"That is true, but we can't leave this poor chap here. He might die
for the want of care," came from Tom.

"We'll take him along," said Dick. "Come, lift him up."

As carefully as they could they lifted the unconscious form up and
bore it to where the rowboat was lying. Soon all were on board, and
while Tom did his best to revive Bostwick, Dick and old Jerry bent
their back to the oars, pulling as they had seldom pulled before.

The beach in front of the house was almost gained when they heard a
shot ring out, followed by several others.

"Just as I feared!" groaned Dick. "Lesher and the others have begun
the attack!"

"Then we'll have to be careful how we land," said old Jerry. "If we
aint, we may run right into 'em!"

There was no moon, but the stars shone brightly, so the beach line
was dimly visible in the distance. Standing up in the bow, Tom saw
a flash of fire from the jungle below the house, and heard the crack
of a firearm. Then he saw some dark forms running along the beach.

"Our party is making for the cave!" he cried. "We had better turn in
that direction."

Several other shots followed, but they could not tell if anybody was
hit. In the distance several rum-crazed sailors were yelling like so
many Indians.

Bostwick came to his senses just as the sand was reached.

"Whe--where am I?" he asked feebly. "Oh, my feet!"

"We have brought you with us, Bostwick," answered Dick. "Keep still,
and we will do what we can for you."

As soon as possible they took the hurt man up, and all started for
the entrance to the cave.

"Who goes there?" cried a voice out of the darkness.

"Is that you, Sam?" called back Dick.

"Dick! I am glad you are back. They attacked the house, and we are
going to the cave to--"

"Yes, we know all about it, Sam. We have brought one of the sailors
along. He is badly, burnt. Are the girls safe?"

"I guess so. We told them to go ahead," answered Sam.

Carrying Bostwick between them, Dick and old Jerry soon reached the
cave, where they found the three girls standing in a group, each full
of dread over what was occurring. Hardly had they gotten inside when
Captain Blossom came up on a run, accompanied by Gibson and Marny.

"Back, are you?" he said. "I am glad to see it. But it may put you
in a tight hole. Hullo, so you've got Bostwick with you, eh? Everybody
get into the cave, just as quick as you can."

Once inside of the cave Captain Blossom commanded everybody to he
s