e wish, silently but fervently. And then in an instant
all their discomfort was forgotten. Bursting through the open window, a
sudden sound shattered the midnight stillness.

_Spang!_

IV

MIDNIGHT MARAUDERS

There was no mistaking that sharp, whip-like report. It was the crack of
a revolver!

Breaking the silence at a time when they had felt certain that the
nearest human being was miles away, the sound had a startling effect on
the five boys. Not one but felt a thrill of apprehension, almost of
dread. Who besides themselves was astir at so late an hour on that
lonely island? Why? The weapon that produced the report must have been
aimed at something. What? For a moment they remained silent, breathless.

_Spang!_

A second shot, distant but distinct, rang out from beyond the brow of
the bank behind the cabin. Spurling sprang from his bunk.

"Boys!" he shouted. "Somebody's after those sheep! Turn out!"

Hurriedly he began dressing. The other four followed his example,
fumbling with clumsy fingers in the darkness. Nemo gave a short, sharp
bark.

"Quiet, boy!" ordered Jim; and the dog subsided, growling.

Percy experienced a peculiar shakiness; but he dressed with the others.
Out here were no policemen or other officers to enforce the laws.
Whatever was done they must do themselves.

Jim, his first excitement over, was cool as usual.

"All dressed, fellows?" he inquired, as calmly as if the pursuit of
midnight thieves was a common incident.

Everybody was ready.

"Going to take the dog?" asked Throppy.

"No! Leave him here! He might bark when we didn't want him to."

"Here's the gun!" volunteered Lane.

"Don't want it! If we had it with us, we might lose our heads and shoot
somebody. Whoever they are, they haven't the least idea there's any one
on the island besides themselves. They've probably landed at the Sly
Hole from some vessel that's approached the north shore since it came
dark. Hungry for a little lamb or mutton! But those sheep have stood
Uncle Tom a good many dollars and he can't afford to lose any of 'em.
Where's that flash-light?"

"Here 'tis!" said Budge, passing him the electric lantern.

Jim snapped it quickly on and off again.

"Righto!" was his verdict. "All ready? Then come on! But first tie that
dog to the stove-leg, so he won't bolt out the second we open the door."

Throppy fastened Nemo.

"Quiet now!" cautioned Jim.

He opened the door carefully, and the five f