"Thought they'd get the guns out first," said Ned. "Don't you see," he added, "that this man Carstens is a traitor! Can't you see that he is turning guns, undoubtedly stolen from the government, over to the rebel chiefs, and getting his pay for them?"
"It looks that way," was the slow reply, "but what am I to do about it?"
"Talk with some of the men," urged Ned. "If those arms are taken away from this island by the natives they will be used to murder soldiers and sailors."
"I know it," said the sailor, "but what can I do?"
"Go and talk to the officer he just ordered under arrest."
"And have him report the conversation in order to get back into the good graces of the Lieutenant!" said Ben. "I'm not quite so green as that."
"What sort of a reputation does this man Carstens bear in army circles?" asked Ned, presently, seeing that it was of no use to argue with the sailor, who was afraid of being brought into trouble if he tried to aid the boy.
"First-class," was the reply. "He is known as a brave and dependable officer."
"And any action he might take here would be endorsed at Manila?"
"Yes; I think so."