s out we shall have to keep our eyes open pretty much all the
time, unless Sam succeeds in getting the best of us, and it will be a
good idea to scoop in what rest we can now. You lie down first, and
I'll stand watch."

The small guide was quite ready to act upon this suggestion, and it
seemed as if he had but just rolled over on the blanket when his eyes
were closed in slumber.

When the sun was an hour high Jet awakened his companion, and said, as
he prepared to take his turn at sleeping:

"Be sure to call me at sunset, and keep your eyes on those fellows all
the time. I don't reckon there's much chance of their being able to
get free; but we mustn't run any risks."

His orders were obeyed to the letter, and the sun had but just sunk
behind the trees when Jim shook him into wakefulness as he was
instructed to do.

"I haven't seen so much as a boat," he said. "The men have been quiet
as mice, sleeping a good deal of the time. When shall we start for the
island?"

"As soon as we've had supper, and gagged the prisoners again. It won't
do to let them have the chance of warning Sam."

"It ain't likely he'll get back before midnight."

"That's true; but in the meanwhile we have a good deal to do. The
camp-fire must be lighted, to prevent him from being suspicious when he
comes in sight of the island, and we need to look about a bit for a
hiding-place."

"Have you made up your mind how we are to strike him?"

"I think it will be best to wait near the shore, and knock him down.
If he comes back half-drunk he won't be likely to put up his hands very
quickly, even if a revolver is at his head, and I don't want to shoot."

"You were willing enough to do so in Bob's case."

"That was different. Sam's crime isn't as serious."

"What's Bob accused of?"

"Murder."

"I swow!" and Jim looked around in alarm, even though the man was
powerless to so much as move his hands. "If I'd known that I wouldn't
have gone to help catch him for a hundred dollars."

"That is exactly why I didn't go into any particulars when we made the
trade for you to help me," Jet replied quietly. "Now let's get our
work done, and row over to the island for what I hope will be the last
time."

CHAPTER XXX

A FAILURE

The boys soon had their camp in order. The prisoners were gagged
again; their bonds examined to make certain there could be no chance of
an escape, and the smouldering remains of the fire carefully
extinguis