"I hope Stoodles comes back in time to talk with the outcast," said Amos Fearless anxiously, after Dave had told his story.
The next morning there was some disturbing news to report by the boatswain. Gerstein had escaped during the night, taking the best equipped of the small yawls with him.
Then there were two days of solicitous nursing of the outcast and anxious waiting for the return of Stoodles and Bob.
One morning a loud cheer brought the coterie at the captain's table in great haste and excitement on deck.
Stoodles and Bob had arrived by the overland route.
There was a vast babel of talk and welcome lasting over an hour, while all matters were mutually explained.
"I'm so solid with the present government of the Windjammers," boasted Pat proudly, "that I could command legions and phalanxes at my instant beck and call."
"That is good, Mr. Stoodles," smiled Dave. "So you had them out looking everywhere for me, did you?"
"Yes, and I promised them that a fearful visitation of fire--some of Bob's foine fireworks--would disrupt the nation if within three days you were not found."
"Well, Stoodles," said Captain Broadbeam, "we may need the help of the natives when we get farther along. For the present, however, there is only one thing to do. Get into shape to go for that treasure. The Swallow is all fixed up. We are in perfect sailing trim. We know that Nesik and his crowd are still alive, but we need have no fear of them without a ship to harbor them. Another thing--Gerstein's escape is unfortunate. He may get to his friends and warn them. In the morning we will start to hunt up the treasure."