L. P. Wyman

“ Not a sign of the ship was to be seen, and my heart sank as I realized that, in all probability, I was the only one left alive of the crew. But, a moment later, glancing along the beach, I saw an object lying on the sand just at the water's edge, which brought me to my feet. I was so weak that I could hardly stand, but I managed to walk and creep until I was bending over the form of a man. He was lying face down, and when I had turned him over I saw that it was my friend, Mike Mulligan. ”

“ Knowing that their uncle was a man of considerable wealth, they were quite sure that he would have a good boat. But they were not prepared for the beautiful vessel which met their gaze as they hurried out to the end of the wharf shortly after eight o'clock.
"Gee, but she's a beauty," Jack gasped, as he stood still for a moment and gazed at the beautiful lines of the boat, as she rode at anchor about fifty feet out in the river.
"I reckon Ole had to move her out there," Mr. Lakewood said, his face flushed with pleasure at Jack's praise. ”

“ As the leading boat struck the sands, a large native sprang out and quickly made his way through the excited crowd until he had reached the leader. Watching him as well as they could from the distance it seemed to the boys that the leader received the newcomer with a great show of respect. Followed a short period of conversation between the two, accompanied by many gesticulations and much pointing toward the Valkyrie.
"They mean us all right," Jack said grimly. ”

“ Lakewood asked:
"Have you anything to suggest?"
"Yes," Captain Ole answered without hesitation,
"Well, what is it?"
"Simply that you tell the whole crew all about what we're after."
"You think it's wise?"
"If I didn't, I reckon I wouldn't have suggested it."
"No, of course not, but—"
"It's like this," the captain interrupted. "I believe every man we've got except Josh is a good man, and straight as sailors go, but the best of them can't stand too much mystery, and we've been laying it on pretty thick lately, with all this zig-zagging back and forth." ”

“ Slowly the minutes passed, and not a sound was to be heard save the soft lap of the water against the sides of the boat. There was no wind and the fog was now so thick that it was with difficulty that they could see each other. They had been cautioned against making any noise, so they did not speak.
"They can't see us any better than we can see them so we'll let them have all the trouble we can in finding us," Captain Ole had said.
"If only a breeze would spring up," Bob thought as he tried to pierce the dense fog and strained his ears to catch the faintest sound of an approaching enemy. ”

“ Bob ordered, again making the gesture.
As the coin slid to the ground, a loud groan came from the lips of the natives and they again bowed their heads to the earth.
"Here's where we slump," Bob said in a low tone to Jack. "Follow me and, whatever you do, don't show a sign of fear. Walk with your head up."
Slowly and majestically he strode from the circle, closely followed by Jack. Not a man moved as they stepped between them and, as they approached the women, who were a short distance off, they scattered and fled with cries of fear. ”

“ The boy let it run till the reel was again bare and then began to wind in again. By this time several of the crew were gathered in the stern watching the fight, among them Captain Ole.
"You got quite a minnie," he smiled as the fish again leaped clear of the water.
"I'll say he is," Jack puffed, turning the handle with all his strength.
"And it's a white, sure as guns," Captain Ole told him. "I don't as a rule like to see a thing killed just for the sake of killing, but when it comes to a white shark, the more of them you kill the better, I say. They're killers of the worst sort. ”

“ It was Josh Kelley, and he was up to something, for he raised his right hand, and a flash of light sprang out.
"It was a signal all right," he thought, as he shrank back, fearful lest the man see him.
What should he do? He knew now that his suspicions, as well as those of his uncle, were confirmed. The second mate was in league with someone, and was signaling to him, or to them. But what was the object? Did he know of their quest? These and many more questions flashed through his mind as he stood there, watching that twinkling light, which came and went in answer to the mate's signal. ”

“ Eagerly he looked out and saw that Bob had covered fully half the distance to the boat, but, to his horror, he also saw that the shark had sighted him and was now coming straight for him. In fact the ominous fin was only a matter of fifty feet from the swimmer and was rapidly cutting down the distance between them.
"He'll never make it," he gasped as he raised the rifle. ”

“ Then Bob, who was gripping the rail tightly with both hands, said: "But they must have taken to the boats. We can pick them up, can't we?"
"We can try," his uncle assured him.
"Turn on the searchlight, Pat," the captain ordered, "and you'd better slow her down to about half speed. We don't want to run any of them down."
Almost instantly a broad beam of light spread itself over the water in front of the boat which was already losing headway as the engineer obeyed the mate's signal.
"Keep her sweeping about and all of you use your eyes," the captain cried. "We don't want to miss them." ”

“ Bob asked his uncle.
"It's hard to tell," he replied.
"But aren't we going to put up a fight?" Jack broke in.
"If we get a ghost of a chance we'll fight all right," Captain Ole assured him.
And now it would have been possible to throw a stone from the deck of the Valkyrie to the other boat. The captain, standing in the bow of the pursuing boat was holding a megaphone to his mouth and was evidently shouting some order to them but, so great was the noise of the water rushing by, they were unable to hear a word. ”

“ Jack confessed. "You see, sir, it was so hot I reckon we didn't stop to think about the sharks."
"Well, you ought to be spanked, and you will be if you ever do such a thing again."
"Yes, sir," both boys replied meekly.
"Tell me about it."
"He—er—it almost had me when Jack shot it," Bob stammered.
"You mean that shark would have had you if Jack hadn't shot it?"
"It sure would."
"Then it's a miracle," his uncle told him. "Shooting a shark in the water and killing him with one shot is something that can't be done once in a hundred times, let me tell you. ”

“ I've known one to follow a ship for more than a day. How'd you like to catch him?"
"Could we?"
Both boys asked the question at the same time.
"If we've got a shark hook aboard we can have a try at him," Mr. Lakewood said as he arose. "You keep your eye on him and I'll go see if I can find one, Ole ought to have some."
"Talk about fishing," Bob said as his uncle left them.
"Wonder what kind of a rod you use," Jack mused.
"Rod! I reckon you don't use a rod at all."
"A body'd think you'd fished for sharks all your life," Jack declared. ”

“ Jack chuckled. "I hit the first one in the fleshy part of his leg and the other I didn't hit at all."
Just then the bow of the boat dipped sharply, and they knew that at last she was afloat.
"Three cheers," Bob shouted, and they were given with a will.
"And thank God," Mr. Lakewood added.
Slowly the Valkyrie backed for a short distance, and then, turning slightly, headed for the open sea.
"No one outside till we're clear," Captain Ole ordered, as one of the sailors was about to pass through the door. "They can't hurt us now if we keep out of the way of those darts." ”

“ Lakewood chuckled as the native disappeared amid the crowd which still thronged the pier.
"He seems fine, all right, but you never can tell," Bob replied with a smile.
"He's a prince," Jack declared.
"King, rather," his uncle corrected him.
"But I thought this island belonged to the French."
"So it does, but they all have a king just the same."
"But who would have thought of finding so well educated a man on one of these islands," Bob said.
"Most of their head men are more or less educated," his uncle told him. ”

“ It was well past twelve o'clock when they were back on board and Wong, having kept dinner waiting all of ten minutes, was in a bad mood.
"You velly mooch late," he snapped as they entered the mess cabin.
"But we're hungry enough to make up for it," Jack told him.
"You velly lucky to gleet anything," was the answer he got.
"It's a good thing for us that Wong's bite isn't as bad as his bark," Bob laughed as they sat down at the table.
"You didn't seem to be much disappointed, Uncle Si," Jack ventured when they were nearly through the meal and he had not mentioned the subject. ”

“ Mr. Lakewood looked worried as he joined them.
"Are we going as fast as we can?" Bob asked.
"Mac's got on every pound of steam he dare carry."
"Then they must have a wonder," Jack declared.
"They have," his uncle agreed with a shake of his head.
"They're going to catch us before dark."
This time it was Captain Ole who made the prediction and his face was, as Jack afterward declared, a mile long.
"Well, I reckon all we can do is to keep on and hope for the best," Mr. Lakewood sighed.
"And prepare for the worst," Captain Ole added. ”

“ Jack declared. "Look at the crowd down there by the wharf."
"It's quite an event for a boat to come in," his uncle told him.
"You're sure they're peaceful?" Bob asked a bit anxiously, as the boat came near enough for him to see the dark skins and scanty attire of the natives.
"You're not afraid, are you?" Mr. Lakewood asked in a tone of surprise.
"No," Bob told him. "I'm not afraid only, you know, I always had an idea that I'd make pretty good soup and——"
"Don't let him razz you, Uncle," Jack interrupted. "When you see Bob afraid you can know there's something to be afraid of." ”

“ Jack said as he saw a number of children playing about the trees.
"Looks that way," Bob agreed.
Just beyond the grove was the village of the tribe, consisting of about a dozen huts of bamboo shaped not unlike an Indian teppee. Several women, dressed like their captors except that their grass girdles were somewhat wider, sat or lay on the ground most of them engaged in weaving grass into what seemed to be large mats. As the party approached, the children flocked about them looking in amazement at the two boys. ”

“ Bob replied as he threw the coin.
"They sure are at home in the water," Jack said as they turned away from the rail.
"Well, I reckon they about live in it."
"No doubt."
"Did you get a run for your money?" Mr. Lakewood smiled as they rejoined him.
"Sure did, and the other fellows had a dive for it," Jack laughed.
"They're probably the best swimmers and divers in the world," Mr. Lakewood told them.
"But I'd like to see Jack try one of them on a long swim," Bob said.
"He'd be licked before they started. Those boys think nothing of swimming ten miles or more." ”

“ It was the following morning, shortly after ten o'clock, and the two boys, together with their uncle, were sitting beneath an awning in the stern of the boat as Bob asked the question, at the same time pointing to a triangular shaped object some hundred feet astern.
"It's a shark," his uncle told him.
"I've been watching him for some time, and that's what I thought it was. He must be a pretty good sized one."
"Yes, they get pretty large down this way and pretty ugly too."
"Well, I hate to fall overboard just now," Jack shuddered. "Do they often follow boats that way?" he asked. ”

“ If Captain Ole or Uncle get wise they may not let us go."
"Well, they're both up in the wheel house and all the crew are below except Pat and he was fixing something or other out in the stern a few minutes ago, so I reckon, the coast is clear."
"What boat'll we take?"
"This one right here is as handy as any, I guess," Jack replied. "If only the ropes don't creak when we lower it."
"If it wasn't for the sharks we could swim it and not make a bit of noise."
"I know, but it would be sure death to try that so it's out of the question. It's the boat or nothing." ”

“ Bob declared.
"Listen."
There came a faint splash followed by another and another, growing fainter and fainter until they died out altogether.
"They've gone," Captain Ole announced. "Give 'em a shot now, boys, just to let 'em know we're here, but fire in the air. I don't want to kill anyone if we can help it."
The sailors, with the guns, fired a volley and immediately it was answered by loud yelling from the shore.
"Faith, an' is it scared or mad they are?" Pat asked with a low chuckle.
"Little of both, I reckon," Mr. Lakewood told him. ”

“ By the time he had finished speaking, the fog had entirely shut out the view of the island and one by one the boats began to disappear, as though a curtain had been drawn down in front of them. In less than the time stated by the captain not a boat was to be seen.
"Better try the engine again," Mr. Lakewood suggested.
Captain Ole gave the order, but although the engineer raced the engine to the utmost, it was without effect and he was finally forced to give it up. "There's only one thing to be done," he announced. ”

“ Jack asked.
"Not unless he's overheard something," his uncle told him. "We three and Captain Ole are the only ones in the secret so far as I know. But he may be wise at that."
"How far away do you think that island is?" Bob asked.
"I haven't much idea. When I took that trip I wasn't in a condition to notice much of anything especially during the last part of it, and I may have come a hundred miles and then again it may been nearer five hundred. We're simply to hunt until we find it. I know it's around here somewhere, and I reckon we'll strike it sooner or later." ”

“ Just at that moment the mate shifted the searchlight a bit and, by its light, they could see a small boat rising and falling only a few hundred feet away.
"Stand by to throw them a rope," Captain Ole shouted to the sailors who were gathered on the deck below.
"Aye, aye, sir. We see them," was the reply.
First Mate Pat had already changed his course so as to bring the yacht alongside the smaller boat.
"There are only four men in it," Bob said.
"She must have been a freighter," Jack replied. ”

“ But don't you get scared," he added. "The Valkyrie is seaworthy and she'll outride the storm all right."
The ship was now pitching so violently that they were all obliged to cling fast to the railing of the stairway to keep their feet.
"If this isn't a cyclone then I'd hate to see one," Jack laughed as a huge wave sent a smother of spray over the bow.
"What makes you think it isn't one?" ”

“ But this was the last battle, and Jack had the fish up to within twenty feet of the boat when Mr. Lakewood reappeared with a rifle in his hands.
"You a good shot, Bob?" he asked.
"Nothing extra," Bob grinned.
"Well, have a try," Mr. Lakewood said, handing him the gun.
"Where's the best place to hit?" Bob asked as he took the rifle from his uncle's hand.
"When he turns, get him just above his mouth," Captain Ole advised. ”

“ Captain Ole made the announcement as the boys and their uncle, together with three or four of the sailors, stood watching the big chain run out.
"Then I reckon we'll have to let her drift," Mr. Lakewood said as the captain gave the signal to raise the anchor. "I don't really think that we're anywhere near the place yet," he whispered to Bob, who was standing close at his side, "but we don't want to take any chances. There's so little wind that we won't go far."
"Well, guess we might's well go in and send a picture to the folks at home," Jack said as the anchor appeared. ”

“ Wong summoned them to supper and they made a hurried meal, all being anxious to be out where they could watch the race.
"She's not more'n a mile away," Bob declared when they were again in the stern.
"And coming like all possessed," Jack added. "I never supposed a boat of that size could make such speed."
Rod by rod and yard by yard the pursuing boat gained on them although the Valkyrie seemed to be fairly flying through the water. It still lacked nearly an hour of sunset and there was no hope of keeping away from them until darkness would give them a chance of escape. ”

“ Captain Ole told them as he started from the room to give orders to change the course. "Heard anything more?" he asked as he returned a moment later.
"Not a thing," Jack told him.
"Well, keep on watch and if you pick up anything let me know at once. I'll be on the bridge." He went out and Mr. Lakewood followed him leaving the boys alone.
"She's sure picking up speed," Bob said as he felt the quiver of the boat's engine.
"And I reckon she'll need to if we're going to get there in time to be of any use. How's the weather? Beginning to blow a bit, isn't it?" ”

“ The second mate, a large bony man in the early thirties and evidently a typical Down East Yankee, whom their uncle introduced as Josh Kelley, met them as they mounted the companion way and both boys took an instant liking to him.
The boat had been newly painted, and her brass shown like gold, and everywhere she was spotlessly clean.
"She's guaranteed to do twenty-five knots," their uncle told them as he led the way to the cabin. ”

“ Bob laughed as he jumped from the boat and as the next wave hit, pulled it up a little farther.
"What part of the world do you suppose this is?" Jack asked as he tried in vain to pierce the fog.
"I imagine it's our island all right. We surely didn't go far enough to hit anything else. But I think I feel a little breeze and it'll probably blow the fog away pretty soon."
He was right for, in a very few minutes, the fog began to lighten and in another fifteen minutes it was practically gone.
"They sure come quick and go quick," Jack declared. "Do you recognize the place?" ”

“ Captain Ole Olsen was a Swede and, as Jack laughed later "a mighty big one," standing well over six feet and well proportioned. Somewhat to their surprise, he spoke with practically no accent, although, as Jack declared as soon as he was out of hearing, his voice seemed to come from his boots. As soon as the introductions were over, Mr. Lakewood asked him if he could be ready to sail on the following afternoon. ”

“ Jack mused as he leaned over the rail.
"Yes, I'd like to know if they have boats," Bob said.
Just then Captain Ole, clad only in trowsers and shirt, joined them.
"What's up?" he asked.
"We think there's a large band of natives on shore," Bob told him.
"There's some sure's I'm a sea dog," the captain agreed after he had listened a moment. "Pat, get all hands up as quick as you can and tell MacDonald to get up steam just as quick as he can. We may want to pull out in a hurry."
"You think they may attack us, sir?" Bob asked as Pat started off on the run. ”

“ Bob told him. "I'll stand the rest of your watch. I wouldn't sleep any more anyway and I'd rather stay out here than inside."
"You mean it?"
"Sure I do. Go to it."
"But mebby the cap' might not like it."
"He won't care as long as someone is on the watch," Bob assured him.
"Then I reckon as how I'll do it. I'm mighty sleepy."
The mate turned and disappeared in the darkness going toward his quarters. Bob waited a few minutes and then made his way to the wheel house.
"Where you been?" Jack demanded as soon as he was inside. ”