to the cottage.
Their first care was to see that the diamonds were safe, and this was
soon ascertained to be the case.

Meanwhile the motor boat had taken up the search. Driven at top speed,
and with the engine "doing its prettiest," as Roy boasted, they made
good time. In and out they went, over the course, now and then pausing
to speak some clammer, but getting no information, save in one or two
instances. But they learned enough to know that they were on the right
track.

"Are you going to cruise all night," asked Mollie.

"No, unfortunately we'll have to turn back at dark," Allen said. "That
is why I want to cover as much water as possible before all the light is
gone."

They chased after one or two schooners, but without result, until, just
as the last light of a threatening day was fading, Tin-Back startled
them all by leaping up and shouting:

"Sail, ho!"

"Where away?" demanded Allen, in true nautical fashion.

"Dead ahead. There she is or I'm a candidate for Davy Jones's locker!
Put after her, boys!"

It was comparatively easy, for the wind had died out--the calm before a
storm, and as the schooner had no "kicker," or small gasoline engine, as
had some of the clammers, she was soon overhauled.

That she was at least the one which had been anchored out in the bay was
evident, for Tin-Back recognized her at once. Also it was evident that
no visitors were desired, for, as the _Pocohontas_ came up alongside the
almost motionless sailing craft, an ugly face looked over the low rail,
and a gruff voice cried:

"That'll do, now. Keep off or you'll get into trouble! What do you want,
anyhow?"

"You know well enough what we want!" cried Allen. "Up on deck, boys!
We've got 'em just where we want 'em. There's your man, officer!" he
called. It was pure "bluff," but it seemed to have its effect, for the
man who had given the warning drew back.

"What is it?" demanded some one else, coming up out of the cabin.

"Oh, some fresh guys----"

"Come on, fellows!" Allen called loudly. He had leaped out on the
forward deck of the motor boat. Mollie had been urged to stay in the
little cabin, and did so. But it was evident there was to be no serious
trouble--at least just yet.

"Come on!" cried Tin-Back, and at the sound of his resolute voice there
was a surprised exclamation from the group of men on the schooner's
deck.

"All aboard!" yelled the old clammer. "We've got 'em where we want 'em!
Close-hauled! We'll