Colonel Bright tried to speak. Words failed him. He gulped feebly, and waved a hand at the apparitions. They stepped forward and wearily saluted.
"Yes, Sir, it's us!" said the scarecrow with the bandage.
Porky and Beany had come back!
CHAPTER XIV
THE TWINS BEGIN THEIR STORY
With scarcely a look at the still trussed-up figures on the deck, Colonel Bright rushed forward, and in a second had the two boys in his arms.
"Please, Colonel, can't we go down to your cabin? I rather guess we are all in." Porky swayed against the Colonel's broad shoulder.
The Colonel beckoned to a couple of his men who were standing near. They dashed forward, and almost carried the exhausted boys down into the Colonel's roomy cabin.
"Not a word now, boys, until we get you comfortable. Are you hungry?"
The boys looked at each other.