er. You know I
don't like those men a bit."

"None of us do," said Fred.

"Didn't ve haf a quarrel mid both of dem," added Hans.

"They were so in earnest that they did not notice me," continued Dora.
"I was going to walk away when I saw them, but then I overheard the
name of Walt Wingate and I turned back to learn what they were saying
about that bad man. It seems both the mate and the assistant engineer
have been talking to Wingate, and Wingate has made them an offer."

"Does Wingate want his liberty?" questioned Fred.

"Yes, and he wants more--he wants the mate and the assistant engineer
help him to defeat Mr. Rover's plan to get the treasure. He told Mr.
Carey and Mr. Bossermann that if they would aid him he was sure Sid
Merrick would reward them handsomely."

"And what did Carey and Bossermann say to that?" asked Songbird
eagerly.

"They said they'd like to talk it over with Sid Merrick."

"The scoundrels!" vociferated Fred. "Talk it over with Merrick! We
ought to put 'em both in irons!"

"I wanted to hear more, but they walked away and I was afraid to follow
them," continued Dora. "I thought I had better tell you and perhaps
you'd know what to do. I didn't want to worry mother or my aunt."

"We ought to let Captain Barforth know of this at once," said Songbird.

"Chust vot I say," said Hans. "Der better der quicker."

"How can you let him know?"

"One of us might row ashore," said Fred. "The others ought to stay
behind to watch affairs."

"I'll go ashore," said Songbird promptly.

"You'll have to have one of the sailors row you."

"I know it. I can take Hollbrook, he's a pretty decent sort of chap and
I know he can row well."

The fishing lines were wound up, and without delay Songbird presented
himself to Asa Carey. He and the others had agreed to say nothing to
the mate about what Dora had overheard.

"Mr. Carey, I wish to go ashore," he said. "Can I have Hollbrook row me
to the beach?"

"Go ashore?" growled the mate. "I didn't know anybody else was going."

"Well, I've just made up my mind to go. Can Hollbrook take me in one of
the small boats?"

"Why didn't you go when Captain Barforth went?"

"I didn't think of it then."

"I don't know that I can spare Hollbrook," grumbled the mate. He was
eyeing Songbird in a suspicious manner.

"He doesn't seem to be doing anything just now."

"Say, who is running this vessel, you or I?" cried Asa Carey.

"Captain Barforth is running her. B