e who can run it."

"Can't you start the engine?" French asked, anxiously.

The boys shook their heads.

"Then I'm going to try," French said. "As I hinted last night, when I
told you I came here in a launch, there are other motor boats around the
corner, in a bay on the western side of the island. I have only to get
to them. There are plenty of men there who can do the job."

"I hardly think it safe for one who knows nothing of engines to fool
with one," said Jack. "Suppose I see what I can do with it. I've seen
Ned work the thing, and may be able to start it."

"Try it!" French said. "But if you make any foolishness with it, you'll
find yourself in trouble. Understand?"

"I don't want to ruin the boat!" Jack said. "We're going to have fun
with this craft before we leave it!" he added, with a grin.

"Then you'll have to hurry and have your fun," said French, "for you're
going to leave it as soon as we get to the bay where the other boats
are."

Jack opened a trap in the cockpit seat and placed his hand on the jar
which supplied the electricity for the spark. French was watching him,
but he managed to draw the wires out without being seen. This, of
course, effectually crippled the boat. He fumbled for a time with his
hand on the jar, watching the shore as he did so, and then closed the
trap.

After closing the trap Jack turned the fly-wheel a few times, pounded
away with a wrench, and inspected the gasoline tanks, but of course no
motion was transmitted to the shaft. Finally he threw down the wrench in
apparent disgust.

"I can't do anything with it!" he exclaimed. "You'll have to wait until
Ned comes if you can't start it yourself."

"It is my impression," said French, with a smile, "that your friend Ned
is trussed up in a camp over on the other side of the island!"

"Then why don't you send for him, or for some one else to run the boat?"
asked Frank innocently, his purpose being to induce French to send one
of the guards away, and so reduce the force to be opposed.

"From out of the mouths of children," laughed French. "Well, you know
the rest! I have an idea that you have solved the problem."

He talked in Spanish to one of the men for a moment, and the fellow
rowed ashore in one of the canoes the captors had come in and set off
through the jungle. The boys watched the thickets, hoping to see some
sign of a struggle. They were sure that Ned would capture the guard, and
so, possibly, delay the appeara