the lad. Apparently believing that this one blow would end the
fight, the German stepped back to watch the effect of it.

But Jack did not fall. Staggering forward, his hand caught the rail of
the boat, where he stood a moment, recovering himself.

The German advanced with a smile on his face. Jack turned to meet him.

Slowly the German came on, his great arms raised awkwardly and then it
dawned upon Jack that all that was necessary to dispose of this great
brute was a little skill and caution. His head was clear now and he
advanced confidently.

The German rushed forward. Jack side-stepped neatly and struck his
opponent a heavy blow just above the right ear as he passed. The man
turned quickly and just in time to catch a second powerful blow on the
forehead. Another man would have gone down, but the German sprang
forward ready for more.

And he got more. Jack stood off at arms' length and peppered him
beautifully. In vain the German struck out and sought to clinch. Jack
dodged his blows and evaded his clasp with ease. And then the lad saw
the opportunity he had been awaiting.

In a desperate attempt to clinch, the German exposed his jaw. Jack's
right flashed out quickly and then the lad stepped back. His fist had
found its mark; and the German staggered back, reeled, swayed--fell to
the deck unconscious.

CHAPTER X.

LOST--THE STORM.

Jack now surveyed the field of action with some satisfaction.

"Well, I managed to lay 'em all out at last," he told himself. "Now to
see how Frank and the others are."

He hurried first to Frank's side. The latter was just returning to
consciousness and raised himself on one elbow as Jack kneeled beside
him.

"How do you feel, old man?" asked Jack gently.

"I don't feel so much," was Frank's reply. "Say, that fellow must have
given me a pretty good crack."

"He did," said Jack dryly. "I can vouch for that. He landed on your head
with that revolver like a ton of brick. Do you think you can stand?"

"I guess so. Lend a hand, will you?"

Jack helped his chum to his feet. Frank staggered a bit at first, but in
a minute or two announced that he was fit for whatever might come. He
followed Jack aft, where lay the bodies of Edwards and Williams.

Jack passed his hand over Edwards' face and the man stirred feebly.

"Water, Frank," said Jack.

Frank hurried forward again and returned in a moment with water. This
Jack sprinkled over Edwards' face. Five minutes later