There came a flash and a "Boom!"—and a splash over near the Orion. Then we heard the rattle of the block as the sail was allowed to drop.
"They took the hint," said Norris. "That fellow is not so dull."
Marat and Carlos were soon again off to the isle to watch; and Norris rammed home another charge in the brass cannon; and Rufe kept a little fire going in the galley stove. We waited long for another attempt to sail on the part of the Orion, but no such news came from the watchers.
At last came an alarm from Rufe. "Dar!" he cried. "You-all—look dar!"
Instinctively we looked toward the Orion. Then we turned to Rufe who pointed shoreward. There, under the palms we saw a beacon flashing—flash followed flash.
"It's Wayne and Ray!" cried Robert.
We produced a lantern and signalled back. But the shore signals had suddenly ceased.
"To the boat!" cried Norris.
Directly, the three of us were moving shoreward, Norris and Robert pulling with all their might.
When we touched shore, we saw four men coming from down the beach.