CHAPTER XVI
FIRE ON BOARD
But this time it proved to be the other way about. The two mysterious men, at the sight of the boys, dived back into the woods again, and showed no desire to come to closer acquaintance with them. Instead of taking after the four chums, the men acted as though they feared pursuit.
“They’re running away from us!” exclaimed Frank. “I guess we haven’t anything to fear from them.”
Suddenly, through the forest, there sounded a shrill steam whistle.
“What’s that?” asked Ned.
“Captain Wiggs, signalling to us,” replied Frank. “I guess we’ve stayed in the woods too long. Come on.”
“Maybe it’s the smugglers’ boat,” suggested Fenn.
“I guess not,” Frank remarked. “They’ve been signalled to keep off. That was the Modoc’s whistle. I recognized it.”