“Consarn you, I’d die on this desarted island afore I’d come to terms with a rascal of your stripe,� shouted Uncle Toby. “There’ll be some of Uncle Sam’s boys here afore long and they can deal with you.�
Terrill turned fairly green at this. Without another word he walked off up the cove, followed by Jarrow and the other man. Three hours later our party of adventurers saw the schooner rounding the point and heading southward.
Terrill had carried out his threat, which they were powerless to check, for they were much the smaller party and the schooner carried guns and rifles. But as the sailing craft wore toward the horizon, a sudden cloud of smoke appeared. Jack sprang to the wireless. In a few seconds he was able to tell them that the smoke heralded the approach of the Thespis.
A moment later the Thespis was in possession of the facts concerning the larceny of the schooner and was steaming to intercept her. Terrill, of course, did not dare to fight a revenue cutter, and the schooner was turned back to the island. Both craft anchored off the cove about sun down.
There was a joyous reunion between Jack and his officers and the crew, with whom he was a general favorite; Sherry and Merryweather came in for their share of interest and commendation.
They sat up late in Captain Simms’ cabin telling their stories, and the gold and plate were transferred to the specie room of the revenue craft.
The news was broken to Terrill the next day by Uncle Toby. For a time it appeared as if the rapacious rascal would go mad. When he had quieted down, Uncle Toby agreed to pay him for the entire expenses of the expedition.
“The rest of the debt I reckon you wiped out yerself,� chuckled the old mariner.
“I’ll sue you,� shrieked Terrill.
“Go ahead. I’ve got nothing to fear in a court of law. I guess your case is different,� replied Uncle Toby imperturbably.