to reach the shore, and they surprised Mrs. Britt as
she was lighting the kitchen fire.

"Stay and have breakfast with us, Rodney," was her friendly invitation,
after the captain had briefly related their experience on the island.
"You must be hungry after such an adventure."

Rod was only too willing to remain, and during the meal they discussed
all that had taken place during the night.

"We must take those rascals ourselves," the captain remarked. "It
would never do to allow the police to come here and land them after we
have done the rounding up."

"But how will we do it?" Rod enquired. "Maybe they carry revolvers.
Won't they shoot us down if we go near them?"

"Leave that to me, lad," and the captain smiled as his eyes roved to a
rifle standing in a corner of the room. "But come, we haven't any time
to lose. I imagine the police are on their way now. It will take them
from one and a half to two hours to run up from the city. It all
depends upon what kind of a boat they've got. I expect it will be a
fast one, though, fer they can't afford to dilly-dally."

With nothing to tow now, it did not take them long to reach the island.
They landed near where the scouts had camped during the night, and
pulling the boat well up on the shore, they made their way to the place
where they had left the robbers. The captain went ahead, while Rod
followed close at his heels. The boy's heart was beating fast now, for
he knew that a great adventure was soon to take place. He felt proud
that the captain had chosen him for this important undertaking, and he
was determined not to show the least sign of fear no matter what
happened.

As they approached the place they advanced most cautiously, bending
low, and stepping softly so as not to make the slightest noise.
Reaching the big rock, they crouched behind it for a few seconds, and
listened. Hearing nothing, the captain peered carefully over the edge.
Drawing quickly back, he motioned to Rod not to make the least sound.

"They're jist wakin' up," he whispered, "and there's bound to be
trouble when they find their boat gone."

This was exactly what happened. Soon the voices of the men were heard
in an excited conversation. The captain again looked upon them from
his concealed position and saw them straining their eyes in an effort
to locate their boat.

"She's gone adrift," one of them exclaimed. "Why didn't ye tie her?"
and he turned angrily upon his companion.