was Frank's
suggestion. "If you don't the place will be discolored."

"Sure enough, I guess I'm getting old and forgetful," laughed Tom.
"We've had enough excitement today to make me forget most everything, I
guess. Tell you what, I'm sleepy, too."

"Now tell us how you happened to say that Arnold caught this chap," Jack
demanded of Frank when the stranger had been placed in a comfortable
position and the boys had gathered in the after cabin. "I thought Arnold
was in the bunk when it happened."

"Well, boys," began Frank producing the object he had taken from the
visitor's foot, "Arnold discovered the horse buried upside down in the
sand on Petit Bois and he insisted on bringing the shell."

"All as plain as mud," shouted Arnold. "I left the horseshoe crab shell
in the forward cabin. It must have got kicked about during the evening
and left with the tail sticking straight up. When this fellow came down
the steps, he landed on it kerplunk."

"Right-O!" declared Frank. "At least," he continued, "that's my
deduction. If anyone has a better explanation, let him give it."

None was offered, however, the boys seeming to agree that Arnold's
explanation had been correct. They all waited to hear further from
Frank. He noticed their hesitation and continued:

"I think it would be a good idea to go and interview this lad. He looks
to me like a tough customer here for no good."

This suggestion met with instant approval. The boys crowded forward
eagerly. One or two automatics were displayed.

"Hello, what's this," questioned Harry, picking up an object from the
bunk beside the visitor who was lying on his side.

"Why, it's a piece of raw meat," he exclaimed. "Where did that come
from? We haven't any beef aboard, have we?"

"Not that I know of," answered Arnold. "It's only a small piece. Give it
to Rowdy. He needs a lunch."

"Stop," shouted Jack. "Don't give that to Rowdy."

"Why not?" Arnold questioned in a surprised tone.

"Maybe this chap brought it aboard for that very purpose!"

"What a numbskull I am," scolded Arnold. "Here I might have killed our
best friend. I must get the habit of thinking."

"How about it, friend?" queried Jack shaking the stranger by the
shoulder. "What have you got on the meat?"

"Nothing," stoutly declared the newcomer, keeping his face turned toward
the bulkhead. "I have nothing on it."

"I see," scorned Jack. "You intended to bring the meat aboard to use for
a sandwich for yourse