n."

Pulling along close under the stern of the Marjorie, there was seen a
small boat in which was Captain Broome with his chief subordinates.

"See anything of Manuel in their boat?" asked Jo.

"No," replied Tom. "He isn't in the boat. They must have left him
behind."

"He must have been drowned," said Jo.

"I don't know about that," replied Tom, "but it is certain he isn't in
the boat; there are four men besides the captain and on top of their
other baggage is a big hamper."

"How's the engine, Mr. Berwick?" asked the professor of the engineer,
calling down into the engine room.

"All right now, sir," replied the engineer. "We are just going to get up
steam."

"Very good," said the professor. "Keep it up, for we may want to start
any minute. Keep your eyes on the Sea Eagle, captain, and let us know if
she shows signs of getting under way."

"Ay, ay, sir!" responded the captain.

"Feel any better now, Jo?" asked the professor, with a smile, "it is
pretty near time to eat again."

"I'm all right again now, professor," responded Jo.

"Better get ready then, for I hear Pedro rattling the dishes down
there."

"I think"--began Tom, when they were down in their staterooms taking a
washup before the noon meal.

"That it is time for dinner," interrupted Jo.

"No, sonny," replied Tom. "My thoughts are not as your thoughts, always
on the gross material, but--" Going to the door, he called Jim into the
room. Then, after a look into the saloon, closed the door.

"Hist!" whispered Jo. "The plot thickens."

"What is it now, Tom?" asked Jim.

"I think"--began Tom, in a low tone.

"You said that before," interrupted Jo. "But I don't believe it."

"That it would be a good plan," continued Tom, "to hide the chart in
some safe place."

"Not half a bad idea, don't you know," drawled Jo, "but where is that
safe place?"

"I have an idea," went on Tom.

"Clutch it before it gets away," advised Jo.

"That we can make a secret closet where we can put it."

"That is a good scheme," agreed Jim, "if--"

"Hear! Hear!" broke in Jo.

"Here, as well as anywhere," replied Tom.

"What is your plan?" asked Jim.

"I was thinking of making a secret drawer or closet in this cabin."

"Do you think we could do it?" asked Jo.

"I don't know," replied Jim. "We can tell better after we try. The proof
of the--"

"Eating is in the pudding," interrupted Jo.

"Let's go ahead and do it."

"Where do you think is a good p