t of this size. I know
I would, anyhow."

Just here there came such a tremendous flapping of sails, thrashing of
ropes, and banging of blocks from overhead that the boys made a rush for
the deck to see what was up. To their dismay the cabin doors were not
only closed but locked. In vain did they pound, kick, and shout to be
released. There was no answer to their cries, though the terrifying
racket overhead continued with increasing violence.

"Something serious has happened," shouted Will Rogers, with a very pale
face. "Perhaps Mr. Bangwell has fallen overboard, and a squall has
struck us. Anyway, we must break open these doors."

But the doors were stout, and for several minutes resisted their utmost
efforts. Finally, however, they gave way, and the boys poured on deck.
By this time the alarming noise had ceased, for the yacht, which had
thrown her head into the wind, had again filled away and resumed her
course of her own accord.

The Rangers gazed about them in bewildered amazement. There was no trace
of the man whom they had left on deck, nor of the boat that had towed
astern.

"He must have fallen overboard and got drowned," said little Cal Moody,
in an awe-struck tone.

"He must have deserted us and gone off, though I can't understand why,
nor see where he has gone," answered Will Rogers, as he mechanically
stepped to the wheel and cast off its lashing. "There is something wrong
about this whole business, and we are left in a pretty pickle. Now the
question is what shall we do about it?"

"Go back to the island and wait for Captain Crotty," suggested several.

"Keep on to Newport," advised others.

"But we don't know where it is," objected Sam Ray. "I'd run for the
nearest land."

"And be wrecked again. Not much."

"We could anchor when we got near shore."

"No, we couldn't, 'cause we haven't got any anchor. Don't you remember
we left it behind?"

"That's so. Well, then, let's keep on till we meet some vessel, and then
ask where Newport is."

"We know the course to Newport," suggested Mif Bowers, "for I heard him
telling you, Will."

"Yes," admitted the latter. "He told me that Newport lay east by south
half south, but I don't believe it. In fact I think it lies just the
other way."

"All right, then; let's go that way."

As it seemed to be the general opinion that this was the best thing to
be done, Will Rogers, who was gradually getting the hang of the
unaccustomed wheel, brought the yach