r he was pushing right into the opening. Sure
he fell back, and the last I saw of the bog trotter, he was crawling
away, draggin' that left leg after him."

Ned sighed. He had hoped to accomplish this business for Mr Bosworth
without being compelled to do violence; but it seemed that this could
not be. As scouts, he and his chums objected to such things; but, as a
last resort, even members of the organization must be allowed the
liberty of defending themselves against the assaults of hired ruffians.

"Do you know where those three men got aboard, Jack?" he asked.

"I think we'll find a piece of rope hanging over the side," replied the
other; yes, "here it is, Ned. Shall I cut it loose, so as to stop that
gap?"

"Of course," came the answer; "and then take one of the electric torches
and see if any of them stayed aboard, after the firing was over. Jimmy,
you go along; and be careful not to get held up. We don't want to have a
treacherous foe hiding near us, and ready to do something desperate at
any minute. Sing out, if you find one, and want any help to throw him
overboard!"

CHAPTER XX.

BESIEGED.

The two scouts hurried away to execute the orders of their chief. They
were so accustomed to having Ned tell them what to do that any command
he might give was always cheerfully carried out.

The balance of the party remained there where they could command the
break in the stern of the wreck, and which the enemy had once vainly
attempted to rush. If presently another attack were made they would be
in position to pour down a hot fire on the assailants; and perhaps
taking pattern by Jimmy, the rest of the defenders might begin to give
wounds that would gradually put the miners out of the game.

Before three minutes had passed Ned and those with him heard a
tremendous row going on down the deck. This was followed by a great
scrambling, and then came a loud splash.

"Say, they must have found one of the three sneaks!" exclaimed Teddy,
jubilantly.

"Here comes Jack now to report," added Frank.

Jack was breathing hard, but chuckling at the same time, as he came up.

"I have the honor to report, sir, that we discovered a spy aboard, and
made him walk the plank," he started in to say, with all the airs of a
second officer aboard a liner, giving in his account of duties
performed. "He didn't want to make the jump but Jimmy helped him over
the side, while I covered him and kept his hands up. We've looked
ever