"It must be a steam launch," Frank observed.
"Of course," Ned replied, "and steam has been gotten up since that shot was fired. Now do you understand?"
"I'm afraid I do," Frank replied. "And the steamer is coming around here to see what's going on, and the native chiefs will be coming down to the bay to look the situation over! Where do the boys come out?"
"They are in a dangerous position," Ned replied.
"I hope they'll get here before the steamer turns that point."
"They will have to return pretty soon if they do," Ned said, looking again through his glass, "for the steamer is approaching the southern end of the island rapidly, and will soon be in sight."
"Can we beat it?" asked Frank.
"On the run? I'm afraid not. If the boys were here we might stand a chance of keeping out of their way for a long time, but we've got to remain here until the last moment in the hope of their returning."
"You're not thinking of going away and leaving them, are you?" asked Frank, surprised at Ned's remark.
"If we stay here and submit to capture," Ned replied, "it is all off for all of us. If we get away we may be able to render assistance to the boys, but if we remain here and are killed or taken prisoners there is little hope for them, surrounded by savages on an unknown island, without even a boat."