wly and cautiously, now only a dark spot
on the water, still covered by the gloom of the island. The crew
apparently hoped to get close without alarming those aboard.

"We'll let them come on, and then give it to them without warning,"
said Trask. "I'll hold my fire until they're right under us. Keep
low, so they can't see our heads."

Watching over the bulwark, Trask saw the boat come out of the
island's shadow into the moonlight. He expected a dash once the
boat was exposed, for it would be useless to attempt to sneak up on
the schooner if any watch were kept.

But the rowers came on leisurely. It might be that they supposed
Jarrow would be the only one on watch and would allow them to get
alongside before their proximity was suspected by Trask and Locke.

"I can't see but three," whispered Locke.

"Others may be hidden," said Trask. "Or they've decided to cut
their party in two, to intercept anybody who got away to the
island."

"We can handle three, all right," said Locke, with some relief.
"They'll walk right into a trap."

"They probably figured Jarrow would have things fixed for them by
the time they arrived, by having some of us out of the way. It
isn't possible that they could know what's happened to him,"
remarked Trask.

The boat came on slowly and silently, the oars working steadily but
with little noise of locks. It headed for the starboard side, and
came up within a dozen yards of the bow abreast of it. Then the
oars were held, backing slowly.

"Aboard there!" came a low, hoarse voice. Trask and his friends
remained silent.

There was an exchange of whispers. Then the oars backed water
quietly, to check the way and overcome the tide.

"Aboard there!" This time it was louder, and Trask knew it was not
the voice of Peth.

"Hello!" he answered, gruffly, speaking as he thought Jarrow might
if he were waiting for his treacherous crew to seize the schooner.

"Who's that?" asked the voice. It was more cautious, and apparently
worried. After a pause: "Is it Mr. Trask?"

"Yes," replied Trask boldly. There was something hopeful in the
tone of the other. If it had been Peth, Trask would not have
admitted his own identity.

"Then it's all right," said the other. "I'm Bevins. Where's the
skipper?"

"In his room asleep," answered Trask, still cautious, and not to be
fooled into telling the truth. If they expected Jarrow, it would
puzzle them to be told the captain was not there to meet them.

"L