Diamond was ready to follow anywhere Merriwell might lead, and he followed close at Frank’s heels.
Rattleton hesitated. It was not till Browning, with a groan, arose and started to follow the others that he seemed to awaken from the spell that had fallen upon him.
“Brace up!” he grated. “What ails you? Are you going to wilt now?”
He did brace up, but he followed along behind the others.
They did not go far before Merriwell brought them to a stand.
“They’re landing,” whispered Frank.
The rowing had stopped. They could hear a subdued murmur of hoarse voices.
The boat had come round under the lee of the pier, and the men were coming ashore.
As the boys stood there, they again caught a gleam of light—a moving ray, shot from a reflector. It was gone in a moment, but it had shown them several figures.
“Nearer!” palpitated Diamond, eagerly.