So the Diver was steered in close to the shore. A small boat was brought out and Frank and Wade rowed ashore.
They went well armed. But they were accorded a genuine surprise.
In place of possible cannibalistic Caribs or pirates they discovered the extensive fruit plantation of an enterprising Yankee, named Walton.
This gentleman invited them up to his dwelling in a lovely grove of palms, and treated them to pulque and other fine things.
He even insisted upon their remaining over night. As Frank knew that all was well on board the Diver he did not refuse.
Thus it happened that Barney and Pomp spent the night alone on board the Diver. And they had a high old time.
Barney managed to square accounts with the darky for the dough episode of some days past. After a lively scrap they finally made up and were good friends again.
They wondered somewhat at the non-return of Frank and Wade. But at nightfall Frank signaled them from the cliffs and they were reassured.
With the first gray streak of dawn across the Caribbean Sea the two jokers were given a little thrill of surprise.
A vessel had suddenly swung around a headland and was bearing down toward them. It was a small steamer, and as Barney studied it with his glass he made an astonishing discovery.