timate success of the undertaking.

Jet waited patiently another hour, and then he said, as a look of
resolution came over his face:

"We must start now. If he happens to see us rowing over we must
pretend that we came to look at the island, and then get away as soon
as possible. In case we land without his knowledge, the thing must be
worked exactly as was the other: creep up till we see him, and take
advantage of the first chance that offers."

"Shall I carry the gun?"

"No; here is the revolver, and be sure to use it if things get hot. We
shall be fighting for our lives when we tackle him."

Jet took hold on one side of the boat, and Jim with an expression of
despair on his face, cared for the other, launching the little craft
without a splash.

The amateur detective motioned his companion to take up the oars, and
then shoved off, leaping lightly on the stern-sheets where he could
handle the tiller.

There was no attempt at conversation now, for the utmost silence was
necessary if they would land without making their coming known to the
man both feared.

Jet steered the boat under an overhanging tree, made the painter fast,
and then crept softly onto the bank, leaving his companion to follow.

Since both the boys knew the exact location of the camp, their task was
just so much the easier, and they crept cautiously along in a straight
line, but keeping a close watch ahead lest Bob should suddenly appear.

Half an hour after landing they were where the shanty could be seen
clearly; but its occupant was not in it.

Jet had begun to fear he might have circled around the island merely
for the sake of walking, and would come up in their rear; but this
cause for alarm was soon found to be groundless.

Jim espied the man lying under the shade of some trees, where he could
have a full view of any who might pass, and pointed him out to Jet.

There was no chance to creep upon him as in the case of the other
fellow, for he was unmistakably awake and on the alert.

"We shall have to wait until he changes his position," the boy
whispered. "It won't do to tackle him yet a while."

Jim breathed more freely.

Any respite, however brief, was a great relief.

When ten minutes had passed, and there was no change in the position of
affairs, Jet said:

"I'm going to creep around the hut, and try to get through the back.
The guns are probably there, and it will be a big thing if we get hold
of them."

"How long