d. They went aboard, and made preparations for sleep. Of
course, there were no regular bunks aboard the _Jessamine_, since the
space was too limited to admit of such luxuries. When the cruisers wanted
to retire, two of them made beds of the seats, and the others found
a suitable couch in the bottom. In case of rain, the automobile top would
protect them; but in dry weather it could be left partly off, so as to
insure more air.

Frank and Will had the seats first on this night, for it had been so
arranged that they would change around each night, so as to give every
fellow a chance. As Bluff put it, "just like we were playing a scrub game
of ball, each one getting a chance to pitch and catch in turn."

Will took up his place on the side toward the shore. It was some little
time before his comrades all settled down, but finally he knew they
slept. He sat there, watching the fire burn near by, and thinking of many
interesting things, until, on striking a match, and examining his watch,
he found that it was time he awoke Frank.

He took the place of his chum when the other assumed the duties of guard,
and being really sleepy by this time, quickly dropped off.

Frank sat there, with his gun across his knees, also watching the fire.
He had little idea that there would anything occur to disturb the
serenity of the night, but believed "an ounce of prevention better than a
pound of cure."

"The old log seems to do its duty handsomely, after all. I wouldn't be
surprised if it was still burning at daylight," he mused, as he continued
to watch the fire creeping along the dry wood and slowly eating its way
toward the other end.

Then Frank started, as he saw a distinct movement in a little shadowy
spot. It happened that the firelight did not reach this particular place,
so that, strive as he might, he could not see distinctly.

"There's something crawling along right there. I can see a dark figure
move," he said to himself as he strained his eyesight the harder.

Of course, his first thought was of the negro whom they had just fed.
Perhaps to an irresponsible fellow like poor old George the temptation
to try and steal something had been irresistible, and he was now creeping
toward the motor-boat with the intention of getting aboard and laying
hands on anything of value.

Then, again, it might be another entirely, some rascal much more to be
feared than George. Frank was not more than half a minute in making
up his mind wha