"Pretty risky," responded Captain Griswold, shaking his head. "How do you figure to get 'em?"
"Rush 'em," said Jack briefly.
Again the captain of the Ventura shook his head doubtfully.
"Too risky altogether," he declared. "The first one of you that shows his head down there will be potted, sure as fate."
"But we've got to do it, Captain," said Jack. "How else is it to be done?"
"Well," said Captain Griswold, removing his cap and scratching his head, "I guess I can suggest a way."
"I'm open to conviction, Captain," said Jack.
"Aboard my ship," went on Captain Griswold, "I have a supply of a certain sort of gas which, if used properly, will do in minutes what it may take you hours to accomplish."
"By George!" said Frank. "Kill 'em all at once, eh?"
"Well, no, it won't do that," replied Captain Griswold, "but it'll put 'em to sleep long enough for you fellows to go down and tie 'em up."