Part 25 (1/2)

When we touched sh.o.r.e, we saw four men coming from down the beach.

”It wasn't them,” said Robert. ”The light was up here.”

The four were the treasure-hunters.

”It's a fine night,” said Norris, moving to meet the men.

”Tolerable,” returned the leader.

”But it's awful dry,” said Norris. ”We've been trying to make it rain.

Hear the shot?”

Robert and I fell back, gazing into the shadows under the palms, hoping for signs of Wayne and Ray. Presently I heard a low whistle, just as Robert plucked me by the sleeve and pulled me to the boat.

There were the two boys in the water. We covered them while they climbed in and crawled under the seats.

And so Robert and I moved back to the group. Just to make talk, Norris was quizzing the men about the game on the island; but we contrived, by signs, to convey to Norris that we had news.

”Well, boys,” said Norris at last, ”let's have another little row before we turn in.”

It was a jolly crowd rowed back to the _Pearl_.

”Say, Ray,” said Norris. ”What did you want to run off and hide yourself that way for?”

”Want to,” sniffed Ray. ”Oh, just to see how good a hunter you were--wonderful how easy you found us!”

”Well, let's try it again,” said Norris, ”and I'll bet you my new gun--”

”Thanks,” said Ray. ”Turn about's fair play, I'm going to stay in base and keep Rufe company.”

And here again Wayne takes up the tale.

CHAPTER XVIII

OUR BOAT IS SCUTTLED

When Ray and I set our feet on the deck of the _Pearl_ again, I felt a thrill go all through me. I felt like hugging the mainmast. Captain Marat and Carlos were there, and Rufe. Rufe fairly blubbered with happiness.

”Oh, Lordy!” he said, ”somebody clap foh me, I jes' got to dance.”

And we clapped our hands and patted our thighs in time for him, and he began his ”double-shuffle.” Carlos caught the infection and jumped into the ring, and there the two black men footed it hot on the deck for five minutes. ”Hoo-o-we,” yelled Rufe at last, and ran for the galley.

In a little a sumptuous meal was on the table for Ray and me; and while we ate, waited on by the others, we told our story.

”Five thousand dollars!” said Norris. ”Duran spending five thousand on the chance of getting us off his trail. That must be some gold mine, that of yours, Carlos.”

”Yes, I think,” agreed Carlos.