CHAPTER XVI
HAM PROMISES TO BE BRAVE HEREAFTER
IT was Joe Dawson, though, who caught the first glimpse of the “passengers” as the motor boat ran in closer, while Tom was busy with the motor.
“The ghost?” yelled Joe. “I should say so!”
Then everybody struggled for a look into the boat. Besides the Tremaine party there were fourteen Florida men whom Jeff had brought in from the nearest community. Two of them were peace officers.
“Ease off the bow, Joe, and get the bow line for yourself,” grinned Tom. “But, say! Aren’t they a handsome lot?”
A wild cheer went up from all hands.
The bow line was quickly made fast, after which Tom threw off a stern line, which Jeff caught and tied.
Then, amid a very babel of exclamations and questions, young Halstead stepped out onto the pier, Joe being the first to grip his hand.
Henry Tremaine secured the next chance, remarking, while his eyes twinkled mistily:
“Captain Halstead, I owe you an apology.”