They heard George shoot a number of times, and new hope began to take hold of Nick, who, moving closer to Josh, commenced quizzing him on how shore birds ought to be cooked, in order to bring out their particular flavor. Nick was never happier than when engaged in his favorite conversation concerning appetizing things to eat. Indeed, there was only one thing he liked better; and this was to indulge in the actual demonstration itself, and devour the finished product of the cook's skill.
Suddenly Jimmy gave a yell. The others started up, thinking that perhaps Jack had made an unusually fine haul, or been pulled in himself by a large fish. George was just breaking through the scrub near by, and he echoed the shout of Jimmy.
"Look at the Wireless, would you, fellows? Say! she's bewitched, that's what!" was what he whooped, as he started to run toward them.
And as they turned their eyes in the direction of the erratic speed boat, what was their amazement to see the little craft moving away at a fast pace, although the engine was quite dead and cold, and not the first sign of a human being could be detected aboard.
It was a mystery that sent a cold chill through every heart!
CHAPTER XVII.
GOOD-BYE TO AN ANCHOR.
"Who's playing this trick on me?" demanded George, as he reached the others.
"Look around and you'll see we're all here, with Jack running like mad this way," observed Herb, indignantly.