"I'll keep a lookout on the water," volunteered Frank.
"And I'll watch the wharf," said Tom. "I wish, though," he continued, "that the lights were off. I could see better."
"Turn the switch, Charley," was Jack's request. "It's at your hand there on the bulkhead. It's the middle one."
"I see him," whispered Tom. "It looks like Wyckoff."
"Slide the door open a crack," Harry suggested, "and get the drop on him. If he starts anything, shoot him in the legs!"
"He's laying down a bundle," whispered Charley. "It's only a small package. I wonder what he's going to do."
For answer, Wyckoff, for it was none other, deposited the small package described by the boy on the bow of the Fortuna. He knelt on the wharf a moment leaning over toward the boat. The boys were unable to see him well because of the curving lines of the vessel.
"Good heavens!" exclaimed Charley, starting from his post toward the bows. "He lit a fuse and has started away!"
"Come back from there," cried Jack in a tone of authority. "Come back from there! Do you want to get blown into bits?"
The boys rushed forward to seize their chum and drag him to a place of safety. He kept on undaunted. Harrison gazed in open mouthed terror from one to the other. All seemed horror stricken at the situation. Rowdy tugged fiercely at his leash.