hed.

"I reckon everything will be safe if we are gone all night," Jet said,
as he looked around for the last time to assure himself nothing had
been forgotten; "but those fellows would have a pain in their jaws if
we should stay so long."

Jim insisted on carrying his muzzle-loader on this expedition,
believing it a more trustworthy weapon than the revolver, and Jet made
no objections, although he would have much preferred that the ancient
musket had been left behind.

The boys did not draw the boat upon shore when they landed with Bob,
therefore they had nothing to do but step on board.

The small guide pulled her across to the hiding-place under the
overhanging trees, and there she was made fast.

Then the boys went directly to the camp, and built a fire, after which
nothing could be done save wait and watch.

Since it was not known on which side of the island Sam would come
ashore, the two went to the extreme northern point where they could see
the fellow in time to hasten back and get into ambush.

Jet's plans were already formed, and had been explained to his
companion. He now said, as they sat among the bushes, waiting for the
first sound which should betoken the coming of the man they hoped to
make captive:

"I shall hit him over the head with the butt of the revolver, and the
moment he drops you must be ready to jump on him, for it'll be sharp
work if I don't stun him at the first blow."

"Ain't you afraid of killing him?"

"Not a bit of it; he'd stand up under a good deal harder blow than I
shall give him."

Then the conversation ceased, and after a time Jim's heavy breathing
told that he was sleeping at his post of duty.

Jet had quite as much as he could do to keep his eyes open; but he
succeeded after a fashion, and when they had been in hiding at least
three hours the alleged melody of a song coming across the still waters
told their hoped-for captive was approaching.

That Sam had been indulging to a considerable extent in liquor could be
plainly understood by the sound of his voice, and again Jet felt the
same misgivings which had assailed him immediately after the capture of
Bob.

The new-comer had no thought of prudence; but was evidently bent on
landing in front of the camp on the outside of the island.

Jet shook Jim, at the same time placing his hand over the boy's mouth
to prevent a possible outcry, and whispered:

"There's no time to lose. We must get there ahead of him, or