“Cuss if you want to!” commented the robber. “We can settle all that after a time. Just now, get over to that boat, and call out that you’ve found another castaway in the swamp! We’ll be on board before they can say a word.”
This looked like turning the Rambler over to thieves, but there was no way in which the boys could reverse conditions just then, so they rowed toward the motor boat, calling out that they had found a sick man in the jungle. The robber prodded them with the muzzle of his gun when they did not give the right inflection to their voices.
When the boat entered the circle of light the boys on board the Rambler were all leaning over the gunwale, looking for the boys and the rescued individual. There were no weapons in sight, and Alex. feared that all the revolvers were stowed away in the cabin, and that the Rambler would be taken without a shot being fired in her defense.
When the boat touched the hull of the Rambler the robber sprang to his feet, presenting two long guns as he did so.
“I’ll empty these guns into the crowd of you,” he said, in a low, even voice, “if there is one move on deck. We are coming aboard, and the better you use us the better we shall use you. Just sit still, boys,” he added, addressing his men, “until I get on deck.”
He was lithe and strong, and was on the deck in an instant, without opposition, his guns threatening the amazed boys and their visitors. Captain Joe gave forth a volley of ugly growls, and would have attacked the man, but Clay ordered him back.
“Never mind the dog,” he said. “He won’t bite!”
“If he does, he’ll get a chance to bite lead!” the robber exclaimed. “Now, men,” he went on, “climb up into the boat. Leave the rowers where they are.”
Four husky negroes, all with traces of whisky in their breath, began climbing over Alex. and Gregg to reach the motor boat. As they were steadying the rocking craft, they carried no weapons in their hands.
Then something happened which was as much of a surprise to the boys as it was to the men who were trying to capture the Rambler!