s and crackle of flames came
the reassuring call that put new life into the lad.

"Here I am over here in the corner. Come here a minute."

"But, Harry," urged Arnold, "come on out of here. We'll be burned as
sure as fate. What makes you stay here, anyway?"

"I'm going now," declared the boy. "I forgot something that was left
here and came back to get it. That's all."

Both boys now moved toward the one window of which the cabin boasted.
The roof at the opposite end and directly over the bed where the fire
had started was now weakening and threatened to fall.

"Up with you now, Arnold," cried Harry. "Let's make time."

"You first," gasped Arnold. "You're burned and have had more smoke than
I. Go ahead or I won't stir a step."

"All right," smiled Harry. "It's a good thing the breeze is favorable.
We'll make it all right now. Wonder where Doright is."

"Never mind Doright," said Arnold, drinking in great draughts of fresh
air. "Doright can take care of himself for all of me. I want to get back
to the boats and the Fortuna. Let's be going."

"I'm with you," Harry agreed with a satisfied chuckle.

"What's the matter now?" asked Arnold. "I can't see what should amuse
you in all this trouble. I'm worried."

"I can't tell you what makes me feel so happy, but I just imagine that
we've done a good stroke of business tonight."

"In burning down a man's home?"

"Yes and no. I can't tell you any more for I don't know."

"More mystery, eh? Well, so long as we're hot-footing for home you may
save the mystery. Come on, now, let's go."

The boys lost no time in starting for the place where their boat had
been left. A short conference in the shadow of a clump of palmettos was
held. They were agreed as to the direction, although it lay in a
different quarter than the road by which they had entered the clearing.
Here the boys' woodcraft stood them in good stead.

Soon they were out of the light cast by the now fallen walls of the
burning cabin. Just as they felt safely away from the clearing and
thought it safe to speak above a whisper a coarse voice called them to
halt. They were confronted by a tall man.

"It's that man Lopez," gasped Harry. "He's got back quickly."

"What do you want?" questioned Arnold angrily. "Say it and be quick
about it. We haven't time to stand here all night."

"Now, don't get gay, young rooster, or I'll cut your comb."

"It is Lopez," whispered Arnold. "He's still angry, too."

"Put up