ateur detective knew the boat was
being pushed off from the shore, and at that moment he could have fired
with a very good chance of hitting the mark; but he refrained from
doing so.

The most important thing just now was to assure the safety of the
prisoners in the other camp, and he made his way across the island
hurriedly, lest by accident Sam should happen to stumble across his
comrades.

Neither Jim nor the boat were to be seen when he arrived at the clump
of trees where the craft had been moored.

The small guide had thought only of his own safety, and paid no
attention to what might happen to his friend.

Jet would have tried to summon him by whistling, but for the fear Sam
might hear the signal and come that way.

It was possible to swim across the intervening space; but it would be
at the cost of wetting both weapons, and he decided against the idea
almost before it took form in his mind.

He splashed the water gently, hoping Jim would believe it a signal to
come back.

Then he waited in silence nearly an hour, fancying all the previous
work would speedily be undone, and when it seemed certain the small
guide had deserted him entirely, he heard his name whispered.

"Is that you, Jim?" he asked in a low tone.

"Yes. Where's that feller?"

"Left the island, I think. Why don't you row in here?"

"Is it safe?"

"It won't be if you don't take me off precious quick."

This threat had the effect of deciding the timid guide, and in a few
moments the boat was paddled alongside the bank.

"What did you run away for?" Jet asked, angrily, when they were a short
distance from the shore.

"What for? Didn't you hear that bullet come across my nose?"

"Of course he fired; but there wasn't much chance of being hit in the
darkness."

"There was too good a chance to suit me. If that bullet had come an
inch nearer I'd be dead by this time."

"But it didn't, and when you found he hadn't hit the mark, you told him
where you was by runnin' away."

"I couldn't help it," Jim replied apologetically. "I don't reckon I
was cut out for a detective, an' when folks begin shootin' right at me
I'm bound to run."

"Have you been up to the camp?"

"Not much. I stayed right here in the boat to find out what was goin'
on."

"Then there's no knowing but he has been ashore and set the men free."

"If that's so the sooner we get out of this place the better," and Jim
would have headed the boat toward the outlet,