And the others, upon following the direction of his extended finger, could only stare at what they saw. Seated in the body of the Wireless and holding George's rifle, which had been incautiously left aboard while they ate breakfast, was a big coal-black negro, whom they could easily guess must be the accused house burner, Erastus!
CHAPTER XVIII.
AT THE MOUTH OF THE SUNFLOWER.
No one moved immediately.
Nick was gasping for breath; and the sound was not unlike that made by a porpoise in swishing through the water while rolling. Jack happened to have his gun in his hand, having just picked it up. But somehow he hesitated to raise it against a human being. And presently he was glad the idea had not taken possession of him.
The man in the boat waved his hand toward them, beckoning, Jack believed.
"Cum long ober hyah, sah. I'se done wanter say sumpin tuh youse all."
He called this out, with one quick glance toward the section of woods where the sheriff and his posse had last been seen.
Well, that did not seem very hostile, at any rate. Jack started toward the two boats, and seeing him carrying his Marlin, the negro immediately elevated both of his arms as high as he could.