apparently useless destruction was more -than Vance could witness in silence, and he asked -quite sharply:</p> - -<p class='c007'>“What’s come over you now?”</p> - -<p class='c007'>Ned placed his finger on his lips as a token -that no noise should be made, and continued to -work with feverish haste, stopping every now and -then to make certain he was not heard by any one -who might chance to be on the opposite side of the -wood-work.</p> - -<p class='c007'>During an hour he labored industriously, and -then there was an expression of the most intense -satisfaction on his face as he went softly to -Vance’s post of duty, beckoning for Roy to join -them.</p> - -<p class='c007'>“That bulkhead is only made of thin boards,” -he said in a whisper, “and I have cut away the -<span class='pageno' id='Page_258'>258</span>moldings until the center panel can be pulled out -in a few seconds.”</p> - -<p class='c007'>“Well, what does that amount to?” Vance asked -impatiently.</p> - -<p class='c007'>“It will be possible to get into the engine-room, -and if that can be done without raising an alarm, I -count on regaining possession of the steamer with -but precious little trouble.”</p> - -<p class='c007'>“How?” both boys asked in the same breath.</p> - -<p class='c007'>“Here is the scheme, and mind that you understand -it perfectly, for there will be no opportunity -to explain matters after we begin operations. There -is a speaking-tube from this room to the pilot-house, -isn’t there?”</p> - -<p class='c007'>Yes,” Vance replied wonderingly. “Father had -it put in so he could talk to the man at the wheel -without being obliged to go on deck.”</p> - -<p class='c007'>“Very well: when I give the word, you must -whistle through and claim to want to talk with -Manuel. That will bring him up to the pilot-house. -Then you are to ask him on what terms he will -agree to set us adrift at some point where we can -reach Key West without difficulty——”</p> - -<p class='c007'>“But we mustn’t think of leaving the yacht until -it becomes absolute necessary,” Roy exclaimed.</p> - -<p class='c007'>“Wait till I finish. You are to keep on trying -to make a trade with Manuel until you hear me -<span class='pageno' id='Page_259'>259</span>whistle, and then you can stop. While he is there -the sailing master will beat the wheel as a matter -of course, which leaves no one but the steward and -the engineer below. I shall pull out the panel the -moment you nod to show me Manuel has come to -the tube. Then each of us carrying a revolver, -Vance and I will slip through. I count on surprising -the engineer so much that I shall have the weapon -leveled at his head before he knows we are anywhere -near. Vance mustn’t stop, but keep right -on to the kitchen and make the darkey a prisoner -in the same manner. Then I shall whistle; you -must rush down as quickly as possible and secure -all the hatches leading to the upper deck, and with -one of the revolvers run back here to shoot the first -person who attempts to get in this way.”</p> - -<p class='c007'>“But we shall be shut up below the same as we -are here,” Roy said thoughtfully.</p> - -<p class='c007'>“Yes, but it’ll be for us to say whether the yacht -shall go ahead or astern, and those fellows will be -forced to come to our terms, for if a craft of any -kind should heave in sight she’d be certain to bear -down on us for the purpose of learning what was -the matter, and then if the truth didn’t get out it -would be our own fault.”</p> - -<p class='c007'>“It’s a big scheme,” said Vance approvingly, -“only we had better understand beforehand what -<span class='pageno' id='Page_260'>260</span>is to be done if the engineer and steward don’t give -up when we cover them with the revolvers.”</p> - -<p class='c007'>“In such a case there must be no hesitation about -shooting them at once. By that time we shall have -gone so far that it will be the only way of saving -our own lives.”</p> - -<p class='c007'>“Let’s begin immediately,” Vance said eagerly.</p> - -<p class='c007'>“Wait till I fasten the cabin doors on the inside -so they can’t get in that way without considerable -trouble,” Ned replied as he stole softly and -noiselessly toward the companion-way.</p> - -<p class='c007'>Three minutes later everything was in readiness -for the bold scheme, and as Vance and Ned stationed -themselves in front of the partially loosened -panel, Roy whistled through the tube.</p> - -<p class='c007'>It was nearly a minute before he received any -reply, and then he nodded his head to show that the -interpreter had spoken.</p> - -<p class='c007'>Ned looked at his companion to make certain the -latter had his weapon ready, and dexterously inserting -the blade of his knife in the crevices of the -wood-work, succeeded in wrenching out the panel -with but little noise.</p> - -<p class='c007'>It can safely be said that their hearts were beating -furiously as the two boys darted through the -opening thus made and ran swiftly down the iron -ladder which led to that portion of the yacht where -<span class='pageno' id='Page_261'>261</span>it was necessary the engineer should remain in order -to attend to the machinery.</p> - -<p class='c007'>The man looked up in surprise at the sound of the -hurried footsteps, and before he had an opportunity -to speak a word Ned was aiming the revolver -directly at him as he said in a low, stern tone:</p> - -<p class='c007'>“Up with your hands, quick, or I shall fire! I -shan’t have the slightest hesitation about shooting -you as I would a dog!”</p> - -<p class='c007'>The fellow had obeyed at the first glimpse of the -weapon, and Ned stepped aside slightly in order to -let Vance pass him, saying as he did so:</p> - -<p class='c007'>“Bring the darkey back here as quick as you -can!”</p> - -<p class='c007'>Then turning to his prisoner, for the man had -shown the white feather instantly he was at the -boy’s mercy, he added, “Catch that bar above your -head and hold on there. Remember that at the -least movement I shall shoot. I ought to do that -at once, for pirates like you are not worth the -trouble necessary to keep them prisoners.”</p> - -<p class='c007'>It could be seen that the man understood English -from the alacrity with which he obeyed, and when -he was grasping one of the spare steering-rods in -such a manner as to raise himself slightly from the -deck, Ned held the revolver at his head with one -hand, while with the other he searched the fellow’s -pockets.</p> - -<p class='c007'><span class='pageno' id='Page_262'>262</span>A pair of wicked-looking brass-knuckles was -the result of this search, and then Ned took from -the engineer’s belt a keen-edged knife, both of -which articles he threw into the furnace-room.</p> - -<p class='c007'>This work had but just been completed when -Vance entered the apartment, driving the darkey in -front of him, and never did a black face show more -evidences of fear than at this moment.</p> - -<p class='c007'>“Back that fellow against this one!” Ned said -sharply as Vance appeared, “and see how quick you -can lash them together. I’ll stand ready to kill the -first one who makes any kick.”</p> - -<p class='c007'>Vance went to work as expeditiously as if he had -always been accustomed to such tasks.</p> - -<p class='c007'>First he hastily unbuckled the belts of both, and -with them made a strap of sufficient length to go -around the prisoners while their arms were lowered. -Then, running back to the forward cabin, he -brought out a quantity of ratline stuff, with which -he proceeded to do them up in a perfect network.</p> - -<p class='c007'>Ned did not wait until the task was wholly accomplished.</p> - -<p class='c007'>When Vance had so far secured them that it was -impossible either could do anything toward effecting -his release, Ned ran to first one companion-way -and then the other until in less than a couple of -minutes he had them well secured.</p> - -<p class='c007'><span class='pageno' id='Page_263'>263</span>The upper door leading from the engine-room was -the only point at which those on deck could gain an -entrance without considerable labor, and the greater -portion of this being glass, he thought it possible -that in the first frenzy of rage Manuel might -attempt something of the kind.</p> - -<p class='c007'>Hastily dragging a couple of mattresses from the -state-rooms, he placed these against the door in such -a manner that they would serve as a screen to whoever -might be standing there as sentinel.</p> - -<p class='c007'>“She’s ours, or, at least, the lower portion of her -is, and I reckon those villains will have mighty hard -work to search for treasure now!” he cried, and -Vance, who had finished his task, came from the -engine-room.</p> - -<p class='c007'>“Is it safe to leave things alone there?”</p> - -<p class='c007'>“Yes, there’s plenty of water in the glass, the -fires are all right, and the prisoners lashed up so -tight that it’ll be hard work for them to so much as -wink.”</p> - -<p class='c007'>“Then we’ll notify our particular friends in the -wheel-house that we don’t care about running on -this course any longer,” and Ned led the way to the -state-room where Roy, looking thoroughly frightened, -was yet parleying with Manuel.</p> - -<p class='c007'>“Is it all right?” he asked in a whisper.</p> - -<p class='c007'>“Snug and neat a trick as you ever saw,” Ned replied, -and then taking his station at the tube, he -<span class='pageno' id='Page_264'>264</span>cried, “Say, my piratical friend Manuel, we’ve concluded -that we don’t care to give this craft up to -you without a struggle, and while Roy was talking -with you to make certain you didn’t get into -danger, Vance and I had an interview with your -two chums below. Now we have concluded that -we will shut off steam awhile, because of a very -grave suspicion that the yacht is not headed for Key -West.”</p> - -<p class='c007'>An exclamation of rage and astonishment could -be heard by all, and then the sharp click of the -cover told that the interpreter had left very suddenly -to ascertain if the story was true.</p> - -<p class='c007'>“We may get a chance to shoot at him again,” -Ned cried as he sprang to the barricade of mattresses. -“Vance, you attend to the after companion-way, -and let Roy shut off the steam. Look lively, -all hands, for now is the best chance we shall have.”</p> - -<p class='c007'>The boy was willing to take many risks for the -purpose of ending the struggle speedily, and stood -peering out from the edges of the mattresses where -he could see any one who came to starboard of the -deck-houses.</p> - -<p class='c007'>His companions obeyed the commands so hurriedly -given, and in a few seconds the throbbing of the -screw ceased as Roy shut off the supply of steam.</p> - -<div class='chapter'> - <span class='pageno' id='Page_265'>265</span> - <h2 id='XXII' class='c005'>CHAPTER XXII.<br /> <span class='small'>SUCCESS.</span></h2> -</div> - -<p class='c006'>The machinery had hardly ceased moving before -Ned saw a target at which to aim.</p> - -<p class='c007'>The worthy Manuel was creeping as stealthily as -a cat to the engine-room door, and before he could -stretch out his hand to grasp the knob a bullet -struck his arm, calling forth a wild shriek of pain.</p> - -<p class='c007'>There was no opportunity for a second shot, for -the fellow disappeared from view with remarkable -celerity, and Ned muttered to himself:</p> - -<p class='c007'>“It’s better to disable them than have the thought -always before a fellow that he has killed a human -being.”</p> - -<p class='c007'>“I reckon by the sound that you hit the mark,” -Vance cried from his station in the cabin.</p> - -<p class='c007'>“It was Manuel again, and this time I reckon -he’ll find it mighty hard work to use a revolver, -unless he’s left-handed.”</p> - -<p class='c007'>“Now what are we to do?”</p> - -<p class='c007'>“Hold on as we are. We can lose nothing by -<span class='pageno' id='Page_266'>266</span>lying here, and they may find themselves in trouble -if a revenue cruiser should happen along; even a -merchantman might think it worth while to make -it hot for them.”</p> - -<p class='c007'>Roy, having done as he was bidden, joined Ned.</p> - -<p class='c007'>“You know something about an engine, don’t -you?”</p> - -<p class='c007'>“Either Vance or I can start or stop her now -that she is in running order, and I reckon it won’t -be a hard job to keep the steam up.”</p> - -<p class='c007'>“There’s no danger of her exploding?”</p> - -<p class='c007'>“Not a bit. The steam will blow off itself if the -pressure gets too heavy.”</p> - -<p class='c007'>“Then I reckon we can stick it out as long as -they can. Suppose you take a look at all the -hatches and make certain I fastened them securely?”</p> - -<p class='c007'>Roy went below at once, and until he returned -not a sound could be heard from the wheel-house, -where the two pirates were, unless they had seen -fit to sneak along the port side in the hope of getting -a shot at one of the boys.</p> - -<p class='c007'>Then the whistle was heard, and Ned motioned -for Roy to attend to it.</p> - -<p class='c007'>“Sing out what they say, so all hands will have -a chance of deciding any question which may come -up.”</p> - -<p class='c007'><span class='pageno' id='Page_267'>267</span>Roy went into the room and an instant later -cried:</p> - -<p class='c007'>“He says the yacht is drifting on to a reef, and -will be ashore in ten minutes if we don’t go ahead.”</p> - -<p class='c007'>“Tell him nothing will suit us better than to have -her there!” Vance cried angrily, and Ned shouted -cheerily:</p> - -<p class='c007'>“It’s all a lie, for even if they have been running -up the island we have nothing to fear while the -wind holds as it did when we started.”</p> - -<p class='c007'>Roy repeated Vance’s words, and added on his -own account:</p> - -<p class='c007'>“There is no use for you to shout through this -tube, for we don’t care to make any trade with you, -unless it should be on the basis of your leaving the -yacht at once.”</p> - -<p class='c007'>“Will you put us ashore if we agree to give up -our weapons?”</p> - -<p class='c007'>Roy repeated the question to his companions, -and Ned said:</p> - -<p class='c007'>“We can’t afford to run the risk of their treachery. -If they want to take to the small boat, we’ll -allow them the chance of getting into her; but it -must be done mighty quick.”</p> - -<p class='c007'>There was no reply to this decision for a long -while, and Roy had gone into the engine-room to -assure himself things were all right there, when the -whistle was heard again.</p> - -<p class='c007'><span class='pageno' id='Page_268'>268</span>Neither Vance nor Ned dared to answer it lest it -should be a trick similar to the one they played a -short time previous with such good success, and it -was necessary to wait until Roy returned.</p> - -<p class='c007'>Then the following conversation ensued, Manuel, -as a matter of course, being the spokesman at the -wheel-house end of the tube:</p> - -<p class='c007'>“We are willing to admit that we are beaten, -and will take to the small boat at once if you send -our friends up.”</p> - -<p class='c007'>Ned dictated the reply:</p> - -<p class='c007'>“It can’t be done. Go alone if you choose, but -they stay where they are until we reach port or -are overhauled by some craft, when you will have -a chance to explain how you happen to be on deck -with everybody else holding the fort below.”</p> - -<p class='c007'>“Then we shall stay here, and it may be you’ll -have a chance to fight fire after we get ready to -take to the small boat.”</p> - -<p class='c007'>This threat had the effect of frightening Roy -somewhat, but Vance cried positively:</p> - -<p class='c007'>“They won’t dare to do anything of the kind -while their chums are in the hold. Besides, I’d -rather take my chances of fighting fire than of letting -them loose. What would prevent them from -doing the same thing after their friends were -freed?”</p> - -<p class='c007'><span class='pageno' id='Page_269'>269</span>“That’s so!” Ned cried. “Here’s a good trade -for them! If they’ll get into the small boat and -push off where we can see them, we’ll let the others -go one at a time. They can swim to the small boat, -and thus save themselves from spending quite a -while in jail.”</p> - -<p class='c007'>Roy repeated the words, and a few moments -later, to the surprise of all, Manuel cried:</p> - -<p class='c007'>“We’re in a tight place, and are willing to accept -the offer. When shall we start?”</p> - -<p class='c007'>“He’s up to some mischief now or I’m a Dutchman!” -Ned exclaimed in a low tone, and added: -“Tell them to leave at once, and to push off thirty -or forty yards on the port side.”</p> - -<p class='c007'>“Do you think it’s safe?” Vance asked nervously.</p> - -<p class='c007'>“We’d better take the chances than hang ’round -here two or three days. I believe I can outwit -them by working lively.”</p> - -<p class='c007'>Roy repeated the proposition, and Manuel replied:</p> - -<p class='c007'>“Then we’ll start at once, for it will take us -nearly all night to pull back to the island.”</p> - -<p class='c007'>“Now, Vance, keep your eyes open and be ready -to run to the wheel-house on the starboard side,” -Ned said quickly, and he waited at his post until -the sound of footsteps on the deck told that the two -men had gone aft.</p> - -<p class='c007'><span class='pageno' id='Page_270'>270</span>Then he hurriedly joined Vance, and the latter -whispered nervously:</p> - -<p class='c007'>“They have got at least one revolver, and probably -two between them. We should have insisted -on taking the weapons, otherwise they may fire on -us while we are getting under way.”</p> - -<p class='c007'>“That’s exactly what I count on their trying to -do, but I reckon they won’t make very much by it,” -Ned said as he went into the port state-room aft. -“Keep a sharp watch there until the boat pushes -off, and then get into the wheel-house as lively as -you know how.”</p> - -<p class='c007'>It was evidently a portion of Manuel’s scheme to -play fair until his companions should be with him, -when he probably intended to try something else.</p> - -<p class='c007'>Ned had opened the bull’s-eye a few inches to enable -him to see what was going on, and when the -men in the boat came within his range of vision he -said to Vance:</p> - -<p class='c007'>“Now is your time to get into the wheel-house. -Be careful to keep out of sight, and don’t stand -erect until we are beyond range.”</p> - -<p class='c007'>“Now send over our friends!” Manuel shouted.</p> - -<p class='c007'>“You shall have them as soon as we can make -the necessary arrangements,” Ned replied as he -pushed the muzzle of his weapon through the -aperture. “For fear you might take a notion to -<span class='pageno' id='Page_271'>271</span>board us again, or send a few bullets at the man at -the wheel, I shall stand right here ready to kill you -whenever either of your party makes a threatening -gesture. Bring up the prisoners, Roy.”</p> - -<p class='c007'>It was some moments before this order could be -obeyed, owing to the network of ropes, but they -were finally released and driven through the cabin, -Roy marching behind with the heavy starting-bar -ready to strike down the first one who attempted to -show fight.</p> - -<p class='c007'>“See that they jump together,” Ned said, still -keeping his eyes fixed on the boat, where Manuel -was busily engaged heaping maledictions on the -heads of the boys because his plans were not working -exactly to suit him. “Comeback here instantly -they are in the water.”</p> - -<p class='c007'>Roy gave the word for the march to be resumed, -and the prisoners rushed on deck after the companion-way -door had been forced by the aid of the -bar.</p> - -<p class='c007'>A moment later a loud splash told that they had -leaped together, and as Roy came at full speed below, -Ned cried:</p> - -<p class='c007'>“Start her as quick as possible. A few seconds -means everything to us just now!”</p> - -<p class='c007'>The men in the water swam directly toward the -boat, and as if to pick them up at the earliest possible -<span class='pageno' id='Page_272'>272</span>moment, the sailing master pulled toward -them.</p> - -<p class='c007'>“That’s their game, to board us again, thinking -we can’t start the engine,” Ned muttered to himself. -“Manuel fancies he has released his chums, -and that we are still in his power.”</p> - -<p class='c007'>Nervous as Ned was, it seemed as if the screw -would never revolve.</p> - -<p class='c007'>The men had been pulled on board the boat and -the sailing master was rowing toward the bow of -the yacht with all speed, probably intending to -board from there.</p> - -<p class='c007'>“Hold on or I shall shoot!” Ned cried, and the -words had hardly been spoken before the little craft -was so far ahead that he could no longer see her.</p> - -<p class='c007'>“Hurry up there unless you are willing we shall -take those fellows aboard again!” Ned cried as he -ran to the engine-room door, and then, tearing away -the barricade he had erected, rushed on to the deck.</p> - -<p class='c007'>A bullet whistled past his head as he emerged, -and on shrinking back he understood that the machinery -was in motion.</p> - -<p class='c007'>“Give it to her for all she’s worth!” he shouted -excitedly, running through the cabin to the main -companion-way, and just as he was where he could -look out, the boat swept past within half a dozen -feet of the stern.</p> - -<p class='c007'><span class='pageno' id='Page_273'>273</span>In the bow of the little craft was the darkey, -who had been trying to gain a hold of the yacht as -she moved swiftly ahead.</p> - -<p class='c007'>“We’ve done it by the skin of our teeth!” he -cried sufficiently loud for Roy to hear as he ran forward -once more, and shouted from the engine-room -door, “take care of yourself, Vance! They are -most likely ready to shoot.”</p> - -<p class='c007'>Three minutes later he ventured on deck, and -looking far astern, saw the pirates sitting motionless -in the boat as if dazed at the very successful manner -in which their villainous scheme had been frustrated.</p> - -<p class='c007'>It seemed incredible that the little craft could -have traversed such a distance in so short a time, -but there was no disputing the fact, and Ned set up -a shout of triumph, in which he was joined both -from the wheel-house and engine-room.</p> - -<p class='c007'>Then he ran to where Vance, having just risen to -his feet, was swinging the yacht around as if to intercept -a small craft which was running to the westward.</p> - -<p class='c007'>“That explains why those fellows were so anxious -to gain possession of the craft at once that they -were willing to accede to our terms in the slight -hope of getting the best of us. Unless I’m very -much mistaken that is a Key West pilot-boat, which -<span class='pageno' id='Page_274'>274</span>has been up the coast somewhere, and we had better -speak her.”</p> - -<p class='c007'>Vance was not mistaken.</p> - -<p class='c007'>Half an hour later they had overhauled the craft -and taken on board a reliable pilot, who promised -they should be at anchor at Key West before midnight, -and, what was better still, he kept his word -to the letter.</p> - -<p class='c007'>Between them Vance and Roy ran the engine, -and it is safe to say both felt a sense of the most -intense relief when they heard the signal to slow -down, followed by a command to Ned to “clear -away the anchor.”</p> - -<p class='c007'>It yet lacked a quarter of twelve when the mighty -splash told that the Zoe was in the home port once -more, and her capture nothing more dangerous -than some hideous nightmare which is quickly forgotten.</p> - -<p class='c007'>Vance and Roy were on shore very soon after -sunrise next morning, and almost the first person -they met was the former’s father.</p> - -<p class='c007'>The party had heard at New York of the fears -which were entertained concerning the safety of the -Zoe, and passage was taken on the Key West -steamer at once.</p> - -<p class='c007'>They had arrived the evening previous, and Mr. -Stewart had left the hotel thus early in order to -<span class='pageno' id='Page_275'>275</span>hire a craft of some kind to make a tour of the keys -in search of some tidings of the missing ones.</p> - -<p class='c007'>Now that there is no possibility there can be any -trouble regarding the Zoe or her cargo, it is time -to end the story.</p> - -<p class='c007'>There is really nothing more to say, except that -Ned spent that winter with Vance and Roy, and -very many short cruises did they take in the Zoe; -but, putting them all together, there was not as -much adventure in them as had been crowded into -the first voyage.</p> - -<p class='c007'>As a matter of course the treasure was taken -charge of by Mr. Stewart and Mr. Harland, and to-day, -in a certain New York City bank, there is -$8,000 as Ned’s share of the treasure found on -Spider Key.</p> - -<p class='c007'>Up to the present time the boy who the good -people of Jonesboro had decided was certain to -come to some bad end has never returned to that -place, nor is he likely to do so until after he has -passed an examination for Columbia College, which -he, with Vance and Ned, intends to enter next term -if possible.</p> - -<p class='c007'>Where is the Zoe?</p> - -<p class='c007'>That question cannot be answered, although it is -very probable she is in the vicinity of Key West; -but if any of the readers should keep a sharp lookout -<span class='pageno' id='Page_276'>276</span>during the coming summer, it is more than -likely they will see a jaunty little steam craft, bearing -the same name, which is owned by Ned, Vance, -and Roy, having been purchased with a portion of -the money found in the old hulk on Spider Key.</p> - -<div class='nf-center-c0'> -<div class='nf-center c002'> - <div><span class='small'>THE END.</span></div> - </div> -</div> - -<div class='pbb'> - <hr class='pb c003' /> -</div> -<div class='tnotes'> - -<div class='section ph2'> - -<div class='nf-center-c0'> -<div class='nf-center c004'> - <div>TRANSCRIBER’S NOTES</div> - </div> -</div> - -</div> - - <ol class='ol_1 c002'> - <li>P. <a href='#t257'>257</a>, changed “either side the center panel” to “either side of the center - panel”. - - </li> - <li>Table of <a href='#CONTENTS'>Contents</a> added by transcriber. - - </li> - <li>Silently corrected typographical errors and variations in spelling. - - </li> - </ol> - -</div> - - - - - - - - -<pre> - - - - - -End of the Project Gutenberg EBook of Wrecked on Spider Island, by James Otis - -*** END OF THIS PROJECT GUTENBERG EBOOK WRECKED ON SPIDER ISLAND *** - -***** This file should be named 63561-h.htm or 63561-h.zip ***** -This and all associated files of various formats will be found in: - http://www.gutenberg.org/6/3/5/6/63561/ - -Produced by Richard Tonsing, Melissa McDaniel, and the -Online Distributed Proofreading Team at https://www.pgdp.net -(This file was produced from images generously made -available by The Internet Archive) - -Updated editions will replace the previous one--the old editions will -be renamed. - -Creating the works from print editions not protected by U.S. copyright -law means that no one owns a United States copyright in these works, -so the Foundation (and you!) can copy and distribute it in the United -States without permission and without paying copyright -royalties. 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