"Well, he has succeeded in putting us back where we started," Charley remarked, "and he is left free to carry on his smuggling and liquor selling as he pleases."
"Unless Chris' ghost scares him off," Walter said. "Have you ever formed any theory about it and about the doctor's mysterious visit, Charley?"
"Not a theory," his chum replied. "They are just mysteries I cannot account for in any way. Of course the explanation is simple—if we only knew it—it always is in these mysteries."
The soft couch and the cozy warmth of the fire soon caused conversation to lag and yawns take the place of speech.
Before they composed themselves for slumber, however, the captain offered up a heartfelt prayer, thanking the Lord for their deliverance from danger, and asking for His watchful care to attend them ever.
This simple act of devotion over, all sought the slumber their tired bodies craved.
CHAPTER XXVII.
HOMEWARD BOUND.
Walter awoke just as dawn was lighting up the floating forest, and he immediately awakened his companions.