me in
reporting his most recent discovery.

"You boys might as well heave them old tarpon poles overboard now,"
he said seriously, as he shifted the helm. "That there craft I seen
las' night ain't Yankee built, I'll swear; and if she should take a
notion to foller us, we want to be light and shipshape, without no
signs o' lubberliness that the squall may have brought to the surface.
How's everything in the cabin, Dave? Tight and neat?"

The Seminole grunted, nodding his head in affirmation. Apparently
he was too disturbed in mind to reply verbally; besides, like most of
his kind, he was a poor sailor, and he did not enjoy the speed at
which the _Arrow_ was now sailing. It upset his mental balance as
well as his bodily equilibrium.

Obeying the captain's instructions, the boys tossed overboard their
heavy poles, saving only the lines and reels.

"When we get back to Key West, what's the first thing to do, Captain?"
inquired Alec.

"Report seeing that steamer to the naval authorities," was Vinton's
prompt answer.

"I didn't know there were any-----"

"There's likely to be some there now, waiting for orders."

"And will they search for the strange vessel?"

"You bet they will! We ain't goin' to let no sneakin' furrin tub
show us her heels,---are we, lads?"

"Not if we can help it!" exclaimed Hugh. "I guess one of Uncle Sam's
revenue cutters will give chase to that steamer, or gunboat, or
whatever she may be."

"Not if she's a gunboat, I reckon!" quoth Vinton with a chuckle.
"Cripes! that vessel was certainly a clipper for goin'! Her cap'n
was wise enough to keep to wind'ard, for he seemed to know where the
rough water begins to rise and how to make the most o' them keys.
Never mind; off Nor'west Cape he'll have to come out like a seaman
and take his duckin'! H'ist that there jib, Billy, and make Dave
move his carcass where it'll do some good."

But Dave did not want to bestir himself from his position on the
weather gunwale, where he crouched dejectedly, letting the stiff
breeze dry his spray-soaked garments. He groaned, protested, grunted,
and finally swore volubly as Alec prodded him, while Billy hoisted
the flying jib.

"What for so much hurry?" he grumbled. "Get to Key West by afternoon,
anyhow. Dave want plenty sleep."

"You slept like a top for six hours last night!" declared Alec.

"No-o; Dave watch, saw steamer,---no more sleep, no forty winks."

"Oh, come!" laughed Billy. "I heard