they were hidden anywhere in that island, he would like to come
upon them unobserved, and then go back to the bay after re-enforcements.
He was still intensely excited, and perhaps did some queer things, such
as looking up into the trees, as if he were hunting for squirrels, and
carefully examining places where one of those little animals could
scarcely have found concealment. But nothing rewarded his search, until
he suddenly found himself standing upon the bank of the creek, and saw
before him the jolly-boat lying where the robbers had left it, and the
schooner made fast to the bushes a little way from the shore. Quick as a
flash Johnny dropped behind a log, and cautiously raised his head to
survey the scene.

"Now look here," said he, digging his fingers into his head to stir up
his ideas, "something has been going on. Where's Jackson? that's the
question. He's been around, for here is the jolly-boat. I must find out
what this means--I am going on board that schooner. If the Crusoe men
are there, I can't get into any worse scrapes than I have already been
in to-night; and if they are not, I'll take the Sweepstakes down the
creek. That will cut off all chance of escape for the pirates, unless
they steal a boat from some of the farmers; and I don't think they will
attempt that in broad daylight."

Johnny was highly elated with the idea of capturing the schooner. What a
fine thing it would be for him if he, alone and unaided, could run her
out into the bay, and give her up to Captain Steele! But, after all, he
was in no hurry to attempt it. There might be danger in it, and Johnny
did not care to run any risks. He remained in his concealment until he
had satisfied himself that the Sweepstakes had either been abandoned, or
else that her crew was sound asleep; and then he stepped into the
jolly-boat, and pushed it from the bank. Armed with the club he had
picked up in the cove, he walked over the deck without discovering the
enemy, and after a long and careful examination of the cabin from the
head of the companion ladder, he mustered up courage enough to descend
into it. He looked into the bunks, and under the table, but there was no
one there. Then he tried the door which led into the hold, and nearly
jumped from the deck, when a voice from the inside inquired:

"Who's that?"

The only thing that restrained Johnny from taking to his heels, and
making the best of his way to the shore, was the thought that he
recognize