"I can't see but three," whispered Locke.
"Others may be hidden," said Trask. "Or they've decided to cut their party in two, to intercept anybody who got away to the island."
"We can handle three, all right," said Locke, with some relief. "They'll walk right into a trap."
"They probably figured Jarrow would have things fixed for them by the time they arrived, by having some of us out of the way. It isn't possible that they could know what's happened to him," remarked Trask.
The boat came on slowly and silently, the oars working steadily but with little noise of locks. It headed for the starboard side, and came up within a dozen yards of the bow abreast of it. Then the oars were held, backing slowly.
"Aboard there!" came a low, hoarse voice. Trask and his friends remained silent.
There was an exchange of whispers. Then the oars backed water quietly, to check the way and overcome the tide.
"Aboard there!" This time it was louder, and Trask knew it was not the voice of Peth.
"Hello!" he answered, gruffly, speaking as he thought Jarrow might if he were waiting for his treacherous crew to seize the schooner.
"Who's that?" asked the voice. It was more cautious, and apparently worried. After a pause: "Is it Mr. Trask?"