arton's suggestion, and it was then dancing about in the bay,
having been turned adrift after serving the purpose of its villainous
crew.

"I want a skiff," said Johnny, to himself, "and I could find plenty if
I was only on the other side of the harbor. I'll have to swim over."

Johnny was a boy who never allowed himself to be daunted by any
obstacles, and having made up his mind that he wanted a skiff, he was
determined to secure one by some means or other. He was about to jump
into the harbor and swim to the opposite side, when he happened to
glance toward one of the vessels lying in front of the elevator, and saw
a yawl moored at her stern. He could cross the harbor much more easily
and quickly in a boat than by swimming, and he decided to borrow the
yawl.

"Well, now, what do you want here?" demanded one of the watch, as Johnny
leaped over the rail, and began to cast off the boat's painter.

"I want to use this yawl," replied the clerk. "I can't stop to explain,
for I am in a great hurry."

"Avast there!" shouted the sailor. "If I get hold of you, I'll pitch you
overboard."

But the watch did not get hold of Johnny, for by the time he reached the
stern, the clerk was a boat's length from the vessel, and was sending
the yawl rapidly across the harbor. He found a number of skiffs on the
opposite side, and, selecting the one that suited him best, he hoisted
the sail and filled away for the island. He had scarcely cleared the
harbor when he discovered the Sweepstakes; but knowing that his skiff
was no match for her in sailing, and being perfectly well aware of the
fact that, even if he should overtake her, he could not recover the
money alone and unaided, he turned his boat's head toward the foot of
the island. By this maneuver he would gain on the schooner nearly a mile
and a half; and, when she came out of the narrows, he would follow her
and keep her in sight until one of the tugs came up, when he would board
her, and assist in securing the robbers. When he reached the foot of the
island, the Sweepstakes was not in sight; and while he was waiting for
her, he saw the Storm King dash up the narrows. Johnny was astonished to
see her there at that time of night, and he was greatly encouraged. It
was plain to him that Tom had been doing something to arouse the
students, and the clerk was glad indeed that it was so. His only fear
had been that the Crusoe men would succeed in getting out of the harbor,
and making goo