n if they do," Ned said, looking
again through his glass, "for the steamer is approaching the southern
end of the island rapidly, and will soon be in sight."

"Can we beat it?" asked Frank.

"On the run? I'm afraid not. If the boys were here we might stand a
chance of keeping out of their way for a long time, but we've got to
remain here until the last moment in the hope of their returning."

"You're not thinking of going away and leaving them, are you?" asked
Frank, surprised at Ned's remark.

"If we stay here and submit to capture," Ned replied, "it is all off for
all of us. If we get away we may be able to render assistance to the
boys, but if we remain here and are killed or taken prisoners there is
little hope for them, surrounded by savages on an unknown island,
without even a boat."

"Of course you are right," Frank said, "It seems cruel to sail away and
leave them here."

The steamer, as shown by the column of smoke, was now approaching the
southern end of the island, and would soon be in a position from which
the _Manhattan_ might be seen.

"If we are going at all," Ned said, with a sigh, "we may as well be
moving. We ought to be able to make the north end by the time they gain
the south end. It will be a game of chase, I reckon. I hope the boys
will understand."

"They certainly will," replied Frank. "They know well enough we are no
quitters, and that there is usually a good reason for what you do."

The _Manhattan_ was soon in motion, speeding at the rate of fifteen or
eighteen miles an hour toward the north end of the island. Ned watched
the smoke of the steamer intently as the race progressed. Finally the
point at the north was turned, and, much to the surprise of both boys,
they saw Pat standing on the beach beckoning to them in a manner full of
excitement.

"There's been something doing," said Frank, with a shiver.

CHAPTER XIII.

OF THE WILD CAT PATROL, MANILA.

The smoke from the steamer was now on the south end of the island,
moving along toward the east with a speed which showed Ned that it would
be impossible to outfoot the larger craft.

There was little time to lose, if the _Manhattan_ was to continue the
flight, and yet it was evident that Pat had something of importance to
communicate or desired to be at once taken on board. Ned did not
hesitate long, for the boy's life might be at stake.

But when the _Manhattan_ neared the point of land upon which Pat stood
the boy s