behind them, but before they had time even to
speculate as to their meaning the result was in evidence.

Over the sides of the ship came shadowy forms as if by magic; at their
backs panther-like bodies dropped to the deck with stealthy thuds, as
if coming from the inky sky above. There was an instant of dreadful
calm and then the crisis. A dozen sinewy forms hurled themselves upon
Brewster, who, taken completely by surprise, was thrown to the deck in
an instant, his attempt to cry out for help being checked by heavy
hands. Peggy's scream was cut off quickly, and paralyzed by terror, she
felt herself engulfed in strong arms and smothered into silence. It all
happened so quickly that there was no chance to give the alarm, no
opportunity to resist.

Brewster felt himself lifted bodily, and then there was the sensation
of falling. He struck something forcibly with all his weight and fell
back with a crash to the deck. Afterward he found that the effort to
throw him overboard had failed only because his assailants in their
haste had hurled him against an unseen stanchion. Peggy was borne
forward and lowered swiftly into arms that deposited her roughly upon
something hard. There was a jerky, rocking motion, the sudden splash of
oars, and then she knew no more.

The invaders had planned with a craftiness and patience that deserved
success. For hours they had waited, silently, watchfully, and with
deadly assurance. How they crept up to the "Flitter" in such numbers
and how the more daring came aboard long before the blow was struck, no
one ever explained. So quickly and so accurately was the abduction
performed that the boats were well clear of the yacht before alarm was
given by one of the watch who had been overlooked in the careful
assault.

Sleepy sailors rushed on deck with a promptness that was amazing. Very
quickly they had found and unbound Brewster, carried a couple of
wounded shipmates below and had Captain Perry in his pajamas on deck to
take command.

"The searchlight!" cried Brewster frantically. "The devils have stolen
Miss Gray."

While swift hands were lowering the boats for the chase others were
carrying firearms on deck. The searchlight threw its mighty white arm
out over the water before many seconds had passed, and eager eyes were
looking for the boats of the pillagers. The Arabs had reckoned without
the searchlight. Their fierce exultation died suddenly when the
mysterious streak of light shot into