That one word expressed all the gratitude that was in Frank's heart. It seemed as though fortune was acting mighty kindly toward the rescuing expedition.
Just then there came a flash and a sharp report. One of the men had fired in the direction he believed the passing boat to be lying.
The bullet splashed in the water, and seemed to go humming over the surface of the lagoon. Then a shout came from the sharpie:
"I seen 'em then! Hey! You thar! Come back with that kid, or it'll be the worse for ye! D'ye hear?"
But Frank, instead of wasting his breath in replying, was once more paddling industriously. He had changed his course, in the hope that should a second bullet follow the first, it might not touch either himself or his charge.
Just as he anticipated, there was a second shot, followed by half a dozen more, seemingly fired at random.
No damage resulted, and Frank believed the incident was closed, at least as far as immediate results went. He now headed directly for the motor-boat, the swinging lantern guiding him.
Those on the sharpie could be heard talking loudly, as though endeavoring to get the truth of the affair, and doubtless making terrible threats as to what they would do to the audacious invader later on.
Frank gave the signal agreed on with Jerry, and in another minute he was lifting his charge aboard the anchored boat.
"Don't ask questions now, fellows," he said, realizing that the others were all agog with excitement, and both Bluff and Will consumed with curiosity. "We must douse the glim, and in the dark change our anchorage. Then, if they come poking over here to-night, looking for us, they won't find anybody at home."