other craft, Walt Wingate went to the rail and shouted something
through a megaphone which the mate loaned him. Immediately came back
an answering cry, but the boys did not catch what was said.

"This is going pretty far," said Fred, to Frank Norton. "Don't you
think I ought to step in and stop it?"

The chief engineer shrugged his shoulders.

"Carey is really in command and it might be called mutiny to do
anything to stop him."

"But supposing he allows Wingate to go to that other ship.

"Well, if Wingate goes we'll be well rid of him."

"Of course that is true, but still--"

Fred did not finish for just then Asa Carey came up.

"I am going to visit that other steamer," he said, to the chief
engineer. "I shall take that man Wingate along, and Bossermann is
going, too. You can remain right here until I get back."

Norton nodded, but said nothing. The mate looked at Fred as if to say
more, but then apparently changed his mind and hurried away. Soon a
small boat was over the side and this was manned by the mate,
Bossermann, Wingate and a sailor named Ulligan, a fellow noted for his
laziness and untrustworthiness. Without delay the small boat set out
for the _Josephine_.

"I don't like this at all," said Fred. "Those fellows mean mischief as
sure as you are born!"

"I dink da vos hatch owid somedings mid dot Merrick," said Hans.

"Perhaps they are plotting to gain possession of this yacht," was
Dora's comment. "They may bring over a crowd to take possession and
make us prisoners!"

"If they try any game like that we'll fight," answered Fred.

"Dat's right!" cried Aleck. "We'll fight, an' fight mighty hard, too!"

"If only the Rovers were here," sighed Dora. "I am sure they would
know exactly what to do."

"They may be having their own troubles on land," said Mrs. Stanhope.
"Sid Merrick is a very bad man and will do all in his power to get
that treasure in his possession."

CHAPTER XXIX

THE HUNT FOR THE TREASURE

With the _Rainbow_ steaming away from Horseshoe Bay, the Rovers and
those with them on shore felt that a crisis had been reached. If it
was true that Carey, Bossermann and Wingate contemplated joining Sid
Merrick there was no telling what the enemy might not accomplish next.

"I have never liked Carey," observed Captain Barforth. "But I did not
imagine he would take matters in his own hands in this fashion. I did
not think he had the backbone."

"It's the thought of the treasure