The boats were empty!
The men in the ambush exchanged looks of surprise, mingled with superstition.
Colonel O’Neill was so chagrined that he could not speak for several moments.
He riveted his eyes upon the boats, reluctantly believing the evidence of his senses.
“Tom Murphy, swim out and intercept the boats!” he suddenly roared. “Hell and furies! we have been betrayed!”
Murphy obeyed, and with the aid of several comrades drew the barges ashore.
To the bottom of one canoe a piece of paper was pinned.
“Take care of my boats, colonel,” it said. “I will take care of myself.”
Roy Funk’s name was appended to the writing!