But the fellow's cry and the splash had brought the sailors to a halt, and they soon called back:
"What's the matter? What has happened?"
"I rather fancy it will be a good plan to make myself scarce in this particular locality," muttered Frank.
Gage swam under water for some distance, and then, coming to the surface, he shouted to the men in the leading boat:
"Bowsprit, Black Tom, help! Turn back quickly! There is an enemy here, but he is alone! We can capture him, boys! Be lively about it!"
"Ha! ha! ha!" laughed Frank, merrily. "You will have a fine time catching me. You have given me great amusement, Gage. I assure you that I have been highly entertained by your company, and hereafter I shall consider you an adept in the gentle art of making love."
"Laugh!" fiercely shouted Gage from the water. "You are having your turn now, but mine will soon come!"
"I have heard you talk like that before, Gage. It does not seem that you have yet learned 'the way of the transgressor is hard.'"
"You'll learn better than to meddle with me! I have longed to meet you again, Frank Merriwell, and I tell you now that one of us will not leave this swamp alive!"
"This is not the first time you have made a promise that you were not able to keep. Before I leave you, I have this to say: If Captain Bellwood is harmed in the least, if he is not set at liberty with very little delay, I'll never rest till you have received the punishment which your crimes merit."