e, he conducted Tom up the path
that led to the summit of the bluff, and together they returned to the
rock, to await the arrival of the other members of the band. They came
at length, and in a few minutes the yawl was lying in the cove beside
the Mystery, and the Crusoe men were seated on the grass in front of the
cabin, talking over their plans.

The arrangements for the cruise were speedily completed. It was
unanimously agreed by the band that the only way to get their provisions
was to rob Mr. Henry's store (to Tom's great surprise, not the slightest
objection was made to this proposition); that they should capture the
Sweepstakes, and assist Tom in destroying the yacht; that Sam should be
chief of the band, Tom captain of the vessel, and Xury, in view of the
skill he had exhibited in navigating the yacht down the harbor on that
stormy night, should be first mate. It was further agreed that the
members of the band should go back to the village, collect all the
articles of the outfit, and, as soon as it grew dark, return to the
island, where they would remain concealed until they were ready to start
on their cruise.

"You see," explained the governor, "when you five fellers run away,
it'll be sure to raise a big fuss, and mebbe Tommy's father will try to
find him. But he'll never think of lookin' fur him so near the village;
an' here we'll stay, as snug an' comfortable as bugs in a rug. The fuss
will die out after awhile, an' then, some dark night, we'll pay our last
visit to Newport."

This programme was duly carried out; and, while every body was
wondering what had become of the runaways, and Mr. Newcombe was sending
his tugs up and down the bay, in all directions, in the hope of hearing
some tidings of the missing Tom, he was safely sheltered in Sam Barton's
retreat, enjoying a foretaste of Crusoe life, happy in the society of
the young vagabonds he had chosen for his companions, and never wasting
a thought upon the home and friends he had deserted.

CHAPTER IV.

TOM IN TROUBLE.

For the first time in a good many months, Tom was willing to acknowledge
that he was a happy boy. The life he led in Sam Barton's harboring-place
exactly suited him. He had plenty to eat, no work to do, and nothing to
trouble him. By virtue of his rank, he was exempt from all camp duty;
and the only labor he had to perform during the day-time was to dispose
of his meals when Friday said they were ready. When he felt so incl