we are unable to get ashore, for he has the only boat, and the water
is too shallow to push the big craft in. The question is, what shall
we do?"

Frank looked into the faces of his two chums, and saw by their increasing
pallor that they more than shared the fears that were beginning to gnaw
at his heart in connection with the safety of the genial, good-natured
Jerry Wallington.

CHAPTER XIX

WHAT HAPPENED TO JERRY

"I'd give something for a pair of wings just now!" exclaimed Will
regretfully.

"Or that bally old balloon of Professor Smythe's, eh?" echoed Bluff, as
he surveyed the stretch of water separating them from the mainland.

"But something _must_ be done! Bluff, get your gun!"

Frank was hastily removing the tennis shoes he wore aboard the boat.

"What're you going to do?" demanded Will, as Bluff made haste to obey.

"Two of us must get ashore. Perhaps Jerry needs help."

"Oh! I see! And you think you can wade there?" queried Will, as he saw
Frank drawing on the second pair of heavy shoes, that had already been in
the water.

"That's what we have to do. Ready, Bluff?" cried Frank, snatching up his
own double-barreled shotgun.

"Where do I come in?" demanded Will as they slid overboard.

"You're the goalkeeper this time. Hold the ship, with Joe, here, till we
get back."

"And they've taken all the guns along," grumbled Will as he watched his
two chums making their splashing way in the direction of the shore.

Happening to bethink himself of the old revolver on board, Will presently
armed himself with the same, and tried to imagine that he presented an
imposing appearance as the guardian of the motor-boat. Truth to tell, he
would have really been far more dangerous handling his favorite camera,
for he did not have it in him to harm a flea, if he could help it.

Meanwhile, Frank and his comrade were pushing for the shore as rapidly as
the conditions allowed. By exercising a certain amount of discretion
they were able to follow up one of the oyster reefs that thrust out from
the bank like the fingers of a human hand.

"We'll make it all right," declared Bluff presently.

"Yes, and without getting in deeper than half way up. But I'm wondering
why we don't hear anything more from Jerry. He had six charges in his
rifle, you know."

From Frank's tone it was easy to understand that he was worried.

"Say, perhaps that was meant for a signal," suggested Bluff suddenly.

"There were three s