if the mist was
clearing away to seaward. The breeze had shifted around, so that with
the incoming tide the waves ran far up on the beach now, and there was
considerable of a roar in the air as these curled over and broke upon
reaching shallow places.

Time was beginning to hang heavy on the hands of the five scouts. They
missed the delightful surroundings which they had enjoyed while camping
each night, during the time they were moving northward in the canoes. It
was so different here in this dingy old cabin, when they would have
enjoyed seeing the trees waving above their heads, and felt the
springing turf underneath their bodies, as the time came to seek their
blankets under the shelter of the khaki-colored waterproof tents, now
alas, gone no doubt forever.

Frank, seeing that his chums were not feeling in a very merry mood as
they tried to settle down as comfortably as they could, wandered outside
to the sloping deck to talk with Francois, who had taken the Indian
guide's place on watch.

He had hardly been gone three minutes when they heard him coming down
the companionway in great haste. Somehow, everyone of the others seemed
to understand that the terrible stagnation was about to be broken up.

When Frank burst into the cabin his face told the story. He was bringing
them news of some sort, for his eyes were glowing and his face flushed.

"What ails you, Frank?" asked Jack, as they scrambled to their feet.

"After all, it begins to look like we needn't bother about how we're
going to sleep to-night, standing or sitting!" the newcomer announced,
breathlessly.

"How is that?" asked Jimmy.

"Why, there are lights coming along the shore right now--lanterns I
should say, at a rough guess," Frank went on; "chances are the miners
have learned about our being aboard this old wreck, and mean to gather
us in before morning!"

CHAPTER XIX.

THE BATTLE OF THE HULK.

There was an immediate rush for the guns, which had been placed in a
corner of the cabin. From the actions of the scouts, it could be
imagined that no one dreamed of giving in, without a desperate
resistance.

"If we do have to stand 'em off," declared Jimmy, as he examined his
repeating rifle, in order to make sure that it was in condition for
business; "sure we couldn't ask for a better fort than this same old
wreck. Seven of us, all told, and well armed at that, ought to be able
to do the work. If they know what's good for them, they'll