The Lakewood boys in the South Sea islands

"Mind your step," Bob whispered.

For a moments the brown men had stood still gazing at them as though undecided what to do. Then one, a man slightly larger than the others and evidently their leader, advanced a few steps and said something in a language they were unable to understand. Bob shook his head and smiled although, as he afterward declared, it was the last thing he felt like doing. The native repeated his statement this time in louder tones and seemed angry when Bob again shook his head.

"Reckon he wants us to go down the hill," Jack said in low tones.

Bob smiled again at the man and pointed down the hill away from the boat.

"Ugg," the man grunted.

"I reckon he understands and means yes," Bob said. "So, come on and be careful and don't do anything to make them mad. You know what those tubes are."

"Reckon I'm hep," Jack groaned as he fell into step beside his brother.

The natives formed a semicircle about them and, with many gesticulations, urged them on.

"We're in a mess," Jack whispered.

"Looks that way."

"What do you think?"

"Can't tell. Have to wait and see."

"How in the world do they get through this stuff in their bare feet without getting cut all to pieces.

"Guess they must be tough."

"And then some."

For some time they pushed their way through the thick sharp grass being constantly urged to make more haste by their captors who seemed not to have the slightest difficulty of locomotion. Finally they reached the top of the next hill all but exhausted, although Bob cautioned Jack against showing it any more than he could help. A short distance in front of them they saw a grove of cocoanut trees and toward it their captors urged them.

"Guess we've got there," Jack said as he saw a number of children playing about the trees.

"Looks that way," Bob agreed.

Just beyond the grove was the village of the tribe, consisting of about a dozen huts of bamboo shaped not unlike an Indian teppee. Several women, dressed like their captors except that their grass girdles were somewhat wider, sat or lay on the ground most of them engaged in weaving grass into what seemed to be large mats. As the party approached, the children flocked about them looking in amazement at the two boys. But they were roughly brushed away by the men who seemed to begrudge them even a look at their prisoners. The women gave little sign that they were aware of the presence, although the boys could see that they were casting sly glances at them.

The leader pointed to one of the huts which was located in the center of the group and made them understand that they were to get inside and they meekly obeyed. The hut was about a dozen feet in diameter and the peak of it some fifteen feet from the ground. The ground inside was nearly covered with the grass mats but they were all it contained.

"What a mess," Jack groaned as he sank back.

"Never say die," Bob consoled him. "I've seen sicker cats than this get well."

"Maybe, but you'll have to acknowledge that this is an awful sick one."

"This must be a small tribe if this is all there is to it."

"But it's big enough. Got a gun with you?"

"Yes, have you?"

"Sure. How about fighting our way out?"

"It would be suicide."

"Why would it? We've got two guns and six shots in each."

"But they've got those blamed pipes, and one of them would be sure to get us before we could get them all, and you know what the least prick from one of their dart means. I'd rather face them if they were armed with guns. You'd have a show then, even if you got hit, but with those things you haven't."

It was indeed a desperate situation, and both the boys were fully aware of their peril. But they knew that there was One who had the power to save them, and, at a nod from Jack, Bob got to his knees and sent up an earnest petition, that, if it was His will their lives might be spared.

CHAPTER VII.

SAVED BY MAGIC.

"That sure helps," Jack declared, as Bob finished his prayer.

"I hope uncle and the others won't try to find us right away."

"How come?"

"Because someone'll get killed if they do."

"But you know they will. They're probably on their way here right now."

"That's what I'm afraid of."

"Think they'll find us right off?"

"I don't know. We aren't very far away, you know, but that grass is so lodged in all sorts of ways that I don't know's they'll be able to pick up our trail."

"But they'll find us sooner or later."

"Sure they will and then there'll be a fight."

"But they must know about the blow-pipes, don't you think?"

"Sure they do, and I reckon they'll be careful."

For some moments they were silent, each busy with his own thoughts. It was quiet outside for the most part, although they could now and then hear the sound of jabbering. After that seemed a long time, but in reality was not more than an hour from the time they had arrived, the leader stuck his head into the hut and motioned for them to come out.

"I've got an idea," Bob whispered as they got to their feet. "Be careful and don't start anything."

"What you going to do?" Jack asked anxiously.

"No time to tell you now. Watch and you'll see."

As they emerged from the hut, they saw the group of native men sitting on the ground in the form of a circle a short distance away, and toward them the man urged them.

"Council of war, I reckon," Jack whispered.

"Likely. Watch your step," Bob again cautioned.

Into the midst of the circle the native pushed them and they noticed that the women of the tribe were gathered a short distance away eagerly watching the proceedings. Jack's mind was busy, wondering what Bob was going to do and he did not have long to wait before finding out. Once they were within the circle, the leader took his place beside one of the others and at once began jabbering at them making many gestures with both hands. Of course they were unable to understand what he was saying, but, when he paused, Bob held up one hand and Jack saw that, between his thumb and finger, he held up a bright half dollar. Instantly he knew his plan.

For an instant Bob held the coin so that all the men could see it, at the same time striking an imposing attitude. Then he made as though he was throwing the coin in the air, but instead, it disappeared. A look, first of wonder stole over the faces of the natives, followed by one of uneasiness. Then Bob stepped boldly forward and, with a slow movement picked the coin from the nose of the leader. Now the look of uneasiness changed to one which plainly indicated fear. Catching a wink from his brother Jack also showed signs of amazement.

Bob's next trick was to run quickly here and there within the circle snatching coins from the air until it seemed that he had collected a score or more. Then he paused and looked solemnly at the leader who squirmed and twisted as though expecting to be annihilated the next instant. It was evident that, as Jack afterward declared, he had 'em going. But when Bob next swallowed one of the coins and then, taking off of his shoes, shook it out onto the ground, it was more than they could stand and one or two sprang to their feet. But, with an imperious gesture, Bob motioned them to resume their seat and, tremblingly, they obeyed. Again he looked with his stern gaze at the leader, and again that individual acted as though he were sitting on a hot stove, as Jack afterward laughed.

Then the leader, as Bob removed his gaze, gave an order and instantly the entire company bowed their heads almost to the ground.

"Good boy, you got 'em on the run all right," Jack chuckled.

"Looks like it," Bob smiled. "Now for the climax."

He strode majestically up to the leader, who sat with his head almost touching the ground, and, seizing him by his long hair, jerked him up until he was sitting upright again.

"And, believe me I wasn't very gentle about it either," he afterward told Jack.

He soon made the leader understand that he was to order the others to sit up and as soon as they had obeyed he turned to Jack.

"See that stump out there?"

"Yep."

"Get a cocoanut and put it on it."

"Don't make a slip," Jack begged.

"I won't. Go ahead."

Jack stepped quickly outside the circle and, after a short search, found one of the nuts and placed it on the stump as Bob had directed. Not for an instant had the eyes of the natives left him but they made no move to hinder him and he stepped back to Bob's side.

"Go get 'em," he whispered.

Bob, the eyes of every man glued upon him, waved his hand about and finally snatched a coin from the air. Then he reached around and pulled his automatic from his back pocket. He did not know whether or not they had ever seen a firearm and did not much care, for that matter, for he was not depending on it to intimidate them. Now, placing the gun in Jack's hand, he went through the motion of bending the coin and, a moment later, he had apparently dropped it down the barrel of the little gun. Then he slowly raised his left hand pointing toward the stump which was about twenty feet away. But the eyes of the natives never left him until he had repeated the gesture a number of times. Finally his meaning, "soaked through the ivory" as Jack chuckled and they turned their heads. When he was sure they were all looking at the nut, Bob fired.

At the report, a number of the natives fell over backward and lay as though dead, and both boys knew that if they had ever heard a gun discharged before, it must have been a long time ago. Bob waited a moment hardly knowing just how to proceed. Then, one by one, finding that they were not dead, the natives cautiously began to lift their heads but the boys could see that they were nearly scared to death. Waiting until they were all sitting up again, Bob strode toward the stump and, picking up a rock, he hit the cocoanut a sharp blow. Then, holding it high above his head so that all could see it, he returned and held it out to the leader. That frightened individual shrank back but Bob urged him to take it, and finally he held out a trembling hand. Bob gave him the nut which was already cracked nearly in two and motioned for him to break it open. This he easily did although his hands trembled so that he nearly dropped it.

Holding a half of the nut in each hand the native looked at Bob as though inquiring what he should do next.

"Pour out the milk," Bob ordered making the motion with his hand.

After he had repeated the gesture several times, the native got the idea and cautiously tipped the half in his right hand so the small amount of white fluid ran out. Then the man's eyes seemed almost to pop from his head for there on the white meat was the shining half dollar.

"Tip it out," Bob ordered, again making the gesture.

As the coin slid to the ground, a loud groan came from the lips of the natives and they again bowed their heads to the earth.

"Here's where we slump," Bob said in a low tone to Jack. "Follow me and, whatever you do, don't show a sign of fear. Walk with your head up."

Slowly and majestically he strode from the circle, closely followed by Jack. Not a man moved as they stepped between them and, as they approached the women, who were a short distance off, they scattered and fled with cries of fear. The boys walked slowly until they were beyond the grove of cocoanut trees and then Bob said:

"Now we want to get a move on. They may have a change of heart."

Down the hill they ran, heedless of the sharp grass which gave their hands many a scratch. But they hardly felt it as they plunged on, eager to put as much distance as possible between them and their erstwhile captors.

Just as they reached the bottom of the ravine they heard a shout.

"That's uncle," Bob said. "But don't answer just yet. Wait till we get to the top of the hill."

They had to go more slowly now, but finally they came to the top and then, as his uncle's shout reached them, Bob replied.

"Where the dickens are you?"

"Coming," Bob shouted back, as they started down the next hillside.

At the edge of the grove of trees they met the others.

"Where in the name of common sense you been," Captain Ole demanded.

"Let's get back to the boat and we'll tell you all about it," Bob replied. "You been looking for us?"

"We've been trying to pick up your trail for about an hour, but in this grass we couldn't find a trace and didn't know which way to start."

"Well, we'd better hurry while the hurrying's good," Jack broke in. "You wanted to know, awhile ago, if this island was inhabited. It is."

"Is what?" Captain Ole demanded.

"Why, inhabited."

"What with?"

"Brown men and—er—brown women and brown children."

"How do you know?"

"We visited them," Bob told him, adding: "But it wasn't a voluntary visit on our part and, if you take my advice, we'd better hurry back to the boat."

"Come on, then," the captain said, leading the way. "I reckon you've got a story and that it'll keep till we get on board."

Picking up the two baskets, which had again been filled with nuts, they hurried to the shore and were soon rowing out to the Valkyrie.

"Now let's have the yarn," Captain Ole demanded when they were safe on board.

"I'll tell it," Bob volunteered.

"Not this time you won't," Jack interrupted him. "I can tell it a whole lot better than you can. Watch me."

Bob subsided, and Jack told them the story, ending with: "I reckon they thought we were gods of some kind."

"It's mighty lucky you had those coins with you," Mr. Lakewood said when he had finished.

"By the way, Bob, how many of them did you have?" Jack asked.

"Only two."

"Great Scott, it looked as though you had a dozen and I wondered where you got them all."

"It would have been easier if I'd had more."

"I thought I'd burst when you took one out of his nib's nose," Jack laughed. "He looked as though he believed he had a mint up in his head and had missed it all his life."

"Well, you were certainly lucky to get out of it so well," their uncle told him. "We must be more careful in the future if we land on any more of these islands."

"What do you suppose they would have done to us?" Bob asked.

"They'd probably have made soup out of you," Jack chuckled.

"And I suppose you think you'd have been better fried," Bob retorted.

"Well, I'm not fat enough to make good soup," Jack laughed.

"I doubt if either of you would have been served up for a meal," Mr. Lakewood broke in. "I hardly think any of these tribes are cannibals now, but it's more than likely that they would have killed you had you not escaped."

"They looked ugly enough to be cannibals or anything else for that matter," Jack declared.

As it was now not far from nightfall, it was decided to stay at anchor where they were until morning.

"But we'll have to keep a close watch all night," Captain Ole said. "Those fellows may be only a part of a large tribe and we don't want to be caught napping."

"Not by those fellows, we don't," Bob agreed.

The boys, tired out with the day's adventure, went to bed soon after supper, but it was a long time before either of them could sleep. They were fully aware that they had a very narrow escape, and for an hour or more they talked it all over again. In his prayer that night Bob thanked God that he had spent so many hours in the years past practicing sleight of hand, for he realized that his proficiency in the art had saved them. It seemed to him that he had hardly fallen asleep when he heard his name called.

"Bob."

"What's up?" he whispered rubbing the sleep from his eyes.

"Listen."

For an instant he could hear nothing, then, seemingly from a long distance, came a series of peculiar cries.

"What is it?" he asked, sitting up and swinging his feet to the floor.

"Sounds like someone shouting from the island," Jack told him.

"Perhaps we're going to be attacked."

"That's what I was thinking."

"Then I reckon we'd better get into our clothes."

"My sentiments exactly."

In less than two minutes they had slipped into their clothes and were out on deck. The sky was overcast and it was so dark that they could see but a short distance away from the boat.

"Let's go up forward," Bob said. "There ought to be someone on duty there."

The forward deck was illuminated with a single light, but it enabled them to see Pat, who stood close to the rail in an attitude of intentness.

"What is it?" Bob asked as they reached his side.

"Faith an' it's more'n I know."

It was too dark for them to see even the outlines of the island, but that something was going on close to the water's edge was evident from the confused sounds which reached them although faintly.

"There's some natives over there," Jack declared after listening intently for a moment.

"There's something fer a fact," Pat agreed.

"How long have you been hearing them?" Bob asked.

"A matter uv ten minutes or mebby a bit more."

"Sounds to me as though there was a lot of them," Jack declared as the sounds grew louder for an instant.

"Don't you think we'd better call the captain and uncle?" Bob asked.

"It's meself as jest sint one ov the byes to do thot thing," Pat told them.

"Then they'll be here in a minute," Bob said.

"If we could only see a little better," Jack mused as he leaned over the rail.

"Yes, I'd like to know if they have boats," Bob said.

Just then Captain Ole, clad only in trowsers and shirt, joined them.

"What's up?" he asked.

"We think there's a large band of natives on shore," Bob told him.

"There's some sure's I'm a sea dog," the captain agreed after he had listened a moment. "Pat, get all hands up as quick as you can and tell MacDonald to get up steam just as quick as he can. We may want to pull out in a hurry."

"You think they may attack us, sir?" Bob asked as Pat started off on the run.

"Not much doubt of it, I'm thinking."

"And it's what I'm thinking too," agreed Mr. Lakewood, who had joined them unnoticed in the darkness.

"If they got boats they must have come from the other side," Captain Ole said.

The question as to the natives having boats was settled a moment later when Jack's quick ears caught the sound of a slight splash in the water, and, a moment later they saw a long narrow craft, filled with men, emerge from the gloom only a few feet off the port bow.

"Anyone got a gun?" the captain whispered.

No one had and, when he learned that they were all unarmed, he whispered:

"Stand back from the rail. If they see us they'll send up a shower of their poisoned darts, and everyone grab a belaying pin. They'll come up on the anchor chain."

Fortunately there was a rack of pins close by and all did as the captain had ordered. It was not so dark but that they could see the bow and for a minute or two they waited for the first sign of hostilities.

"If one of them gets on deck he'll get one or more of us," the captain whispered, "so we mustn't miss him."

As he finished speaking, Bob and Jack spied a woolly head peep up over the bow and instantly two of the heavy pins whirled through the air. The distance was only six feet and both pins reached the mark. Followed a loud and surprised grunt and a loud splash.

"Set 'em up again," Jack whispered.

"Get another pin, quick," Captain Ole ordered.

"You bet."

By this time Pat was back followed by the rest of the crew with the exception of the engineer, who, he explained, was already getting up steam.

"You boys got guns?" Captain Ole asked quietly.

Two or three of the sailors replied in the affirmative and showed the weapons.

"That's good, but don't shoot unless I give the word."

Minute followed minute but no other head showed itself above the railing.

"Think they've left?" Jack whispered to Bob.

"I haven't——" Bob started to reply, but before he could finished Jack had raised his arm and let fly another of the pins.

"Ugg!"

The grunt was followed by a loud splash as the body of the native struck the water.

"Set 'em up again," Bob chuckled. "That was a dandy shot, son. Hit him right between the eyes."

But Jack had darted back for another weapon.

"This beats ten pins all hollow," he laughed as he came back.

"Two strikes in succession isn't so bad," Bob grinned.

"I think they've had enough for the time," Mr. Lakewood said after they had waited several minutes and nothing further had happened.

"They're keeping mighty still about it," Bob declared.

"Listen."

There came a faint splash followed by another and another, growing fainter and fainter until they died out altogether.

"They've gone," Captain Ole announced. "Give 'em a shot now, boys, just to let 'em know we're here, but fire in the air. I don't want to kill anyone if we can help it."

The sailors, with the guns, fired a volley and immediately it was answered by loud yelling from the shore.

"Faith, an' is it scared or mad they are?" Pat asked with a low chuckle.

"Little of both, I reckon," Mr. Lakewood told him.

"See how soon steam'll be up, Pat," the captain ordered.

The mate was back in less than a minute with the word that they could start in five minutes if they wished.

"And I think we'd better, don't you?" the captain said, turning to Mr. Lakewood.

"You think they'll come out again?"

"Can't tell about that. But, the way it looks to me, we've everything to lose and nothing to gain by staying here. It'll be getting light in about an hour."

"I think you're right. Let's start as soon as possible by all means."

"Take the wheel, Mr. Kelley, and you boys be ready to weigh anchor as soon's I give the word," the captain ordered. Then, turning to the boys, he apologized: "Never did like to kill a thing that don't know any better. Those heathen think they're doing right to try to kill us, and I suppose it's according to their nature."

"I believe you're right, sir, though I can't say I think much of their belief," Bob responded.

"I'll say it's a right unfortunate belief," Jack chuckled.

Just then the bell sounded, and the captain gave the order to weigh anchor and, a moment later, the Valkyrie swung slowly about and headed away from the island.

"Can't say I'm sorry to bid that place goodbye," Jack said as he leaned over the rail with Bob.

But they were not to say goodbye just then, as it turned out, for, hardly had the boat gone a dozen lengths, when there came a low scraping sound followed by a jerk as the boat came to an abrupt stop.

"Now what?" Jack cried.

"Reckon we're stuck on a bar," Bob replied.

"Back her," they heard the captain shout, and the propeller began to beat the water, at first slowly and then faster until the engine was doing its best. But the boat did not move.

"What do you know about that?" Jack groaned with disgust.

"It's hard luck just as we thought we were safe," Bob replied quietly.

"Stop her, it's no use," they heard the captain order a moment later.

"Well, we're a little farther from the shore anyhow," Jack said, trying to make his voice sound cheerful.

"We'll be all right if those brown devils let us alone," Captain Ole, who joined them at that moment, told them. "We didn't strike hard enough to hurt the boat any, and it's just low tide. She ought to float in a couple of hours."

"But they'll see us before that," Bob said.

"I know it and that's what's worrying me."

"But we've got plenty of guns," Jack suggested.

"And we'll use them if we have to," the captain added.

"Perhaps they have gone off and we won't see anything more of them," Bob said.

But a half hour later, when the first tinge of the coming day reddened the sky, they saw that Bob's hope was vain.

"Gee, there must be a million of them," Jack gasped as their forms began to take shape.

"There are over a hundred at any rate," Bob corrected him. "Enough to give us a lot of trouble if they take into it into their heads to come after us."

"I don't see but a couple of their boats."

"And they won't hold more than eight or ten each," Bob added hopefully.

The two boys were standing near the stern by themselves, the rest being forward where the captain was trying to determine how badly they were imbedded. They had been to their cabin to get their automatics and had stopped for a view of the shore, as they saw that it was getting light.

"Well, let's go up forward and see what they've found out," Bob suggested.

"Hope we aren't stuck very hard."

"Don't seem as though we could be. We weren't making over two knots an hour when we struck."

"No, I don't think she's in very deep," Captain Ole told them as they met him when they were nearly up to the bow. "And I'm pretty sure she isn't hurt a bit."

As the light increased, it was evident to those on board that the natives were much excited. They were too far away for him to be sure, but Bob fancied that he could recognize in one of them, who seemed to be urging a number of others to some move, the leader of the band which had captured them.

"I tell you there's more than a hundred of those fellows," Jack insisted after it was fully light.

"Yes, I reckon you're right," Bob agreed. "I wouldn't wonder if there was nearer two hundred."

"Better make it three. But what do you suppose they're up to?"

"Seems to me that they're waiting for someone or for something. I've seen a fellow run up to the top of the hill twice and then run back and make some announcement."

"Hope they aren't waiting for reinforcements."

"Well, they've got to have more boats than two, in order to cause us much trouble, I reckon."

"You boys had better go get some breakfast," Mr. Lakewood, who just then came from the salon told them. "Wong told me to tell you it was ready."

"You had yours?" Bob asked.

"Yes."

"We won't be but a minute," Bob promised. "Come on Jack."

The meal was eaten with a speed which made Wong gasp and predict that they would soon be dead. But they were far too excited to eat slowly, and in less than ten minutes from the time they had left their uncle they were back again.

"Anything new?" Jack asked.

"Not so far's I can see," his uncle told him.

For an hour they stood by the rail watching the natives as they ran this way and that on the shore. Every few minutes one of them would run up to the top of the hill, and then quickly return and make a report to the man who seemed to be the leader.

"I'd give a cent to know what they're waiting for," Jack said.

"Look over there and you can see for less money," Bob suddenly cried at the same time pointing toward the end of the island.

"My goodness," Jack gasped. "What do you know about that."

It was little wonder that he was amazed for, sweeping around a point at the extreme end of the island came boat after boat until they had counted twenty of them.

"I reckon that's what they've been waiting for," Mr. Lakewood said quietly. "I suspected it."

"What are we going to do?" Bob asked.

"We've got to get off before they reach us, that's all," his uncle replied a bit grimly.

The boats were about three miles distant when first sighted, and they knew that it would probably take them at least half an hour to reach the Valkyrie even if they came straight.

"They're going to land where the rest are first," Bob said a little later, as he saw the small boats swing in toward the shore.

"All of which helps us," his uncle smiled.

"Gee, but those fellows can paddle," Jack declared. "Look at them cut through the water."

When the boats were within a few hundred yards of the shore, a great shout of welcome rose from the crowd on the beach. As the leading boat struck the sands, a large native sprang out and quickly made his way through the excited crowd until he had reached the leader. Watching him as well as they could from the distance it seemed to the boys that the leader received the newcomer with a great show of respect. Followed a short period of conversation between the two, accompanied by many gesticulations and much pointing toward the Valkyrie.

"They mean us all right," Jack said grimly.

"Sure, I knew that all the time," Bob replied.

"What do you suppose they intend to do?"

"Rush us, most likely."

"En massé, as it were."

"Exactly."

"Well, it seems to me it's about time Cap'n Ole was trying to pull out."

"Back out, you mean."

"Well, any way to get out."

"And it's got to be done pronto if it's going to be done at all, for they're coming."

The leader of the navy, as Jack had referred to him, had finished his parley with the other leader and was now aboard his craft once more, and they could plainly hear his voice as he shouted orders.

"Where's Cap'n Ole?" Jack asked anxiously. "Seems to me we ought to be making tracks toward defending ourselves."

"Here he comes."

As he spoke the captain, followed by Mr. Lakewood and the entire crew except the engineer, came around the corner of the cabin and the boys saw that every man was carrying a rifle in his hands and that in each man's belt was a business-like appearing automatic.

"You boys got your guns?" he asked.

"Two apiece," Bob assured him.

"Mr. Kelley, you take the wheel and when I give the word signal for all speed astern. Mac's got a good head of steam on. Now, boys," he continued, "I want to get away from here without killing any of those natives, if we can, but, of course, we've got to protect ourselves, and, remember, they're armed with the most deadly weapon in the world."

"Do yees mane them blow guns?' Pat asked.

"That's just what I mean, and one prick from their darts and it's all off."

CHAPTER VIII.

THE ATTACK IN THE FOG.

"They're coming. Hadn't we better see if we can pull off?"

Mr. Lakewood asked the question as he saw the leader of the navy, evidently having finished his oration, sit down and pick up a paddle.

"We'll try, but I doubt if we can move her yet," Captain Ole told him. "Back her up, Mr. Kelley," he ordered waving his hand to the man in the wheel house.

Almost at once the propeller began to turn, and in a moment it was beating the water to a white foam, but the Valkyrie did not budge an inch.

"No go yet," the captain shook his head.

The boats were now moving toward the Valkyrie, but it was evident to those on board that the natives were in no hurry to come to close quarters. Probably aware of the fact that their victims, as they undoubtedly already considered them, were unable to get away and, at the same time having a healthy respect for their weapons, the sound of which at least, they had heard, they had evidently determined to make the attack with as little danger to themselves as possible. So, instead of paddling directly toward the Valkyrie they began to spread out in a large bow.

"Just what I expected," Captain Ole growled.

"Meaning what?" Mr. Lakewood asked.

"They're going to surround us."

"They naturally would."

"Yep, I suppose so, but I hoped they wouldn't have brains enough to plan it."

He had already stopped the effort to float the boat, fearing to strain some part of the machinery, and all was quiet on board, as they watched the small craft drawing gradually closer.

"How about firing a few rounds over their heads?" Bob asked.

"It won't do any harm, I suppose," the captain replied, and an instant later they all fired together, emptying their revolvers as rapidly as they could pull the triggers. By this time the small boats were spread out in a semicircle and as the shots rang out, the paddlers stopped as though undecided whether to keep on or to turn back. But, after a few moments of indecision, evidently noting that no one had received an injury, the leader shouted an order and the paddlers resumed their work.

"Reckon we'll have to make a hit or two next time," the captain announced grimly. "That didn't seem to impress them much."

The sun had come up bright and clear, but for some time now a haze, which had been getting thicker and thicker, had obscured it, until now it was shut out entirely.

"The worst thing possible's going to happen, I'm afraid," Captain Ole said soberly as he glanced about him.

"You mean we're going to have a fog?" Mr. Lakewood asked anxiously.

"In less than five minutes."

"That's bad."

"It's death, unless we can pull off before they get to us," the captain told them.

By the time he had finished speaking, the fog had entirely shut out the view of the island and one by one the boats began to disappear, as though a curtain had been drawn down in front of them. In less than the time stated by the captain not a boat was to be seen.

"Better try the engine again," Mr. Lakewood suggested.

Captain Ole gave the order, but although the engineer raced the engine to the utmost, it was without effect and he was finally forced to give it up. "There's only one thing to be done," he announced. "We must station ourselves all along the sides of the boat and keep them from getting on. And we don't want to waste any more ammunition," he added grimly.

The crew scattered, to take the designated stations and the boys found themselves to places on the port side and about ten feet apart. Then there was nothing to do but wait. Slowly the minutes passed, and not a sound was to be heard save the soft lap of the water against the sides of the boat. There was no wind and the fog was now so thick that it was with difficulty that they could see each other. They had been cautioned against making any noise, so they did not speak.

"They can't see us any better than we can see them so we'll let them have all the trouble we can in finding us," Captain Ole had said.

"If only a breeze would spring up," Bob thought as he tried to pierce the dense fog and strained his ears to catch the faintest sound of an approaching enemy. On the other side of him he knew that Pat Barney was stationed, but he was unable to see him. The captain had ordered them to expose as little of their bodies above the railing as possible for fear that one of the poisoned darts might find a mark. "They can shoot the blamed things a good deal farther than you'd think, and they usually hit what they shoot at," he had told them.

It seemed to the boy that an hour must have passed, although a glance at his watch told him that it had really been but fifteen minutes since he had taken his post, when a sound reached his ears, from out of the gloom, which made every nerve tingle. It was, he knew, the soft dip of a paddle handled by one who knew how to dip his paddle and lift it with the minimum amount of sound. He knew the boat could not be more than twenty or thirty feet away and, as Captain Ole had ordered them to shoot at the first indication of the proximity of one of the boats, he pointed his revolver toward the sound and fired.

"Reckon I didn't hit anything but water," he thought as no commotion followed the shot.

But an instant later a quick gasp, coming from his right, sent a note of fear through his heart.

"What is it, Pat?" he asked darting to the man's side.

For answer the Irishman held out his right hand and, to his horror, Bob saw a tiny feathered dart sticking in the back of it. Without an instant's hesitation he pulled his knife from his pocket and, after yanking the dart out, he stuck the point of the keen blade fully three quarters of an inch into the wounded member. A spurt of blood followed the removal of the blade and, seizing his wrist he pressed with all his might, at the same time applying his mouth to the wound. Pat, who had seemed a bit dazed, now tried to pull his hand away, but Bob hung on and sucked and spat out the blood until no more came.

"How do you feel?" he asked as he finally took his lips away.

"A—a bit faint but sure an' it's nuttin'."

"God grant I got it in time," Bob prayed.

"Yees had better be gittin back," Pat stammered weakly.

"You think you'll be all right?"

"Sure I will."

Knowing that he had done all he could and that he ought to be at his post, Bob hurried inside where he found a water cooler and hurriedly washed out his mouth, and then went quickly back to his station. All this had occupied less than two minutes but, during that interval he had heard several shots from different parts of the boat, and realized that the native boats must be all around them.

But when he got back to his place all was quiet, and he judged that the shots had made the natives a bit cautious.

"Where you been, Bob?"

It was Jack's voice in a loud whisper.

"Pat got hit with a dart!"

"He did?"

"But I think I got it out in time. I sucked out all the poison I could. Are you all right?"

"Sure, but—"

"Keep down low."

"I know, but—"

"Better not talk now. Against orders, you know."

As he spoke, he noticed, for the first time, that the wind was freshening and, at the same time, that the fog was beginning to thin out quite perceptibly as he could now see Jack's outline as he crouched close to the rail. Whether it would be in their favor for the fog to lift just at that time, or whether it would favor the enemy, he was not sure, but he could not help a feeling of relief, as it would, at least, put an end to the awful uncertainty. A glance to his right told him that Pat was not in his place, and he wondered what had become of him.

The fog was lifting as rapidly as it had come, and soon he could see several of the boats, but they were not as close as he had feared.

"Reckon our fire made them pull off a bit," he thought.

"Don't fire," came the order in the captain's voice.

"But they're coming," Jack shouted at the top of his voice.

A glance told Bob that his brother was right. The boats were beginning to move and all in the direction of the Valkyrie.

"Everyone get inside," was the next order, and, wondering what it was all about, the boys ran for the big cabin.

"I'm going to try once more to start her, and there's no use in exposing ourselves to their darts if she goes off.

"And if she doesn't?" Mr. Lakewood asked.

"Then we'll have to get out and fight."

Even as he spoke the propeller began to churn the water astern, and it seemed that everyone held his breath as they waited the outcome.

"I reckon it's no—"

Captain Ole started to speak, but Jack interrupted him.

"She's starting," he shouted.

"I don't—"

"But I tell you she is. I felt her move," the boy insisted.

"Jack's right," Bob put in, glancing from the window.

"Right is right," Mr. Lakewood added, and a moment later there was no doubt about it.

Inch by inch the Valkyrie backed, as her powerful propeller bit into the water. But, even so, for a moment it seemed that it would be too late, for, before she was free from the clinging sands, three brown figures had climbed over the bow and reached the deck before being seen. But before they were half way to the cabin Jack spied them, and, taking quick aim, fired through the open door. With a wild howl of mingled pain and fear, the native dropped his blow pipe and rushed for the side of the boat, and without stopping, leaped into the water. His companions hesitated an instant, then, as Jack fired again, they too turned and disappeared over the railing.

"Three down," Bob sang out.

"But none out," Jack chuckled. "I hit the first one in the fleshy part of his leg and the other I didn't hit at all."

Just then the bow of the boat dipped sharply, and they knew that at last she was afloat.

"Three cheers," Bob shouted, and they were given with a will.

"And thank God," Mr. Lakewood added.

Slowly the Valkyrie backed for a short distance, and then, turning slightly, headed for the open sea.

"No one outside till we're clear," Captain Ole ordered, as one of the sailors was about to pass through the door. "They can't hurt us now if we keep out of the way of those darts."

As they saw their fancied victims escaping, cries of rage came from the boats all about them and, when they did go out a little later they picked up more than a hundred of the small but deadly darts.

"What if she hadn't come off?" Jack asked, as he and Bob were watching the small boats, now well behind them, as they made their way back to the island, having given up the chase.

"Well, she did, thank God, so what's the use of worrying?" Bob responded. "By the way," he added, "have you seen Pat?"

"Not since before we went inside."

"Neither have I."

"You don't suppose he fell over do you?"

But Bob was already half way to the cabin door. As he stepped inside, he heard a groan from one corner where a water cooler was located. As he sprang toward it, his eye caught sight of a figure stretched at full length on the floor and he knew he had found Pat. But the Irishman was unconscious when he lifted his head, and he noted that his hand and arm were badly swollen.

"Guess I wasn't quick enough after all," he said, as Jack joined him.

"Is he dead?"

"No, but I'm afraid he will be soon. Help me place him on the lounge, and then find the captain and uncle. They may know what is best to be done."

Jack was back in less than five minutes, followed by Captain Ole and their uncle. The captain quickly bent and placed his ear over the sick man's heart.

"It's ticking pretty slow," he said.

"Have we anything we can give him?" Mr. Lakewood asked quickly.

"What he needs is a heart stimulant and, thank God, we've got it."

The captain was half way to his cabin, before finished speaking, and they did not catch the last part of the sentence, but they knew what he was after.

"In a case of this kind, the main thing is to keep the heart action as strong as possible," he explained a moment later, after he had poured a few drops of the dark liquid down the sick man's throat. "But, if one of those darts got him, as I suppose it did, I can't understand why he wasn't dead before. That poison usually acts in less than a minute."

"Look at the back of his hand and you'll understand," Jack said.

"I see," Captain Ole beamed at Jack after a hasty inspection of the hand. "You sucked the poison out, eh?"

"No, Bob did it."

"Well, it doesn't make any difference who did it so long's it was done. It saved his life."

"You think he'll live?" Bob asked anxiously.

The captain again placed his ear over Pat's heart. "Yes, I think so," he told him, as he raised his head. "His heart's getting stronger."

In spite of the fact that Bob had sucked out so much of the poison, Pat had a very close call, but he pulled through, and in a couple of days was none the worse for his experience. It was a long time before he got through thanking Bob for saving his life, and he absolutely refused to listen when Bob tried to make it plain to him that he had taken no risk at all and that it was nothing for which he deserved so much credit.

"Faith an' it's meself as knows thot it didn't make much difference whether me life was saved or not, but thot's not the pint. Suppose fer instance, yer'd had a bit uv a scratch on one uv yer lips or in yer mouth. It'd a bin all day wid yees let me tell yer. An' it's meself as supposes you stopped long enough ter have yer mouth examined ter make sure as how it was all safe and sound, eh."

This was a long speech for Pat to make and he was sweating when he finished.

"Now, Pat, you know I didn't mean to imply that saving your life was nothing," Bob laughed. "And if I'd had a scratch in my mouth and known it why—er—it might have been different."

"Niver a bit uv it."

"You said it," Jack added.

"Well, it's over, and if you want to thank me you can do it best by never saying anything more about it. But there's one question I'd like to ask."

"Fire it."

"How did you get in there by the cooler where we found you."

"Faith an' it's meself as can't answer thot question. I remember feeling kinder funny jest after you left me, an then I didn't know nuttin' more till I was in bed."

It was the day following that on which they had run aground. The weather had continued fine and they had made several zig-zags but no more land had been sighted. Josh Kelley had been watched as closely as possible, but nothing had happened to increase their suspicions. It was evident to the boys and to their uncle and Captain Ole as well that the members were beginning to wonder what it was all about. Several times Bob and Jack had overheard two or three of them talking together and the object of the voyage was always the subject of the conversation.

It was while they were eating dinner that Captain Ole broached the subject.

"Somethin's going on among the crew that I don't just like," he told them.

"Meaning just what?" Mr. Lakewood asked.

"It's not easy to say just what I do mean, but I've a mighty strong suspicion that that man, Josh Kelley's been talking to them."

"You don't mean he's trying to get them to mutiny?"

"That's about the size of it, I'm afraid."

For some moments there was silence and then Mr. Lakewood asked:

"Have you anything to suggest?"

"Yes," Captain Ole answered without hesitation,

"Well, what is it?"

"Simply that you tell the whole crew all about what we're after."

"You think it's wise?"

"If I didn't, I reckon I wouldn't have suggested it."

"No, of course not, but—"

"It's like this," the captain interrupted. "I believe every man we've got except Josh is a good man, and straight as sailors go, but the best of them can't stand too much mystery, and we've been laying it on pretty thick lately, with all this zig-zagging back and forth."

"What do you think, boys?"

"I think the captain's about right," Bob replied and Jack nodded in agreement.

"So do I," Mr. Lakewood declared after a short pause. "Jack, suppose you ask Pat to have all hands on deck in ten minutes, and I'll make a little speech and tell them all about things."

Ten minutes later found the entire crew gathered on the forward deck with the exception of the first mate who was in the wheel house where he could hear all that was said. Mr. Lakewood lost no time, but at once began to tell the story he had told the boys some weeks before, although he cut it much shorter. He finished by saying:

"Now men you know what we're after. Of course we may not find a thing, but if we do, one half of everything will go to Captain Ole, the two boys and myself. The other half will be divided equally among you share and share alike. This, of course, will be in addition to your wages."

"Three cheers fer de boss!" one of the men shouted.

The three cheers were given with a will, after which Mr. Lakewood added:

"Of course, I expect perfect loyalty from you."

"And yer'll get it," several assured him.

As the cheers were being given, Bob chanced to look at the second mate, who was standing at the foot of the stairs leading to the bridge. He was joining in the applause but half-heartedly, it seemed to the boy, and there was an expression about his mouth which increased his dislike and suspicion as well.

"It'll be a wonder if we don't have trouble with that fellow before we get back," he told Jack a little later, after the meeting had broken up.

"Don't I know it," Jack replied.

At the same time Captain Ole and Mr. Lakewood were talking in the former's cabin.

"See here," the captain was saying, "it wasn't in the papers that I was to have a share in the treasure."

"I know it," Mr. Lakewood told him, "but you're going to all the same, that is, provided we find anything worth dividing.

"But—"

"No buts about it. The matter's settled," and before the captain could offer any further objections, Mr. Lakewood had turned and left the room.

And at the same time, a tall lanky individual scowled as he bent over a small box in his state room and muttered: "I reckon the old man's spiked my guns in that direction."

CHAPTER IX.

A CLOSE CALL.

"My, but that water looks mighty inviting."

The Valkyrie was at anchor just outside a small cove of a small island not more than a couple of miles in circumference and nearly round in shape. It was late in the afternoon and the boat had limped to its present position some hours before with a badly cracked cylinder head. MacDonald, the engineer, had expressed the opinion that it would take the better part of two days to complete repairs.

It was scorching hot and only Bob and Jack were on deck, all the others except those working on the engine being below in their bunks where it was a bit cooler.

"It does look good," Jack agreed.

"How about a swim?"

"You said it."

Being dressed only in trowsers and shirt it was only a matter of seconds before they were in the water and for half an hour they swam and dived.

"Guess I've had enough," Jack declared as he rose the surface, after a deep dive and shook the water from his face.

"I'll be in in a minute," Bob, who was floating idly a few yards away, told him.

Jack mounted the rope ladder and, after donning his clothes, went to his cabin for a book. As he returned to the deck he looked out over the water and a sight met his eyes which seemed, for an instant, to freeze the blood in his veins. Bob was swimming slowly toward the boat and was some two hundred feet away, while farther out, a black triangular object was cutting through the water. For a second the boy was spellbound then, galvanized into action, he shouted:

"Sharks, Bob, sharks!"

Bob heard the cry and, without waiting to look behind him struck out with all his speed for the boat. When first seen the fin of the shark was not coming directly toward Bob but was moving nearly at right angles to the direction in which he was swimming. Jack prayed that the big fish had not seen him, but, as soon as he had uttered the warning, he rushed for his cabin and returned a moment later with his favorite Winchester in his hands. Eagerly he looked out and saw that Bob had covered fully half the distance to the boat, but, to his horror, he also saw that the shark had sighted him and was now coming straight for him. In fact the ominous fin was only a matter of fifty feet from the swimmer and was rapidly cutting down the distance between them.

"He'll never make it," he gasped as he raised the rifle.

Bob, now fully aware of his danger, was plowing through the water, making the best speed of which he was capable, but it seemed to the frightened boy on the boat, that he was stationary, compared with the swiftness with which the fin was cutting through the water.

"Oh, God, send this bullet straight," he breathed as he aimed just a bit in front of the fin and pulled the trigger.

For an instant, after firing the shot, he dared not look, then, realizing that there might be time for another shot, he raised his eyes.

"Thank God," he gasped as he saw the huge body of the shark floating on the water and Bob almost at the foot of the ladder.

In another moment the two boys were in each other's arms.

"Oh, Bob," Jack sighed, the tears running down his face. "I thought I was going to lose you."

"And you would have if it hadn't been for that wonderful shot."

"God sped that bullet."

"I believe you."

"What's all the shooting about?"

The boys turned to see their uncle emerging from his cabin.

"Jack shot a shark," Bob said, pointing at the dead fish now floating only a short distance from the boat.

"What was he after?" Mr. Lakewood demanded. Then noticing that Bob was naked, he asked: "You been in swimming?"

"Yes, sir," Bob replied.

"And you didn't know any better?"

"I was in too," Jack confessed. "You see, sir, it was so hot I reckon we didn't stop to think about the sharks."

"Well, you ought to be spanked, and you will be if you ever do such a thing again."

"Yes, sir," both boys replied meekly.

"Tell me about it."

"He—er—it almost had me when Jack shot it," Bob stammered.

"You mean that shark would have had you if Jack hadn't shot it?"

"It sure would."

"Then it's a miracle," his uncle told him. "Shooting a shark in the water and killing him with one shot is something that can't be done once in a hundred times, let me tell you. I know because I've tried it and I'm considered a pretty good shot. Of course, when you have one on a line, as we did a while ago, and can choose your time it's a different matter."

"God did it," Jack whispered.

"Not a doubt of it," his uncle agreed. "And it is by His grace that you're alive now," he added turning to Bob again.

"I—I know it, sir."

"And you'd better take your bath in the tub after this," Mr. Lakewood remarked dryly as he turned back to his cabin.

"I sure thought I was a goner that time," Bob said, as he pulled on his clothes after his uncle had left them.

"He must be all of twenty feet long," Jack said as he looked over the rail at the dead fish.

"About one bite and it would have been all up with me," Bob sighed.

"Well, let's not talk any more about it. It's too horrible. How about getting a line on him?"

"I suppose we ought to save the oil."

They got a rope and, lowering one of the small boats, they soon had the shark securely tied, and later the crew secured several quarts of the valuable oil from its head.

All the next day, the work of repairing the engine went on, and it was not until supper time that MacDonald finally announced that they could proceed as soon as they wished.

"I reckon we'd better wait till morning now," Mr. Lakewood decided after a session with Captain Ole.

The boys had spent a part of the day on the little island, but as there was nothing of it save a pile of sand, there was little of diversion to attract them.

"That man Josh seems mighty uneasy," Bob whispered to Jack, as they leaned on the rail near the bow shortly after supper.

The second mate was walking slowly back and forth on the deck, a little way behind them, and seemed unaware of their presence. From time to time, they noticed that he would gaze for some seconds toward the south, as though expecting to see something. Then he would resume his restless pacing, his eyes fixed on the deck.

"He's sure got something on his mind," Jack whispered back.

"He's on the lookout for something or someone."

"Maybe."

"Dead certain."

"Reckon you're right."

"I wonder if he knows how to send and receive wireless."

"I don't know, why?"

"Well, I missed the key to the wireless room this morning. I didn't say anything about it, thinking probably I'd mislaid it. But I hunted for it every place I could think of and didn't find it, and then after dinner it was back again in its place."

"But he'd hardly dare send in the day time, or even to go into the room."

"No, but he might have taken the key, and then filed one to match it."

"That's so, and it's probably just what he did," Jack agreed.

"Then he probably knows the code."

"Of course. It wouldn't be of much use to him if he didn't."

"You get the key, and let's go take a look and see if there's any evidence that he's been in the room."

"Right. I'll be back in a minute."

But they failed to find anything wrong in the little room which was used for the wireless. They tested the apparatus, and found it all in good order, nor could they find any indication that anyone save themselves had been in the room.

"If he's made a key to fit the door, I don't believe he's used it yet," Bob said after they had made a thorough examination of the room and its contents.

"But he must intend to."

"Of course."

"Then I reckon it's up to us to see that he doesn't."

"Of course again."

"To-night?"

"To-night what?"

"I mean does he intend to use it to-night?"

"I think it's more than likely. By his actions out there he evidently thinks that someone's not very far away."

"Then I see where we play detective."

"I happen to know that he goes on watch at twelve o'clock to-night and I think we'd better be on watch after that too."

"We will."

The boys went to bed shortly after eight o'clock that night, but seeing that they had been up very early that morning, no one seemed to think it strange. Bob had a small alarm clock and, before getting into bed, he set it for twelve o'clock.

"It's raining," he announced in a whisper after the alarm had awakened him and he had succeeded in shaking Jack out of his sleep.

"Well, I don't know's that makes any difference in our plans, does it?"

"Not a dif. But come, snap out of it."

"Be with you in two shakes," Jack whispered as he leaped from the bunk.

The wireless room was directly behind the wheel house and they had decided to watch their chance and slip into the latter room and trust to luck that the mate would not see them. They believed that once in there they would be able to hear him if he made an attempt to enter the other room.

"It's dark as pitch," Bob said trying to look out the window.

"So much the better."

"But we've got to be mighty careful just the same. If he sees us he'll know what we're up for and all the fat'll be in the fire," Bob declared.

"Think we'd better go one at a time?"

"No, we'll go together. Might's well both be caught as one."

"All right: just as you say."

They had slipped on trowsers and shirts but were in their bare feet as they opened the door and cautiously stepped outside. For an instant they stood still, close to the side of the cabin, and listened. There was no sound to indicate that the mate was near and they slowly crept along hugging the wall. It was so dark that they could see nothing at all until they reached the corner and looked out onto the forward deck. Here a single light slightly illuminated the forward part of the boat and Bob, who was in the lead, saw the tall form of the mate well up at the bow. He was sitting on a coil of rope and had his head in his hands.