The situation was one which demanded instant action.
The snake was a dangerous one, and very much aroused, and it might at any instant do Sam great harm.
The poor boy was speechless and motionless, for the reptile had caught his eye and held him as by a spell.
It was Tom who acted. Heedless of the danger, he leaped forward and aimed a kick at the snake's head.
The reptile was caught fairly and squarely, and the head went down with an angry hiss. Then Tom stepped upon it, but the snake squirmed loose and uttered another hiss, louder than before.
"Take him off! Take him off!" screamed Sam, now recovering his voice."Don't let him bite me."
He would have caught the snake himself, and so would Tom, but the hands of both were still tied behind them.
By this time Captain Langless emerged from the cave, pulling out a pistol as he did so.
Arnold Baxter had not offered to fire a second shot. Now, he was out of danger himself, he did not seem to care what became of the Rovers.
Crack! crack! It was the captain's weapon which spoke up, and the two shots, fired in rapid succession, did their work thoroughly. The first took the snake in the neck and the second in the head, and in a twinkle the long, slippery body unwound itself from Sam's leg and began to turn and twist on the ground.
"Good for you!" gasped Sam, when able to speak again. "Ugh! what an ugly thing!" And he retreated to the opposite side of the pool, along with Tom.
"He was a nasty one," replied Captain Langless, as he coolly proceeded to reload his pistol. "I might have killed him in the cave, only the light was bad."
"Is he—he dead?" came from behind some rocks, and Dan showed a white face and trembling form.
"Yes, he's dead," answered Arnold Baxter. "I came pretty close to hitting him," he went on, bound to say something for himself.
"I—I thought there was a whole nest of them," continued Dan. "If I had known there was only one, I would have stood my ground."
"Of course—you always were brave," answered Tom sarcastically.
"See here, Tom Rover, I don't want any of your back talk," howled the bully, his face turning red.
"Come, don't quarrel now," said Captain Langless, so sternly that Dan subsided on the instant. "The question is, are there any more snakes in that cave?"
"Send Dan in to investigate," suggested Sam, with just the faintest touch of his old-time light-heartedness.
"Me?" ejaculated the individual mentioned. "Not me! I wouldn't go in there for a million dollars!"
"Perhaps we had better find some other cave," said Arnold Baxter. "You said there were several around here."
"This is as good as any," answered Captain Langless. "If you are afraid, I'll go in myself," and turning, he disappeared once more into the opening, lantern in one hand and pistol in the other.
He was gone the best part of quarter of an hour, and came back covered with dust and dirt.
"The old spot is pretty well choked up with rubbish," he said. "But there isn't a sign of another snake around, nor of any wild beasts. Come," and he motioned Sam and Tom to follow him.
"I don't think it fair that you should leave us helpless," said Tom."At least untie our hands and let us each get a good stick."
"So you can fight us, eh?" cried Arnold Baxter. "We are not such fools."
"You have your pistols," put in Sam. "And what could we do on a lonely island and without a boat?"
"The lads are right—it's not fair to leave them helpless when there may be other danger at hand," interposed the captain. "If I unloosen you, will you promise not to run away?"
"The promise would not amount to anything!" sniffed Dan.
"We won't run away for the present," said Tom honestly. "But you can't expect me to remain a prisoner here—not if I can help myself."
The candor of the youth compelled Captain Langless to laugh, and, taking out a knife, he cut the ropes which bound the lads' hands.
"You won't need sticks, I am sure of it," he said. "Come, I will lead, and you"—nodding to the Baxters—"can bring up the rear."
No more was said, and in a minute more all were inside of the cave, which proved to be fifteen feet wide, about as high, and at least two hundred feet long. At the lower end were a turn and a narrow passageway leading to the darkness beyond. The ceiling was rough, and the lantern cast long, dancing shadows over it as they advanced. Sam could not help but shiver, and Tom looked unusually sober.
That the cave had once been used as a rendezvous of some sort was plainly evident. At the back was a rude fireplace, with a narrow slit in the rocks overhead, through which the smoke might ascend. Here were several half-burned logs of wood, and two tumble-down boxes which had evidently done duty as benches. On a stick stuck in a crack of the wall hung an old overcoat, now ready to fall apart from decay.
"Rather unwholesome, I admit," said the captain, with a glance at the others. "But a roaring fire in yonder chimney-place will soon alter things. And when I've had one of the men bring some blankets and stores from thePeacock, it will be fairly comfortable."
"Do you mean to keep us here?" demanded Tom.
"We do," answered Arnold Baxter. "And you can thank your stars that you have not been taken to a worse place."
"It's a jolly shame. Why don't you kill us off at once, and be done with it?"
"Because you are worth more to us alive than dead."
"We won't live long if you keep us here," put in Sam. "It's enough to give a fellow the ague."
"We will start a fire without delay," said the captain, and then, turning to Arnold Baxter, he continued: "Can you find the way back to the ship?"
"I think I can," returned the other. "Years ago I was used to tramping the gold regions of the West."
"Then you had better go and tell the mate to bring along that stuff I mentioned before I left. You can easily carry the stuff between you. I'll build the fire and, with the aid of your son, watch the two prisoners."
So it was arranged, although Arnold Baxter did not fancy the task of carrying stuff to be used for the Rovers' comfort. He left his pistol with Dan, who kept it in his hand, ready to shoot should Sam or Tom make the slightest movement toward getting away.
As Captain Langless had said, the fire made the cave far more comfortable, taking away the feeling of dampness and lighting up all the nooks and corners. From a distance the boys heard a faint falling of water, and were told that it came from a spring hidden at the rear passageway.
It was a good hour before Arnold Baxter returned, lugging a fair-sized bundle, and followed by the mate of thePeacockwith an even greater load. They had several blankets and a basket of provisions, and likewise a few cooking utensils.
"Evidently out for a stay," muttered Tom, as he looked at the things.
"They are for your use," was Captain Langless' grim reply. "After thisI reckon you'll cook for yourselves."
"Do you expect us to remain in this cave night and day?"
"You'll remain whenever things look suspicious outside."
"Then you'll let us go out otherwise?"
"If you behave yourselves."
It was not long before Tom and Sam were left in the cave alone. The mate of the schooner was placed at the entrance on guard, armed with the captain's own pistol. Then Captain Langless and the Baxters withdrew, talking earnestly. Tom and Sam could not catch the drift of the conversation, although they heard the words "by mail" and "we must get the cash" used several times.
"They are bound to make money out of this affair, if they can," remarked Tom, when he and Sam were alone once more.
"I've a good mind to knock that mate down and take the pistol from him," said Sam.
"And get shot for your pains? Besides, if we took away the pistol and put him out of the fight, what next? We haven't any boat to get away in."
"Yes, but I don't intend to remain here a prisoner forever."
"No more do I, but we can do nothing just now. Let us see what kind of a meal we can make out of the provisions brought to us."
The prospect of a meal brightened up both lads, and they set to work with a will, and soon had coffee made. There were bread and butter and some canned beef and beans, and they ate heartily.
The mate sniffed the coffee, and remarked that it seemed good.
"Have a cup," said Tom cheerily.
"No funny work, boy," and Cadmus looked at the boys suspiciously. "No break like that you tried on me before."
"No, I won't run, honor bright," answered Tom, and then the mate took the coffee and drank it with much satisfaction.
As he set down the cup he gazed fixedly at both Tom and Sam for several seconds. Then he drew himself up as if he had come to some mental decision.
"I've got a plan to propose," he said slowly. "Do you want to listen or not?"
"What sort of a plan?" asked both.
"A plan to get you out of the clutches of Captain Langless and those Baxters," was the answer, which filled Tom and Sam with deep and sudden interest.
"Are you willing to help us to get away?" cried Sam.
"Under certain circumstances I am," replied the mate of the schooner. "Captain Langless didn't treat me square after you got away from me, and Andy Cadmus aint the tar to forget such a thing in a hurry."
"What are your conditions?" asked Tom.
"The conditions are two in number. In the first place, if I help you, will you promise, in case the plan falls through, that you will not tell Captain Langless what I did, but let him believe that you got away on your own hook?"
"We'll promise that readily enough," answered Tom, and Sam nodded.
"In the second place, if I get you away from them and see you to a place of safety, will you promise to help clear me in case those others are brought to trial?"
"We will," came from both.
"Is that all you want?" continued Tom.
"Almost. But there is one other condition I forgot to mention."
"I know what that is," said Sam. "It's money."
"Correct, lad. It's money. I'm a poor man, and what little I have is on board thePeacock. Your father is rich. If I help you, it ought to be worth something to him."
"How much?" asked Tom cautiously.
"Well, say a couple of hundred dollars. I won't ask for too much."
"You shall have the money," answered Tom quickly, "on condition you will aid us in bringing the Baxters to justice."
"Then it's a bargain," and Andy Cadmus drew another long breath. "Now for the details of our plan."
The mate sat down on a stone at the mouth of the cave and filled a pipe with tobacco, lit it, and fell to smoking thoughtfully.
"The details ought to be simple enough," said Tom. "When you go back to thePeacockyou can take one of the small boats, stock her with provisions, and then go off in her. Then we can join you."
"It won't work, unless you have a fight with whoever happens to be on guard here—and that may mean trouble for you. I have a better scheme."
"What's that?"
"To-night, when I'm on watch, I'll stock one of the small boats and take her to shore and hide her in the bushes. Then, when I'm on guard again here, we can all cut sticks and take to the little boat."
"Will you carry out the plan to-night?" asked Sam.
"If I can."
So it was arranged, and then the three talked over the details. Cadmus said it was a good tern miles to the nearest point of the mainland, but that he was certain he could steer almost a straight course thither.
A couple of hours later one of the sailors from thePeacockcame up, all out of breath, and told the mate to return to the schooner with all speed.
"The cap'n wants ye," he said, but would not explain why.
"What's the trouble?" asked Tom, when the sailor was on guard, but the newcomer refused to talk about the affair further than to say that he guessed Cadmus would not be back to do additional sentinel duty.
"If that's the case, our plan to escape is knocked in the head," whispered Sam, as he and Tom withdrew to the fire. "Was ever there luck before!"
"I move we try to escape without further delay," returned Tom. He was in a reckless mood.
"Shall we tackle the guard?"
"Let us try a bit of strategy," and then the pair held a whispered consultation lasting several minutes.
Returning to the mouth of the cave Tom took up his position at one side and Sam on the other. Talking of things in general at first, they gradually put the sailor in good humor, and then turned on the subject of snakes.
"That was a bad snake we killed," said Tom. "I sincerely hope there are no more around the cave."
"Snakes are ugly things," said the sailor, shaking his head vigorously.
"Ever see a sea serpent?" questioned Sam.
"No. I reckon there aint none on the lakes, like there are in the ocean. I've got a cousin sails the Pacific. He's seen serpents lots o' times—on the shores of them far-off islands."
"I don't believe a sea serpent is half as bad as a land snake," continued Sam. "Why, that snake was enough to give a fellow the jim-jams, he was so long and slimy, and had such a bad look in his blazing eyes. He wound right around my leg and was just going to strike, when— My gracious! look at that snake behind you!"
Worked up over what Sam was relating, and totally unconscious of the trick being played upon him, the sailor leaped up and turned around. As he did this, Tom came up behind him swiftly and pinioned his arms to his side. Then Sam rushed in and caught hold of the gun.
"Hi, stop!" roared the sailor. "Let go! This aint fair nohow!"
"Keep still, if you don't want to be shot," answered Tom. And he continued to hold the fellow, while Sam gave the gun a dexterous twist and got it loose. Then the youngest Rover aimed the weapon at the sailor's head.
"Up with your hands," he said, as coolly as he could, although his heart was pumping like mad.
Tom released his hold, and fearful of being shot, the sailor raised his hands as commanded. Then Tom picked up the ropes still lying near and proceeded to bind the sailor's legs together.
The fellow wished to yell for help, but Tom's stern glance kept him silent.
"Now what shall we do with him?" asked Sam.
"Carry him into the cave," replied his brother. "Somebody else from the schooner is bound to come, sooner or later, and release him."
"I don't want to go in with them snakes," said the tar. "Leave me out here."
"There are no more snakes in there," said Tom. "We'll place you close to the fire, so you'll be comfortable and in no danger of either snakes or wild beasts."
With this the boys lugged the sailor into the cave. They wasted no time, for there was no telling when some others of their enemies might put in an appearance.
"Now which way?" asked Sam, when the pair were again outside. "I wonder how big this island is?"
"Big enough for us to hide on, I imagine, Sam. Let us go in the opposite direction to which we came."
They skirted the cliff and then plunged into the woods beyond. As they progressed Tom cautioned his brother to keep to the rocks as much as possible, in order that the trail might be hidden.
It was still hot, and before long the exertion of climbing the rocks and picking their way through the dense underbrush told upon them. Coming to the top of a small hill, they halted.
"Let us climb into yonder tree and rest," said Sam. "Perhaps we can see thePeacockfrom that point."
This seemed a good idea, and they moved to the very top of the tallest tree to be found.
A grand view lay spread before their gaze. Close upon every side was the thickly wooded island, sloping gradually down to the lake, and beyond, as far as eye could reach, was the rolling water, sparkling brightly in the sunlight. To the northward Tom discovered a bit of greenery, which he rightly took for another island.
But what interested them most was the appearance of a ship riding at anchor to the westward, in one of the several bays previously mentioned. It was a sailing vessel of fair size, carrying a single mast.
"That's not thePeacock!" ejaculated Sam.
"You're right!" cried Tom. "She's a stranger. Hurrah! Perhaps Dick has followed us up, after all!"
"Anyway, we ought to find friends on that ship, Tom. Let us get to her as soon as possible."
"I'm willing. But I must rest a bit, I'm so dead tired."
"I wish we could get those on the strange ship to make the Baxters andCaptain Langless prisoners."
"Perhaps we can. But it will be a good deal to get out of the clutches of the enemy, even if we can't do any more."
Feeling much elated over the discovery of the strange vessel, the boys rested for quarter of an hour, and then, descending to the ground, struck out rapidly once more through the woods and underbrush. As they proceeded Tom carried his pistol in his hand, in case some wild animal might start up in their path, but nothing of the sort came to view.
As they came closer to the shore they found that the ground was wet and boggy, and they had to pick their way with care. Once Sam went into the soil up to his ankles, and dragged himself out only with great difficulty. Then they made a detour, coming out on the beach some distance below where the strange ship was anchored.
Halting behind a convenient bush, they surveyed the ship with interest. On the deck they discovered a man and a lady. The lady was sitting in an easy-chair, and the man stood by, leaning on a railing. Both were talking earnestly.
"Well I never!" came from Tom. "Sam, do you recognize those two people?"
"I do," was the answer. "Josiah Crabtree and Mrs. Stanhope! How in the world did they get here?"
[Illustration: HALTING BEHIND A CONVENIENT BUSH THEY SURVEYED THE SHIPWITH INTEREST.]
For the moment the boys were practically dumfounded. Josiah Crabtree and Mrs. Stanhope in this out-of-the-way place? What could it mean?
"They are arguing about something," said Tom, after a long pause. "Hear how earnestly old Crabtree is talking to her?"
"I wonder if Dora is with them."
"I don't see anything of her."
"What shall we do?"
"I don't know—excepting to remain hidden until we learn how the land lays."
The boys considered the situation for a while, and then, by turning back into the woods, managed to come up at a point still closer to the ship, which rested at anchor close to the trunk of a fallen tree.
Here they could hear the most of what was being said, and could also obtain a fair look at the side of Mrs. Stanhope's face. Josiah Crabtree's back was turned to them. They noticed that Mrs. Stanhope's face wore a peculiar, drawn expression, like that of one who is walking in his sleep.
"I'll wager he's been hypnotizing her again," whispered Tom. "Oh, what a rascal he is! Just as bad as the Baxters, every bit!"
"I do not, cannot, understand it all," the lady was saying. "I thoughtDora and I were to take this trip alone."
"It will all be clear to you in a few days, Pet," returned the ex-school-teacher soothingly. He had lately gotten to calling the lady "Pet," although that was not her real name.
"Where is my child now? I do not wish to remain on board without her."
"She will be back soon; do not worry."
"I thought the trip would do me much good," continued the lady, with a deep sigh. "But I am more feeble than ever, and I cannot think as clearly as I would wish."
"It may be that this lake air is too strong for you, Pet. To-morrow we will take a run ashore. The village of Nestwood is close at hand, and I dare say I can find very good accommodations for you there."
"Will Dora be with me?"
"Perhaps."
"I do not wish to go ashore without her. She always said we would be safe on the boat."
"And you are safe."
"But she didn't want me to—that is, she didn't expect you to be along."
"She has changed her mind about that, Pet. I had a long talk with her and proved to her that she had been mistaken in me, and that I was not as black as painted."
"But they put you in jail."
"All a mistake, as I told you before. It was the work of those rascallyRover boys."
"I like that," muttered Tom. "Isn't he a peach, though, for smoothing matters over?"
"He has hypnotized her, beyond a doubt," returned Sam. "She would never believe him otherwise."
"And what did Dora say?" went on Mrs. Stanhope, after a pause, during which Josiah Crabtree took a turn up and down the deck.
"She is perfectly willing that we should marry, but under one condition."
"And what is that?"
"I hardly dare to tell you—it is so peculiar. She doesn't wish to be present at the ceremony."
"Not present?"
"No. She says it would not be right. That she very foolishly made a vow never to be present should you marry again, and that she must keep that vow. She feels her position keenly, but she won't break her vow."
Such a statement would have aroused any ordinary woman, but Mrs. Stanhope appeared to be completely in Josiah Crabtree's power, and all she did now was to draw a long sigh and then wipe away a tear which stole down her pallid face.
"I do not think it right that I should marry without Dora being present."
"Pooh! If the girl wishes to remain away, let her do so. She will soon come to her senses and be glad of the way matters have turned."
"You do not know Dora. She is very—very headstrong at times."
"Yes, I do know her, Pet. She is headstrong, and greatly influenced by those Rover boys—especially by Dick Rover, who seems to be—ahem—somewhat smitten with her."
"Dick always impressed me as being a good youth."
"Good? He is anything but that. Why, if it wasn't for the Rovers, I would now have the finest boarding school for boys on Cayuga Lake. They spoiled all the plans I ever made. But they shall do so no longer. They cross my path again at their peril!"
"The tragic old fraud!" whispered Tom. "I've a good mind to face him just where he stands."
"Go slow! We dun't know who is on board of that ship."
"Evidently friends to Crabtree, or they wouldn't let him hypnotizeDora's mother."
"Where can Dora be?"
"That remains to be found out."
"I wonder where that ship hails from?"
"One of the lake towns. She is an old vessel. There is the name—Wellington. That sounds as if she might be a Canadian."
"Perhaps Crabtree got both of them into Canada and then cast Dora adrift."
There was now a stir on the ship, and a fat old sailor came on deck.
"How long you say we stay in dees island, hey?" he asked, in a strongFrench-Canadian accent.
"We will sail as soon as the sun goes down," answered Josiah Crabtree.
"I no lak to stay here," went on the sailor, "You no pay for to stay here."
"I will pay you for your full time," answered the ex-school-teacher smoothly. "Do not worry on that account."
"You go on de land, hey?"
"I think not. We shall set sail for Nestwood, as I told you before."
"Is Dora at Nestwood?" questioned Mrs. Stanhope.
"I expect to meet her there. But she may not show up until after the wedding, my dear."
"It is very, very strange," and Mrs. Stanhope sighed again.
The fat old sailor now went below again, and after a few words more with Mrs. Stanhope Josiah Crabtree followed.
"Now is our chance!" whispered Tom. "You stay here and I'll try to have a talk with Mrs. Stanhope in secret."
So speaking, Tom crawled out upon the fallen tree trunk until he could reach a rope hanging over theWellington'sside. Then he drew himself up silently.
"Oh!" cried Mrs. Stanhope, on catching sight of him. "Is it really you,Tom Rover?"
"Hush, Mrs. Stanhope! not so loud," he replied hastily. "I don't want to let Josiah Crabtree know I am here."
"But where did you come from?"
"From the island. It's a long story. I am here with Sam."
"It is very strange. But many things of late have been strange."
"May I ask how you happen to be here?"
"That, too, is a long story. I was to take a trip with Dora, for the benefit of my health. But, on the way to the lakes Dora disappeared and Mr. Crabtree turned up in her place—and he has been with me ever since."
"He wants to marry you, doesn't he?"
"Yes, he has always wished that, as you know."
"I wouldn't do it. He is after your money, and that is all. He is a fraud, and everybody knows it."
Mrs. Stanhope passed her hand over her brow. Tom's blunt words did much to counteract Josiah Crabtree's strange influence over her.
"Your words impress me deeply," she faltered. "Dora talks that way, too. But—but—Mr. Crabtree, when he is with me, makes me think so differently." She tried to get up, then sank back in her seat. "And I am so weak physically!"
"Don't alarm yourself, Mrs. Stanhope. If you need a friend, I'll stand by you—and so will Sam."
"Where is Dick? You boys are always together."
"I don't know where he is at present. We were carried off by theBaxters, who are not far off."
"The Baxters! Oh, I am afraid of those people—more afraid than I ever was of Mr. Crabtree."
"They are certainly more daring, but no worse morally than Crabtree." Tom ran his hand through his curly hair in perplexity. "Who is aboard of this boat?"
"Mr. Crabtree and myself, two sailors, and one of the sailors' wives, who has been waiting on me."
"Not a very large crowd."
"Mr. Crabtree said he did not wish too many along."
"How long have you been here on the lake?"
"Several days. I did not wish to go, but, but——"
"He has an influence over you?"
"Yes, a strange influence I cannot understand. Oh, I am so wretched!"And the lady suddenly burst into tears.
"Don't, please don't!" said Tom, all sympathy at once. "It's Crabtree's work, and he shan't harm you. I'll see you safe back to Dora and home."
"Will you?" she demanded eagerly. "I do not wish to marry unless Dora is pleased. She said——"
Mrs. Stanhope got no further, for at that instant Josiah Crabtree reappeared on deck. His astonishment at seeing Tom can better be imagined than described.
"Am I dreaming?" gasped the former school-teacher, when he could command his voice sufficiently to speak.
"You might better be dreaming, Josiah Crabtree," replied Tom, eying the man sharply. "This is a bad business you are engaged in."
"Where did you come from?"
"None of your business."
"Don't be impertinent, young man."
"Then don't try to pry into my private affairs."
"Have you been following this boat?" questioned Crabtree nervously.
"Never mind what I've been doing. I have found you out, and that appears to be a good job done."
"Found me out? What do you mean to insinuate by that?"
"I mean that you are up to no good; that's what I mean, Mr. JosiahCrabtree, A. M."
"You are very, very——"
"Don't try to abuse me, it won't work. I want to know what you propose to do with Mrs. Stanhope."
"That is my affair—or, rather, it is the affair of that lady and myself—and does not concern such a scamp as you."
"Oh, Josiah! I do not think Tom is a scamp," broke in Mrs. Stanhope, in a pleading voice.
"He is a scamp, and worse, Pet. Allow me to deal with him alone."
"So you thought to elope with Mrs. Stanhope," went on Tom sarcastically. "To elope without Dora being the wiser."
"Ha! what do you know of Dora!" ejaculated the man, starting back in alarm.
"I know a good deal."
"Has she—ahem! followed me?"
"Would that surprise you?"
"It is—er—very extraordinary." Crabtree cleared his throat. "I—that is—where is she now?" And he looked around.
"I told you I wasn't answering questions. But you had better take my advice and go slow, or you'll soon find yourself in jail again."
"You must have followed us in a boat. Where is your craft?"
"Another question which I am not answering. Do you surrender?"
"Surrender?"
"That is what I said."
"I—er—don't understand."
"The case is very simple. You ran off with Mrs. Stanhope, influencing her against her will to accompany you. Your game is to marry her so that you can get hold of the money she is holding in trust for Dora——"
"It is false!"
"It is the plain truth. Josiah Crabtree, you are a trickster of the first water, but if I can prevent your trickery I am going to do it." Tom turned to Mrs. Stanhope, who was now crying violently. "Won't you go below and let me have it out with this man?"
"Oh, I trust there will be no violence!" she sobbed.
"I shall teach this young upstart a lesson," fumed Josiah Crabtree. He saw that Tom's coming had greatly lessened his influence over the lady.
"Please go below, Mrs. Stanhope, and don't worry about me," said Tom.
"Yes, it will be best," added Crabtree, and then the lady disappeared down the companion way, walking slowly, for she felt weaker than ever, because of the excitement.
"Now, sir, we will come to an understanding," said the former teacher of Putnam Hall, as he faced Tom with a show of severe dignity.
"Very well, we will come to an understanding."
"You have followed me to here."
"Granted."
"You came in another boat with Dora."
"What if I did? Do you suppose I would come with her alone?" went onTom, struck with a sudden idea.
"Do you mean to say you have—er—brought along any of the—ahem!—authorities?" And Josiah Crabtree glanced around nervously.
"I am not alone—nor is Dora where you can do her any harm."
Josiah Crabtree's face became a trifle pale.
"Boy, what do you wish to do—ruin me?"
"Mr. Crabtree, you are ruining yourself."
"You were the means of putting me in jail before—you and your brothers."
"You deserved it, didn't you?"
"No."
"I think you did. But that has nothing to do with the present situation. I want to know if you are willing to come to terms or not?"
"What—er—terms do you want me to make?"
"Are you in control of this boat?'
"I am."
"Then, in the first place, you must turn the control of the boat over to me."
"And after that?"
"You can remain on board, if you behave yourself, until we reach the mainland."
"And what then?"
"After that you can make your own terms with Mrs. Stanhope and Dora."
"But the authorities—"
"Mr. Crabtree, for the sake of the Stanhopes we wish to avoid all publicity," replied Tom, playing his game as skillfully as possible. "I don't think they will want to bring you and themselves into court, if you will promise to leave them alone in the future."
"Who is with you here?" And Crabtree looked ashore anxiously.
"Sam is close at hand."
"And the others?"
"Never mind about the others. I hold a winning hand, but what that is I'll let time show. Now, for the last time, are you willing to let me take charge or not?"
"It is a very unusual proceeding."
"Say yes or no."
"What shall I say? I do not wish any trouble."
"Then I am going to take charge. Call up the two sailors who have been running this boat for you."
With a dark look on his face Josiah Crabtree did as requested. At the same time Tom beckoned to Sam to come on the deck.
The sailors were much astonished to see the two strangers. Only the fat tar could speak English, and he translated what was said into French for his companion's benefit.
It was with very bad grace that Josiah Crabtree told the sailor who commanded theWellingtonthat Tom would now direct the movements of the vessel.
"We have—er—decided to change our plans," said the former school-teacher.
"What you lak to do den, hey?" demanded the fat sailor.
"What is the nearest American town to here?" asked Tom.
"Ze nearest place?"
"Yes."
"Buryport."
"And how far is that from here?"
"Ten or eleven miles."
"Then we will sail for that place, and at once."
At this Crabtree looked surprised.
"You are going to Buryport at once? What about the others you said were with you?"
"I will answer no questions." Tom turned around and winked at Sam, who had heard the previous conversation. "I guess they'll follow right enough, eh?"
"Sure," answered Sam. "Dick knows what he's doing, and so does that detective."
"A detective!" groaned Josiah Crabtree. "Has it come to this!" And he wrung his hands nervously.
"Mr. Crabtree, I must ask you to step forward," went on Tom. "I do not wish you to go below."
"Why?"
"I do not wish you to worry Mrs. Stanhope," answered the youth. But what he was afraid of was that Crabtree might take it into his head to arm himself and bring on further trouble.
"As you please," answered the former teacher, with a shrug of his shoulders. "You seem to have matters well in hand." And he strode forward, biting his lip in vexation. He would have tried to escape to the island, only he was afraid no one would ever come to rescue him.
While speaking, Tom had taken the pains to display the pistol taken from the sailor at the cave. Sam now took up a short iron bar lying near, and both boys showed that they meant to remain masters of the situation. The Canadians noted this, but said nothing, for they felt something was wrong and they wished to get into no trouble. A few minutes later the anchor was brought up, the sails hoisted, and theWellingtonstood away from Needle Point Island.
It is now time that we go back to theRocketand see how Dick and those with him were faring.
At the announcement that a schooner looking like thePeacockwas in sight he ran on deck with all speed, and caught up a glass belonging to the owner of the steam tug.
"It's thePeacock, sure," he cried.
"See anything o' that Captain Langless or them Baxters?" asked LukePeterson.
"I see somebody, but we are too far off to make out their faces."
The order was passed to the engineer of the tug, and the speed of the craft was materially increased.
But before they could come up to the schooner she disappeared around a headland of the island.
"We must run out a bit," said Captain Parsons. "There is a nasty reef here, and if we aint careful we'll get aground."
"Where do you suppose thePeacockhas gone?" asked Dick.
"Into one of the bays, most likely."
"Can we follow her?"
"Of coarse. The tug doesn't draw any more water than the schooner, if as much."
"Perhaps we had better see how the land lays before we approach too close," suggested Peterson. "They may be prepared to fight us off."
"That is true," said Dick. "Perhaps we can slip into another bay close by."
So it was arranged, and they sped on their way, passing the bay in which thePeacocklay.
Near the island was a quantity of driftwood, and they had just gotten out of sight of the bay when there was a sudden grinding and crashing sound on board of the tug, and the engineer shut off the steam power.
"A breakdown!" exclaimed the captain, and so it proved. The screw had become entangled in the limb of a tree, and sufficient damage had been done to render the screw useless.
This was indeed an unlooked-for accident, and Dick wondered what they had best do.
"We can't use the screw at all?" he asked of the engineer, after an examination.
"Not until I have had a chance to repair it."
"And how long will the repairs take?"
"Can't tell till I get at work. Maybe an hour or two, maybe half a day."
This was dismaying information, and Dick held a consultation with LarryColby and Luke.
"I know what I'd do," said Larry. "I'd have the captain of the tug land me at some point above here, and then I'd watch thePeacockfrom behind some bushes on shore."
This was considered good advice, and Dick agreed to act upon it. He spoke to Parsons, and a small boat was put out, and Dick, Larry, and Peterson were rowed to land.
"Now what will you do with the tug?" asked the eldest Rover.
"We'll haul her in to a safe spot," answered Parsons. "I don't believe those repairs will take over a couple of hours. Then we'll be at your service again."
Once on land Dick led the way into the woods, moving in the direction of the bay where he had last seen thePeacock.
He was armed, and so were his companions, but they wished, if possible, to avoid all trouble.
They had landed at a spot where the rocks were numerous and the ground uncertain, and they had not proceeded far when Luke Peterson called a halt.
"We want to be careful here," he said. "This island is full of caves and pitfalls and, before you know it, you'll break a leg."
"It is certainly an ideal hiding place," returned Larry. "Hi, Dick! what's that?"
"What's what?"
"I thought I saw somebody in the brush yonder."
Dick shook his head.
"I saw nothing."
"Neither did I," put in the lumberman. "Who did it look like?"
"Perhaps I was mistaken and it was a bird flitting through the brush.Come on."
Larry plunged ahead and Dick followed.
Both had hardly taken a dozen steps when each gave a yell.
"What's up now?" cried Peterson, and came after them at a bound.
Then all tried to scramble back.
It was too late. They had struck a tiny water-course between the rocks. And now the very bottom of it seemed to drop out, and they sank down and down into almost utter darkness.
"We are lost!" spluttered Dick, but it is doubtful if either of his companions heard him.
For the minute after Dick was so dazed and bewildered that he said nothing more. He clutched at rocks, dirt, and tree roots, but all gave way at his touch.
At last he found himself flat on his back on a heap of dead leaves and moss. Partly across him lay Larry, while Peterson was several feet away. Around the three lay dirt and bushes and several good-sized stones. It was lucky the stones had not come down on top of them, otherwise one or another might have been killed.
"Gosh, what a tumble!" ejaculated Peterson, when he could speak. "I told ye to be careful. This island is like a reg'lar honeycomb fer holes."
"Oh, my foot!" gasped Larry, as he tried to get up.
"That was a tumble and no mistake," said Dick. "What's the matter with your foot, Larry?"
"I don't know, excepting I must have sprained my ankle," was the answer. "Oh!" And Larry gave a loud groan.
Forgetful of their situation, Dick and the lumberman bent over Larry and helped him to get off his shoe and sock. His ankle was beginning to swell and turn red, and he had sprained it beyond a doubt.
The water was coming into the opening from the little stream overhead, and Dick readily procured a hatful of the fluid and the ankle was bathed with this. After this it was bound up, and Larry said it felt somewhat better.
"But I can't walk very far on it," he continued, and then added, with a sorry smile, "I am laid up, just as theRocketis!"
"The question is, now we are down at the bottom of this hole, how are we going to get out?" said Dick to Peterson.
"We'll have to get out some way," was the unsatisfactory response."See, the water is coming in faster than ever."
The lumberman was right, the water had been running in a tiny stream not larger than a child's wrist; now it was pouring in steadily like a cataract. Soon the bottom of the hole had formed a pool several inches deep.
"Wait till it fills up and then swim out," suggested Larry.
"No, thanks," returned Dick. "We might be drowned by that operation."
The hole was irregular in shape, about ten feet in diameter and fully twenty feet deep. What had caused the sudden sinking was a mystery until it was solved by the water in the pool suddenly dropping away into another hole still deeper. Then of a sudden the trio went down again, this time at an angle, to find themselves in a good-sized cave, where all was dark and uncertain.
The tumble had wrenched Larry's ankle still more, and the youth could not suppress his groans of pain.
As soon as he was able Peterson leaped up, struck a match, and lit some brushwood which happened to be near and which the water had not yet touched.
By this light Larry's ankle was again attended to and bound up in a couple of handkerchiefs.
"If we keep on we'll get to the center of the earth," remarked Dick, as he gazed around curiously. "Where do you suppose we are now?"
"In one of the island caves," answered Peterson. "I told you the place was full of them. That's the reason the smugglers used to hold out here."
"Perhaps we'll come across some of their treasures."
At this Peterson shook his head. "Not likely. When the last of the smugglers was arrested the government detectives searched the island thoroughly and gathered in all to be found."
"I see. Well, how are we to get out, now we are down here?"
"We might climb back, Rover, the way we came, but that is dangerous on account of the water. I rather think we'll do better to look for the regular opening to the cave, if there is any."
The matter was talked over for several minutes, and it was decided that Dick and Peterson should investigate, while Larry remained by the fire, keeping it as bright as possible and resting his sore ankle.
At a short distance ahead the cave branched into two parts, and coming to the forks, Dick took the right while Peterson moved to the left. Dick carried a torch, which he held overhead, and likewise a pistol, in case any snake or wild animal should attack him.
The youth had not proceeded far before he came upon signs which showed that the cave at one time had been inhabited by human beings. First he espied a part of an old bag, then a weather-beaten sailor's cap, and soon after a rusty pistol, falling apart for the want of care.
"This must have been a smugglers' retreat sure," he murmured to himself. "My, if I should stumble across a box of gold!"
He hurried forward and presently reached a spot where the cave broadened out into a round chamber. Here there were a rude table and several benches, all ready to fall apart from decay.
With quick steps he approached the table, for he had seen something lying upon it—something which made him start and give a cry of wonder.
In the center of the table was a heap of silver dollars, and beside this was a land map, drawn by hand. On the map lay a rusty dagger and a human skull!
"Well, I never!"
Dick gazed at the silver, the map, the daggers and the skull with mingled surprise and horror.
How had those things come there, and what was the mystery concerning them?
Coming closer, he picked up several of the dollars and examined them.All were dated thirty to forty years back.
Then he picked up the dagger, a beautiful affair of polished steel with a curiously wrought handle of buckhorn.
The skull he left untouched.
The map was covered with dust, some of which he endeavored to blow away. Beneath he saw that there were odd tracings of many kinds, and lettering's in a language which was strange to him. Then his light began to go out and he shouted for Peterson to join him.
The sound echoed and re-echoed throughout the cavern, showing that the place was even more roomy than he had anticipated. He waited several minutes, then saw Peterson's light.
"What's up?" demanded the lumberman as he approached. "Find anything important?"
"I should say so," answered Dick. "Look there."
Peterson did so, then gave a cry of astonishment.
"Silver, lad, silver! And a skull!"
"There is some story hidden in this affair," said Dick soberly. "Can you explain it?"
"I cannot." Peterson picked up the dagger. "That's a French weapon."
"But the dollars are U. S. money."
"Right. It is a mystery and no error. How much money is there here?"
The two counted the pile and found it footed up to two hundred and forty dollars.
"Not a fortune, but still a tidy sum," said Peterson. To a man in his standing two hundred and forty dollars was quite an amount.
"A fair share of it is yours," said Dick. "Let us investigate some more."
The lumberman was willing, and lighting a fresh torch, they moved around the circular chamber. At one point they saw an opening leading into a second chamber. Here were a number of boxes and casks, all covered with dust and dirt, the accumulation of years. Prying open one of the boxes which was handy, they discovered that it contained canned vegetables. A second box contained dress goods, and a third some candles. A cask close at hand was marked "Cognac."
"This was a regular smugglers' hangout," said Peterson. "Those boxes must contain stuff of some value. Rover, we have made a haul by coming here."
"Yes, but I am forgetting all about my brothers," added Dick hastily."Let us leave this alone for the present. I guess it is safe enough."
"No doubt, since it has rested undisturbed so many years."
They left the storeroom, as it may properly be termed, and returned to the circular chamber.
At first they could find no further opening, but then Dick saw a thin shaft of light coming from a corner. Here there was a flat rock which was easily pulled aside. A broad opening led upward to the outer world.
"Safe, so far as getting out is concerned," remarked Peterson. "All told, I reckon we had quite a lucky tumble, after all."
"If Larry's ankle isn't too bad."
They hurried back to where Larry had been left, and found him still nursing his ankle, which had swollen to the size of his knee. He tried to stand upon it, but the pain was so great he was glad enough to sit down again.
He listened in open-mouthed wonder to what Dick had to tell. "A treasure cave!" he cried. "Who would have dreamed of such a thing on Lake Huron!"
Now that Larry could not move, the others were in a quandary as to what to do. Dick was impatient to be after thePeacock.
"The folks on the schooner may take it into their heads to sail away, if they caught sight of the steam tug," he said. "And if they give us the slip I won't know where to look for them."
"I guess I'll be safe if left alone," said Larry. "I have water and the fire, and my pistol. You go ahead, and come back for me when it is convenient. Only don't leave the island without me."
"Leave without you? Not much!" answered Dick.
"You forget the treasure," put in Peterson, with a laugh. "We are not going to let that slip."
"That's so," said Larry. "All right; I'll remain as the guardian of the treasure." And so it was arranged.
It was no easy matter to gain the outer air once more, for the passageway was choked with dirt and brushwood which the wind had blown in. When they came into the open they found themselves close to the lake shore at a spot surrounded thickly with trees.
"A fine cove for a smuggler to hide in," observed Peterson. "No wonder they made this cave their rendezvous."
"Where is the bay in which thePeacockdisappeared?"
"To the westward, Rover. Come, I'll show the way."
"Be careful that we don't get into another trap."
"I've got my eyes open," responded the lumberman.
On they went once more, over the rocks and through a tangle of brushwood. It was now almost dark, and Dick was beginning to think they would lose their way when Peterson called a sudden halt.
"Here we are," he whispered and pointed ahead. There, through the trees, could be seen the waters of the tiny bay, and there lay thePeacockat anchor.
Only one man was on deck, a sailor Dick had seen several times.Otherwise the craft appeared deserted.
"Do you suppose the Baxters and the others have gone ashore?" askedDick.
"No telling yet, lad. Let us watch out for a while."
They sat down and watched until the darkness of night began to hide thePeacockfrom view.
At last they saw Arnold Baxter come on deck, followed by Dan.
The two entered a rowboat and a sailor took them ashore. They had scarcely landed when Captain Langless appeared, coming along a pathway but a few yards from where Dick and the lumberman were in hiding.
At once a wordy war ensued between the Baxters and the owner of the schooner. What it was about Dick and Peterson could not make out, although they realized that it concerned Tom and Sam.
"Your men are a set of doughheads," cried Arnold Baxter. "They are to be trusted with nothing."
"Never mind, we'll come out ahead anyway," retorted Captain Langless."I reckon you've been tripped up yourself before this."
"I warned you to be careful."
"It wasn't my fault."
"What's to do now?" put in Dan Baxter. "Shall we stay on the island, dad?"
"Certainly," grumbled Arnold Baxter. "But I don't know exactly what to do," and the man scratched his head in perplexity.
"Let us go up to the cave."
"That won't do you any good," growled Captain Langless. "I know what I am going to do."
"What?"
"I'm going to sail around the island and find out if any other boat is near. I don't want those boys to signal another boat."
"A good idea," said Arnold Baxter. "But Dan and I can remain on shore anyway."
"Just as you please," and Captain Langless shrugged his shoulders.
The rowboat was still at the shore, and the captain returned to thePeacockwith the member of his crew, leaving the Baxters to themselves.
Dick nudged Peterson in the side.
"Can it be possible that Tom and Sam have escaped?" he whispered.
"It looks that way," answered the lumberman. "Anyway, something is very much wrong or these rascals wouldn't fall out with each other."
"Hadn't we better watch the Baxters?"
"I think so. ThePeacockwill not go far, I'm pretty sure of that."
The Baxters now passed along the footpath leading to the cave in whichTom and Sam had been placed.
Noiselessly Dick and Peterson followed. As Dick advanced he drew his pistol.
Quarter of a mile was covered and they were close to the cave, whenArnold Baxter suddenly halted.
"Dan, supposing Captain Langless doesn't come back," he exclaimed, loud enough for Dick and his companion to hear.
"Doesn't come back!" ejaculated the bully. "Why, he's got to come back."
"No, he hasn't."
"But I don't understand——"
"You know well enough that the Rovers tried to bribe the captain."
"Yes, but they ran away——"
"Perhaps it's only a bluff, Dan. The boys may have been taken to another part of the island, from which Langless can transfer them to the schooner later."
"What, and desert us!" groaned the bully.
"Yes, and desert us. I think we were foolish to leave thePeacockwithout taking the captain or Cadmus along. I won't trust any of them any longer."
"Well, what shall we do, dad; go back?"
"It's too late now. ThePeacockhas gotten under way long ago."
"Well, let us try to get on the track of the two boys. Perhaps we can follow them up from the cave. If all of the footsteps point this way we'll know the captain has been deceiving us."
Again the Baxters moved on, and so did Dick and Peterson. The way was rough and made Dan grumble a good deal.
"We ought to have kept this game all in our own hands from the start," said the former bully of Putnam Hall. "We made a rank mistake to take Captain Langless into our confidence."
"I won't care if only we make Anderson Rover pony up that money," answered the father. "I'm afraid the mine scheme will have to fall through."
"What did you strike him for in cash?"
"Ten thousand dollars."
"You ought to have made it fifty."
"I wanted to get ten first and double that afterward. If I struck him too high first I was afraid he wouldn't try to meet me, but put the detectives on the track without delay."