n the glasses. "Left
arm over head, right arm diagonally down--that's 'K.' I learned that
code last fall. Here's another. Left arm up from the shoulder diagonally
and right down in front--that's 'E,'and he repeats it. Then right out
horizontally and left straight up from head--that's 'P.' Next, right out
horizontally and left diagonally up and across the breast--that's 'O.'
Now the left is out horizontally, and the right down in front--that's
'F.' He repeats it. Why, that says 'DANGER, KEEP OFF'! What does he
mean?"

"Maybe he means what he says," suggested Jack. "Answer him, Tom, and
tell him we're coming ashore. Arnold and Harry, will you get the boat
overboard and we'll go ashore to see what's up. Better take your
automatics and see that the boat is properly equipped."

"Right-o, Captain!" cried Tom. "I'll do my best."

The boat was quickly brought around and Arnold, Harry and Jack prepared
to go ashore. As they pulled away from the Fortuna, Harry cautioned Tom
to watch the plug in the after cabin and keep dry.

As the boat approached the shore the stranger on the beach frantically
made signals indicating that he wished them to return to the Fortuna at
once. Putting his fingers to his lips he glanced about as if in alarm
and then put out his hand in a gesture of caution.

"I'll bet there's some monkey business going on somewhere!" ventured
Harry. "Why should he send up smoke signals for help and then tell us to
keep away because of danger. He's kidding us!"

"I think I can see someone running toward us through those trees and
bushes over there!" announced Arnold standing and pointing.

A figure broke from the cover of the bushes indicated just as Arnold
spoke. It was the figure of a man. He stopped a moment.

Tom from the Fortuna gave a wild cry and waved his arms.

A shot rang out and the strange boy on the beach fell forward.

CHAPTER VI

A MAROONED BOY SCOUT

Rushing ashore in the small boat, the boys paused scarcely long enough
to draw their craft to a safe position on the beach before they raced to
the spot where the stranger had fallen.

They were abreast as they approached his prostrate form lying face down
in the sand. With one accord they stooped to examine him. Jack rolled
the body over tenderly searching for the mark of the villain's bullet
but found none.

Slowly the prostrate boy opened his eyes staring about in amazement.
Jack supported his head while the two chums stood by