"Hello! Ahoy, there, cap'n! Where are you?"
Ben Bowsprit was growing impatient and wondering why Leslie did not answer. It had occurred to the old tar that it was possible the boy had deserted them.
The voice of Black Tom was heard to say:
"He oughter be right near by us, Ben. 'Smighty strange dat feller don' seem to answer nohow."
"Shiver my timbers!" roared Bowsprit. "We'll pull back, my hearty, and take a look for our gay cap'n."
They were coming back, and Gage was still unbound, although a captive in Frank Merriwell's clutch.
Frank thought swiftly. There would not be enough time to bind Gage and get away. Something must be done to prevent the two sailors from turning about and rowing back.
"Gage," whispered Frank, swiftly, "you must answer them. Say, it's all right, boys; I'm coming right along."
Gage hesitated, the longing to shout for help again grasping him.
"Do as I told you!" hissed Frank, and the muzzle of the revolver seemed to bore into Gage's forehead, as if the bullet longed to seek his brain.