It was almost six o’clock when Shirley and Mabel, gazing toward shore, perceived the little boat of the Yucatan bobbing toward them. As it drew close they could make out the faces of their fathers, Dick and Captain Anderson.
A short time later all appeared on deck. Their clothing was ruffled and dirty, and it was plain to the girls that their fathers were not in the best of temper. Nevertheless Shirley could not repress a slight dig at them.
First she approached Captain Anderson.
“And did you capture Captain Von Blusen?” she asked.
“No,” grumbled the captain. “I hope I never set eyes on him again.”
“Dad,” said Shirley, “do you remember what you said to us about getting into trouble?”
Mr. Willing growled some unintelligible reply.
“We’ve never been in jail yet, Dad,” continued Shirley slyly. “Were you?”
Mr. Willing glanced at his daughter and seemed about to make some sharp response. Then he controlled himself and spoke:
“Yes, we were in jail,” he growled. “We spent the best part of the day there.”