"Keep still, then. They are after the gold."
"Who are they?"
"Ben and two other fellows. I don't know them."
"We'll stop this thing very quick," said Lawry.
"They are armed with pistols, and threatened to shoot all hands. Be careful, Lawry, or you will get a bullet through your head."
"What shall we do?" demanded the young pilot.
Ethan was an accomplished strategist. He led the way to the lower cabin, where the terrified women had been driven by the ruffians.
"If any of those men ask for me, tell them I got loose, jumped overboard, and swam ashore," said Ethan.
"Law sake!" exclaimed the cook.
"Don't tell them I am here, at any rate."