ineer. "I am certain now
that Carey is up to some game."

A long discussion followed, but nothing came of it. The steam yacht
kept on its way and rounded the eastern point of Treasure Isle. Then it
stood to the north-westward.

"I hope he knows his course," said Norton, to the boys. "If he doesn't
he stands a good chance of running us on some key or reef."

If the boys were excited, the girls and ladies were more so. Nobody
knew exactly what to do, and each minute added to the general anxiety.

At last the vessel rounded another point of the isle and came in sight
of the sea beyond. There in the distance was a steamer at rest on the
waves, and Fred and Hans felt certain she must be the _Josephine_.

The two vessels were soon close together. As the _Rainbow_ came up
to the other craft, Walt Wingate went to the rail and shouted something
through a megaphone which the mate loaned him. Immediately came back an
answering cry, but the boys did not catch what was said.

"This is going pretty far," said Fred, to Frank Norton. "Don't you
think I ought to step in and stop it?"

The chief engineer shrugged his shoulders.

"Carey is really in command and it might be called mutiny to do
anything to stop him."

"But supposing he allows Wingate to go to that other ship?"

"Well, if Wingate goes we'll be well rid of him."

"Of course that is true, but still----"

Fred did not finish for just then Asa Carey came up.

"I am going to visit that other steamer," he said, to the chief
engineer. "I shall take that man Wingate along, and Bossermann is
going, too. You can remain right here until I get back."

Norton nodded, but said nothing. The mate looked at Fred as if to say
more, but then apparently changed his mind and hurried away. Soon a
small boat was over the side and this was manned by the mate,
Bossermann, Wingate and a sailor named Ulligan, a fellow noted for his
laziness and untrustworthiness. Without delay the small boat set out
for the _Josephine_.

"I don't like this at all," said Fred. "Those fellows mean mischief as
sure as you are born!"

"I dink da vos hatch owid somedings mid dot Merrick," said Hans.

"Perhaps they are plotting to gain possession of this yacht," was
Dora's comment. "They may bring over a crowd to take possession and
make us prisoners!"

"If they try any game like that we'll fight," answered Fred.

"Dat's right!" cried Aleck. "We'll fight, an' fight mighty hard, too!"

"If only the R