Arthur M. Winfield

“ It was great sport, and as soon as Dick "got the hang of it," as he said, he let the speed out, notch by notch. His car ran a trifle more easily than did the other and before long he was a good half mile ahead of that run by Tom. Those in the rear shouted for him to slow down, but the wind prevented him from hearing their calls.
"This is something like, isn't it?" said Dick to Dora, who was beside him.
"Oh, it is splendid!" she replied enthusiastically. "I feel as if I could go on riding forever!"
"An auto certainly beats a team all to bits, if the road is good." ”

“ Soon it was raining steadily, and when they reached a spot clear of trees they got soaked to the skin. But as it was very warm they did not mind this.
"It's like taking a bath without troubling about undressing," said Tom, and this remark caused a smile.
They were now in a bunch once more, with Bahama Bill leading them. The old tar was looking sharply ahead and soon he gave a grunt of satisfaction.
"What is it?" asked Anderson Rover eagerly.
"I know where I am now," was the reply. "And unless that earthquake knocked it skyhigh thet cave ought to be right ahead o' us!" ”

“ The Rovers were particularly delighted.
"This will make the Lanings and the Stanhopes independent for life," said Dick, to his brothers.
"And they deserve it," returned Tom. "Won't they be glad when they hear the news!"
"Remember one thing," said Sam. "We haven't got the treasure from the isle yet, and we don't know how the Rainbow is faring. If those on the Josephine capture our steam yacht I don't know what we are going to do."
"Well, we won't give up the treasure, no matter what happens," said Dick, stoutly. ”

“ We are ten to your four, and we are all armed with shotguns and pistols, and we have the drop on you."
"Good for you, Dick, pile it on," whispered Tom. Then he pulled Sam by the arm. "Come on, let us appear from behind another rock—they'll think we are two more of the brothers or cousins!"
"You won't dare to shoot us," blustered Merrick, but his voice had a trace of uncertainty in it.
"Won't we?" answered Dick. "There is a warning for you!" And raising the pistol he carried he sent a shot over the heads of the other party.
"They are shooting at us! We'll all be killed!" ”

“ Soon the rowboats turned back and hastened to the side of the Josephine.
"That's what I call repelling boarders!" said Captain Barforth, grimly. "I only hope the fireworks hold out."
"It is now to be a race between the Rainbow and that other craft," observed Mr. Rover, and he was right. Inside of fifteen minutes both vessels were headed out to sea, and running at about the same rate of speed. Soon the haze over the water hid both craft from view.
"Well, one thing is certain," said Mr. Rover. "Our friends are alive to their danger and are going to do their best to get away from the enemy." ”

“ He was right, a well-defined trail or footpath lay before them, running between the brushwood and palms and around the rocks. It did not look as if it had been used lately, but it was tolerably clear of any growth.
This was something the Rover boys had not counted on, for Bahama Bill had never spoken of any trail in his descriptions of the isle. They gazed at the path with curiosity. Tom was the first to speak.
"Shall we follow it?" he asked.
"Might as well," answered Sam. "It's better than scratching yourself and tearing your clothing in those thorn bushes." ”

“ But there were no oars, and they gazed at one an other in dismay.
"We might have known it," said Dick, in disgust. "He always takes the oars up to the barn with him."
The barn was a good distance off and none of the boys relished running that far for oars. More than this, they felt that by the time the oars were brought the other craft would be out of sight and hearing, and thus the trail of the midnight prowlers would be lost.
"Here is a bit of board," said Sam, searching around. "Let us use that for a paddle. The current will carry us almost as swiftly as if we were rowing. ”

“ At first the youngest Rover was going to call to the man and ask him what he was doing. But he remained silent, and stepped into the shadow of the cabin as Wingate left the rail and crossed to the other side of the yacht. From under some coils of rope the deck hand brought forth something, lifted it over the rail and dropped it gently into the sea. Then he leaned far over the rail as before, and this lasted two or three minutes.
"He is certainly up to something out of the ordinary," thought Sam. "I wonder if he is fishing? If he is, it seems to me it is a queer way to go at it." ”

“ I did not think he had the backbone."
"It's the thought of the treasure has done it," answered Anderson Rover. "Many a man's head is turned because of gold."
Those on the shore watched the steam yacht round the eastern point of the isle. Each heart sank as the vessel disappeared from view.
"Well, we can do nothing at present, but hope for the best," observed the captain. "We cannot think of chasing them in the rowboats."
"We might tramp across the isle and see where they go to," suggested Tom. "The Josephine must be over there somewhere." ”

“ Without delay the bow of the steam yacht was pointed in the direction of the land that had been discovered, and after awhile all made it out, a mere speck on the blue water. But as they approached, the speck grew larger and larger, and they saw it was a beautiful tropical isle, with waving palms reaching down almost to the water's edge.
"We can't land on this side," announced Bahama Bill. "The sea is too dangerous here, We'll have to sail around to the south shore and lay-to beyond the reef, and then take small boats to the inside of the horseshoe." ”

“ It was so dark they could see each other but dimly, and the darkness and quietness made them anything but lighthearted.
"Supposing some wild beast comes to chew us up," said Sam, presently, after a silence that was positively painful.
"We know there are no big beasts on these is lands," answered Dick. "Don't worry yourself unnecessarily, Sam. We've got troubles enough as it is."
"The only beasts here are human beasts," said Tom, "and their names are Merrick, Sobber, Cuffer and Shelley," and he said this so dryly his brothers had to laugh. ”

“ He hated to have young folks around, and it was a mystery to the Rovers why he should occupy a position on a pleasure craft.
"He ought to be on a freight steamer," was Dick's comment—"some boat where he wouldn't meet anybody but those working under him. I can't understand how the captain can bear him for his first assistant."
"The owner of the steam yacht hired him," answered Mr. Rover. "I believe the captain does not like him any more than we do. But the mate does his duty faithfully, so the captain cannot find fault." ”

“ And then even Tom had to turn away, to keep from roaring in Hans' face.
The Rover boys went to the depot to meet the train which was to bring in the Stanhopes and the Lanings. There was a little delay, but it was soon over and they were shaking hands warmly all around.
"It seems so delightful to go off on another trip!" said Dora, to Dick. "I know I am going to enjoy it very much!"
"And I know I am going to enjoy it, too—with you along," answered Dick, with a smile which spoke volumes.
"Mother is quite excited—thinking she is going on a treasure hunt," went on Dora. ”

“ I know boys, and you especially. You love to play tricks on everybody. But you can't play tricks on me." And as the mate spoke he stopped, picked up the rolling ball, and put it in his pocket.
"Are you going to keep that ball?" demanded Sam.
"I am."
"It is our ball."
"See here, Mr. Carey, we didn't mean to hit you, and we were only amusing ourselves catching," said Tom. "We have hired this yacht and we have a right to do as we please on board so long as we don't interfere with the running of the vessel. I want you to give us our ball back." ”

“ So far no arrangements had been made for the vacation, and the brothers were anxious to know "what was in the wind," as Tom expressed it.
"Maybe we are to prepare for college," said Dick.
"Perhaps we are to go on another trip to Africa?" added Sam.
"Or start on a hunt for the North Pole," put in Tom. "That would be just the thing for this hot weather."
"I can tell you one thing," went on Dick. "Whatever father has on his mind is of a serious nature. It is no mere outing for pleasure." ”

“ It would be the best ever!" cried Dick, enthusiastically.
They were running along a country road a good many miles from Philadelphia. All the noise of the city had been left behind and it was as calm and peaceful as one would wish. The second machine was only a short distance behind the first, and each was making not less than thirty miles per hour.
"Do you know, some day I am going to make a regular tour in an auto," remarked Sam. "I am sure a fellow could have lots of fun."
"You can have this machine any time you want to," said the chauffeur, who had taken greatly to the party. ”

“ There were numerous tugs and sailing craft, and now and then a big tramp steamer or regular liner, for Philadelphia has a large commerce with the entire world.
"It hardly seems possible that the treasure hunt has really begun," said Dora to Dick.
"Well, it won't actually begin until we are down about where Treasure Isle is located," was the reply. "We have quite a few days' sailing before that time comes."
"I hope it remains clear, Dick."
"I am afraid it won't, Dora; there are always more or less storms among the West Indies." ”

“ Then, after having pulled and cut their way through for fifty yards more, they came to a spot that was rocky and covered with a tangle of thorny bushes.
"Wow!" ejaculated Tom, after scratching his hand and his leg. "This is something prime, I must confess!"
"What I call hunting a treasure with a vengeance," added Dick, dryly.
"I move we go back," came from Sam. "We seem to be stuck in more ways than one." ”

“ Stanhope more than it concerns ourselves," began the father.
"What!" ejaculated Dick. He had not expected anything of this sort.
"I knew you would be surprised, Dick, and you'll be more surprised when I get through."
"Are the Lanings in this?" questioned Sam, thinking of Grace.
"They are in a certain sense—or will be if everything turns out successfully. When Mr. Stanhope died he left most of his property to Mrs. Stanhope and Dora—the majority to Dora—but a small share was left to the Lanings, they being so closely related and such good friends." ”

“ At once Dick essayed to turn their own craft in that direction. But with only a bit of a board for a paddle, and with the current tearing along wildly, this was not easy. The rowboat was turned partly, but then scraped some rocks, and they were in dire peril of upsetting.
"I see where they are going!" cried Tom. "To the old Henderson mill."
"We'll have to land below that point," said his oldest brother. "If I try to get in there with only this board I'll hit the rocks sure."
"They are taking chances, even with oars," was Sam's comment. "See, they have struck some rocks!" ”

“ The boys, and the girls, too, for the matter of that, were greatly interested in the elegant steam yacht, and they took great pleasure in visiting every part of the vessel from bow to stern. Captain Barforth did all in his power to make all on board the Rainbow feel at home and whenever the boys visited the engine room they were met with a smile from Frank Norton.
But if they had friends on board there were also some persons they did not like. The first mate, whose name was Asa Carey, was a silent man who rarely had a pleasant word for anybody. ”

“ They had a lot of pumpkin pies set around it, just for an advertisement."
"Thomas, did you measure that pumpkin?"
"No; why should I?"
"Then how do you know it was eight feet high and ten feet across?"
"Why, Uncle Randolph, I didn't say the pump kin was eight feet high and ten feet across. I said I saw it in a restaurant window eight feet high and ten feet across," and Tom drew down the corners of his mouth soberly.
"Oh, Tom, that's the worst ever!" cried Sam.
"You ought to be made to walk home for that," added Dick.
"Thomas! Thomas! you are as bad as ever!" said Mr. Rover, with a sigh. ”

“ I am going after that and leave you where you are."
"Bound to these trees?"
"Certainly."
"Supposing we can't get loose?" remonstrated Tom. "We may starve to death!"
"That will be your lookout. But I reckon you'll get loose sooner or later, although we've bound you pretty tight."
"Can I have a drink before you go?" asked Sam, who was dry.
"Don't give 'em a drop, Uncle Sid!" cried Tad. "They don't deserve it."
"Oh, they can have a drink," said Sid Merrick. "I'd give a drink even to a dog," he added, and passed around some water the boys had in a bottle. ”

“ It was no easy matter to climb around or over the rocks which lay between the boys and the old mill, and the darkness under the thick trees was intense. They felt their way along slowly, and Tom was careful to carry the shotgun with the barrel pointed downward, that there might be no accident.
"More than likely those fellows have been putting up at the old mill," said Dick. ”

“ Dick and Dora, Sam and Grace, and Fred got in the first turnout and the others in the second.
"Now do not go too far," said Mrs. Stanhope, "and be sure and keep on roads that are safe."
"And do not stay out later than ten o'clock this evening," added Mrs. Laning.
"Oh, we'll be back safe and sound and on time," cried Dick. "So don't worry about us."
"Those are both powerful machines," was Mr. Rover's comment. "Be careful that you don't exceed the speed limits, or you may be arrested."
"Providing they catch us," answered Tom, with a grin. ”

“ Tom did the same with the shotgun.
"See here, you let us out and we'll make it all right with you," remarked Shelley, after another pause. "We are not the bad fellows you take us to be. We were only going to play a joke, that's all."
"I suppose you think Sid Merrick's doings are a joke, too," said Sam, before he had time to think twice.
"Ha! what do you know of Merrick?" ejaculated Cuffer. "They must have been listening to our talk," he added, in a low tone to his companion.
"Yes, and if so, we are in a bad box," answered Shelley. "I'd give a good deal to be out of here just now." ”

“ He was awful angry at us when he left the Hall."
"If he doesn't want to speak he can do the other thing," said the youngest Rover. "Perhaps he'll be glad to meet somebody in this out-of-the-way place."
They walked over to where Peter Slade stood and both spoke at once. The other lad was startled at first and then he scowled.
"Humph! you down here?" he said, shortly.
"Yes," answered Tom, pleasantly enough. "Did you just get in on the steamer?"
"I don't know as that is any of your business, Tom Rover!" ”