"I saw the fellow's face for a minute," cried Jack. "Open the door,
Doright, and let Rowdy out. He wants to meet his friend."

"Go on, dog!" whispered Doright, obeying Jack's order.

Quick footsteps sounded on the wharf. A man was running away. Rowdy lost
no time in scrambling on deck and from there to the wharf. In a moment
came a shriek, followed by a shot. The boys shivered in apprehension.
Their pet was alone in the dark and a shot had been fired. It seemed as
if they must go to his assistance.

Not many minutes passed before the boys felt the Fortuna rock as a body
landed on the deck. Rowdy burst into the cabin.

"Look at the boy!" shouted Arnold. "Good old Rowdy! Good dog!"

"What's that he has in his mouth?" inquired Charley.

"That, my friend," explained Arnold, who sat near Rowdy, "is what every
dog gets when he runs fast--pants."

"Stop your joking, Arnold," cautioned Jack. "Look at that bloody ear of
Rowdy's. He's been shot. That's some of Lopez's work."

At once a rush was made for the white bulldog. Rowdy seemed to pay
little attention to the lacerated ear, pierced by the outlaw's bullet,
but paraded the cabin exhibiting the cloth proudly.

"I do believe he got a piece of Lopez's trousers!" declared Jack
exultantly. Then giving Rowdy an approving slap he continued, "There's
one time Lopez got a reminder his presence wasn't wanted."

"True enough," agreed Frank, "but he may return when things have quieted
down, and when he comes back he may be prepared to do serious damage.
That gang is desperate and will hesitate at nothing."

"Let 'em come," boasted Arnold, jumping up from his position on a locker
where he was trying to cajole Rowdy into parting with the souvenir which
he had brought aboard the Fortuna.

"Yes, let 'em come," stoutly agreed Harry. "There are enough of us here
so we can stand watch and watch tonight and be prepared to keep off all
intruders. And we'll use force, if necessary, too."

"It's a problem," Jack said thoughtfully. "I'm sure I don't know what to
do. Those fellows may contemplate and execute serious damage to the
Fortuna and to her crew. Again, they may be so near the treasure they'll
only think of remaining near that to guard it."

"By the way, Jack, where is this fort? Rather, where was it?"

"As nearly as I am able to determine just now, it was located on the
north side of that point that lies on the east side of the bay. There's
a bayou sets up to the eastward