sly, but still afraid
to come down.

"Now I guess we're ready," announced Frank. "Come over here, Andy, and
we'll hide under this pile of canvas."

With his revolver in readiness, Frank led the way, followed by his
brother. When they were both concealed from view Frank reached out his
hand, and tossed several crackers toward the group of monkeys. There
was a movement among them, and the chattering broke out doubly loud.
One monkey grabbed a cracker in each paw, but they were immediately
snatched from him by some of his mates. Then the whole crowd caught
sight of the food around the open hatch and made a mad dash for it.

At the same time the snakes must have smelled the milk, and, as it is
well known that these reptiles are very fond of this liquid, they
crawled toward it.

"Now's my chance!" exclaimed Frank, when he saw the snakes and monkeys
grouped about the hole in the deck, eagerly devouring the food. He
raised his revolver in the air and fired several shots rapidly.

The effect was almost magical. With screams of fright the monkeys
fairly leaped down the dark hole, and the snakes with angry hisses
followed them. In less than five seconds not an animal or reptile was
on deck.

"Quick! The hatch cover!" cried Frank, springing from under the
canvas. His brother followed and the cover was clapped into place.

"Good enough!" yelled the man, climbing down from the mast, and
assisting the boys to make the cover fast. "Now I've got the critters
where I want 'em, and I'll keep 'em there until I get to the dock.
Then the man that owns 'em can take 'em out. I won't. That was a
slick trick, all right, boys. I'd never thought of that. You saved my
life."

"Oh, I guess they wouldn't have killed you," spoke Frank. "But what's
going to be done with them?"

"They're to go in some sort of summer show up Seabright way, I reckon.
My! but I'm obliged to you boys! How much do I owe you?" and the man
made a motion toward his pocket.

"Nothing," answered Frank quickly. "We're glad we could help you. I
guess you won't have any more trouble."

"Not if you keep the hatch closed," added Andy.

"And you can make up your mind that I will!" answered the man
decidedly. "No more snake or monkey cargoes for me. Well, I'll get
along now, I guess. Say, I'd like to make you boys a present. I've
got some prime lobsters that a fellow gave me. They're all alive.
Won't you take some along?"

"Well, we generally ca