Suddenly Tom stood upright, and, after gazing intently for a moment at some object on the shore, turned to his companions and said,—
"Some one's up in the tree, and the signal's out, too."
The men instantly ceased from their conversation, and peered intently at the tree in the distance.
Evidently the sight was not altogether pleasing, for with an exclamation of anger Benzeor Osburn, who was holding the tiller, quickly changed the course of the boat, and started back in the direction from which they had come.
CHAPTER II
TOM INVESTIGATES
There were many exclamations of impatience heard in the boat as Benzeor changed her course, and the helmsman himself appeared to be the most impatient of all. A drizzling rain was now falling and there were many signs apparent that a stormy night was approaching.
"I wish I knew just what the warning was for," muttered Benzeor. "Fine night this, to be prowling around the bay in!"