“Don’t know,” said Frank, sullenly.
“Look here,” said the detective. “We——”
At that moment a small door in a house a short distance from the chandler’s shop opened suddenly and a man bolted out. The boys recognized him at once.
“Benito!” shouted Don and Jim, in a breath.
The man hesitated for a second and then began to run. But that second was his undoing. Just as the chief started after him Terry launched into action. He was nearest and he moved swiftly. A few running steps he took and then dived in a fine football tackle, catching the running bandit just at the knees. Benito went down like a log, and before he could get up the chief and the boys were upon him.
“Got you this time,” panted Terry. “First down and goal to go, though you won’t be worrying about that now.”
They lifted the leader of the gang to his feet and handcuffed them all. The chief was pleased with the day’s work.
“Fine work, my boys,” he cried, enthusiastically. “I think this spells the end of that marine bandit gang.”
24. The End of the Cruise
The boys learned that there was a large reward due them for the capture of the marine bandits, for several wealthy boat owners who had suffered from the outlaws had long ago banded together and offered a reward for any information leading to the arrest of the men. There would be some little official delay, they learned, but it would come to them in the near future.