Bessie Stuart was so overcome by the sudden shock of the discovery that she was scarcely able to stand, breathlessly the two watched the rowboat speeding in.
The lieutenant waded out as far as he could, and when the boat reached him he climbed into the bow. In a few moments he was speeding back to the gunboat.
And when he stepped on board he found the captain staring at him.
"Lieutenant Hernandez!" he gasped.
"Yes," said the other with a bow.
But he scarcely glanced at the man until his eager eyes had sought out Clif and Bessie. When he saw them alive and unhurt a look of relief swept over his face.
And then he turned to the captain.
"What in the world is the matter?" the man cried.
The other nodded toward the two Americans.
"It is about them," he said.