Not all of the boys were on the yacht when the two young adventurers returned, and nothing was said about their having to hail the yacht, but as the others began to arrive, some time later, Percival watched them in turn to see if he could distinguish guilty looks on the faces of any.
When Herring and Merritt came on board he suddenly stepped out from behind a funnel, which had hidden him so that the two bullies did not see him till just as he faced them.
Both of them showed surprise, and Percival said to himself:
"They are the ones, just as I supposed. When anything happens to me or Jack and especially to Jack, look out for Pete Herring."
The two bullies passed him as quickly as they could, and had nothing to say, being evidently much astonished at seeing him on the yacht, but fearing to say anything lest they should betray themselves.
Passing Percival they came suddenly upon Jack, not having time to prepare for a meeting with him, and both of them flushed crimson.
"Oh, then it was you who found the boat afloat and brought it back?" Jack said carelessly. "Very kind of you, I am sure."
"What boat, what are you talking about?" growled Herring, turning redder than ever. "I don't know nothing about no boats."
"No, I suppose not," laughed Jack carelessly, and then going on to join Percival, who said:
"Herring and Merritt are the fellows."