The naturalist said he never smoked, and, besides, he was so tired that bed was the best place for him. So he followed the boys, and soon the travelers were lighted to their several apartments. Ned and Jerry found themselves together, the professor had a room at one end of a long gangway and Bob an apartment at the other end. Good-nights were called, and the adventurers prepared to get whatever rest they might.
As Ned and Jerry were getting undressed they heard a low knock on their door.
“Who’s there?” asked Jerry.
“Hush! Not so loud!” came in cautious tones. “This is Jones. Keep your guns handy, that’s all. I can’t tell you any more,” and then the boys heard him moving away.
“Well, I must say that’s calculated to induce sleep,” remarked Ned. “Keep your guns handy! I wonder if we’ve fallen into a robber’s den?”
“I don’t like the looks of things,” commented Jerry. “The Don may be all right, and probably is, but he has a lot of ugly-looking Mexicans on his boat. I guess we’ll watch out. I hope Jones will warn the others.”
There came a second knock on the door.
“What is it?” called Jerry, in a whisper.
“I’ve warned your friends,” replied Jones. “Now watch out. I can’t say any more.”