never touched a halyard of the Wanderer again."

"You see," said Duff, "we three were known to disapprove of the whole
business. He needed me to get over here, for I know the coast. But he
can get along without me going back."

"What does that mean about Uncle Sam," asked Ralph.

"That is to make us think some Yankee cruiser is in the neighborhood,
and that they left for safety's sake. I half believe that is a blind.
But come. We must be stirring, and see if they are really gone, and
also if we can cross the bar in a calm, loaded as we are. I know we
can't, should a breeze spring up."

Presently they were aboard again, pulling for the inlet. As they
passed between a number of mangrove islets Ralph, looking down, could
see an occasional shark or sawfish leisurely prodding about ten or
fifteen feet below the surface.

But as they neared the bar the water grew clouded, though a dark dorsal
appendage thrusting itself here and there above the wave indicated the
terrible result that would probably follow should the boat capsize.

When they rounded the last intervening point and the open ocean was
disclosed, the first object that met their eyes was the Wanderer with
all sails set, about two miles in the offing. She lay motionless, for
the calm was complete.

"Well," remarked Duff, "we're all right if we pass the bar. There
would be no trouble about that with a lighter load. We can try it as
we are, for our supplies will be needed; but if necessary--over they
go."

They were already nearing the first line of breakers, when the mate
detected a second sail to the left and much nearer the shore.

This stranger was a full rigged ship hardly a mile away and to the
southward, while the Wanderer was almost due west from the inlet.

"She's a sailing corvette, or I'm much mistaken," said the mate,
"but--mind yourselves, men! Pull with a will."

The first line of breakers was passed without trouble. The second was
rougher, and the men strained at the oars to give the yawl as much
headway as possible.

The last wave came "quartering" and threw a hatful of water into
Ralph's face, whereat Mr. Duff laughed cheerily.

"One ducking!" he cried. "But now comes the tug of war. Jump her,
boys! Jump her, I say!"

The third and last line was longer, larger, and in every way more
formidable, owing to the sudden deepening of the water. Both Ben and
Ralph were rather exhausted from their previous exertions, and Duff