Was the expedition well advised? It might all end in nothing or even in disaster. These thoughts flitted through Frank’s brain as he lay awake and pondered the situation. Of one thing he was determined, as soon as the wireless could be put in operation and a permanent camp established in the ’glades he would establish communication with the Tarantula. That at least would put them in touch with powerful allies whatever foes and evil influences they might encounter in the great fastnesses they were about to penetrate. Satisfied with this last resolve Frank fell asleep; but his was a troubled slumber. It seemed to him but a few minutes after he had dropped off that he awakened with a start:
The fire had died low and there was only a dull red glow to indicate where its cheerful blaze had been. As his eyes opened, however, Frank had a queer sensation that his awakening had been directly caused by some outside action that had affected him. In a second he sensed what it was.
There was a hand poking about under his pillow where he had tucked his revolver!
At the same instant there came a loud agonized hail from over the moonlit water where the Carrier Dove swung at anchor.
It was Pork Chops’ voice, and Frank sprang to his feet as he heard it, reckless of injury from the unseen intruder. He need not have been under any apprehension, however, for whoever the prowler was he had vanished. At the same moment Pork Chops’ yells awakened the others and Ben Stubbs roared out with stentorian lungs:
“Ahoy, there aboard the sloop—What’s up?”
For reply came a wail from Pork Chops, which was stifled as suddenly as if a hand had been placed on his throat:
“Help! murder! Dey’s——”
Then all was silent.
Like a flash the boys and Ben piled into the Squeegee and Ben manned the oars. As they fairly flew over the water under his powerful strokes a long, low dark body,—almost reptilian in its swift movement,—glided from the opposite side of the Carrier Dove. At the same instant the sharp staccato sound of an engine exhaust came to the boys’ ears and a strong odor of gasolene.