“I see,” muttered Frank, nodding.
“Where are my men—prisoners?”
“No; they jumped overboard and escaped.”
“I’m glad of that.”
“No doubt.”
Frank then ordered his two chums to lock the man up in one of the rooms, and as they led him from the pilot-house, the Mexican said to the young inventor:
“With that scoundrel as a hostage, we will be sure to recover my child in exchange for him.”
“Just what I figured on,” responded Frank.
“I can pilot you to his stronghold now if you like.”
“Post me on the course, by all means,” replied Frank, eagerly; “for I wish to go there to-morrow.”