came on board and the _Circe_
and her crew were turned over to him, Storms saying:

"Look out for the pilot. He is not as bad as the rest, and deserves some
consideration on account of getting us out of a bad scrape. Have you
caught Rollins?"

"No, he was too quick for us, and slipped away, but we'll catch him yet."

"I doubt if you do. However, never mind that. I'll put you in charge here
and will go back to my own vessel."

He had been back in his own cabin but a short time, receiving the
congratulations of the doctor and the boys when the man on the lookout
reported a vessel in the offing, which flew the company's flag, and seemed
to be familiar to many of the officers and men.

"That's the ship that Smith has sent to get us out," laughed Storms, "and
we've got ahead of him, and got out ourselves."

He was correct, for in half an hour the newcomer was alongside and in a
moment Mr. Smith himself was over the side and grasping his son, Jesse W.,
in his arms.

"But how is this?" he asked. "I thought you could not get out. Did you do
this for a joke so that you could see me?"

"No, indeed, sir," said young Smith. "We have not been away from the
island more than an hour or two, and it is to Jack Sheldon that you owe
your getting out. Come here, Jack, I want to introduce you to my father."

"I am pleased to see you, sir," said Jack, coming up. "I am afraid that
Jesse W. gives me too much credit, although I am willing to take a little
of it. Captain Storms deserves the greater part of it, however."

Mr. Smith held a consultation with the captain of the revenue cutter, and
an arrangement was shortly made between them whereby the _Circe_ was to be
in the government's custody for a time, and then to be turned over to her
owners.

The whole story was told and Jack, Dick, and many of the boys came in for
their meed of praise from Mr. Smith, as well as from Dr. Wise and the
captain.

Mr. Smith had not found a pilot who could take him through the reefs to
Lost Island, as they all still called it, but his chagrin was greatly
tempered by seeing his son and all the boys safe out of their island
prison, and he complimented Jack on all that he had done, and said:

"My dear boy, I have already promised my son to look after your interests,
and you need have no fear that they will be thoroughly attended to."

"I am much obliged to you, sir," replied Jack, blushing, "but I am glad to
have found such good friends. I want to