“So did I. I can’t make it out. The schooner is coming for the island sure enough, though. She’ll be dropping anchor in half an hour. But where on earth can Jack be? Guess I’ll see if I can pick anything up by wireless.�
“Uh-uh-uh, Massa Raynor,â€� sputtered Pompey, clutching his sleeve nervously, “ah-ah-ah——â€�
“What’s the matter? Are you choking?�
“Nun-nun-no, sah. But de fac’ is dat a bit ob wood jump up frum whar ah wuz chopping it an’——â€�
“Great Scott, the detector’s broken and the wireless is out of commission. Confound you, Pompey, I’ve a great mind to——â€�
“B-o-o-m!�
The sound of a heavy report came from seaward.
“Gee! a choint cracker!� exclaimed Noddy.
“No, that was a gun. The schooner is firing to attract our attention,� cried Raynor, “come on, Noddy.�
Both boys raced from the hut, their eyes aglow with excitement. Pompey stood still just as they had left him. He didn’t look comfortable. He began casting anxious glances about the hut as if looking for some place to hide.