e was silence, as each man took his turn at the
bottle. When they again spoke their voices were thick, which plainly
told that the whiskey was having its effect. It was impossible to
understand what they were saying. For awhile they conversed in a
maudlin, complaining manner, and then knocked over their lantern, which
went out.

Waiting for awhile, to be sure that the men were asleep, Captain Josh
and Rod slipped quietly away, and went back to their companions. It
was with considerable difficulty that the boys were aroused and ordered
not to make the least noise. Captain Josh explained what had taken
place, and the conversation of the two men.

"I believe they are the very ones who knocked that man down in the
city, and stole his money," he said in a low voice. "Now, they must
not leave this island until the police take them away, and it's up to
us to keep them here."

"But what are we to do?" Phil Dexter enquired, his teeth chattering
with fear.

"Leave that to me, lads," was the reply. "All I want yez to do is to
get on board the _Roarin' Bess_ as quickly as possible. There mustn't
be any talkin' or noise if we're goin' to carry this thing through,
see?"

CHAPTER XXI

THE ROUNDING UP

Quietly and as speedily as possible the scouts boarded the tender, and
soon reached the _Roaring Bess_. They shivered as they stood upon the
yacht, and longed to be home in their own warm beds. A heavy fog was
drifting up the river, which made the air very chilly. To most of the
boys this meant greater discomfort, but to the captain it brought
considerable satisfaction. It was just what he needed to aid him in
his undertaking. In a few low words he outlined his plan to the
scouts, and told those who remained behind to be perfectly still.
There were several blankets he had stored away in a locker, which they
could use to make them comfortable.

Taking with him only Rod and Phil, as they were the oldest boys, the
captain entered the tender, seized the oars, and began to pull away
straight for the motor-boat. The fact that this latter had been run
ashore made him certain that it was a small boat, and could, therefore,
be easily drawn off the beach. The tide had risen somewhat since the
robbers had landed, which would make the task much easier.

The fog was now thicker than ever, which made it necessary to advance
very cautiously. Rod crouched in the bow, with his eyes fixed intently
ahead. For a time he c