The boy failed to reach any conclusion regarding future actions. The correct course seemed to be to be guided entirely by circumstances. If the officers came aboard he must find some way of notifying them of the true condition of affairs. If they did not come aboard, he must, again, attract their attention.
After half an hour or more the Government boat turned toward the Rambler and directly the boy heard a call.
“Hello, the boat!”
“Come aboard!” Mike’s voice answered.
“Send a boat!” ordered the officer.
“We’re stranded on a bar,” Mike returned. “Can’t you-help us off?”
The boy could hear the rattle of a boat against the hull of the Government steamer, and then the creaking of oars. Just then the cabin door opened and Gid made his appearance, his bulky form clearly shown in the light from the steamer which came through the cabin window.
“Now, boy,” Gid said, “the Government officers are coming on board. Buckle down on the bunk and keep your mouth closed.”
The fellow enforced his command with a revolver, and Jule hastened to do as ordered.
“If Mr. Gold-Lace comes into the cabin,” Gid went on, “I’ll be setting here peaceful like with the lights turned on. You’ll be over there in the bunk sound asleep. If you make a move or open your lips, I’ll shoot you full of holes. See?” he added, thrusting one hand into his right pocket and pushing the muzzle of a revolver out against the cloth, “I can do some pretty good shooting from a pocket.”