t did Carey and Bossermann say to that?" asked Songbird
eagerly.

"They said they'd like to talk it over with Sid Merrick."

"The scoundrels!" vociferated Fred. "Talk it over with Merrick! We
ought to put 'em, both in irons!"

"I wanted to hear more, but they walked away and I was afraid to
follow them," continued Dora. "I thought I had better tell you and
perhaps you'd know what to do. I didn't want to worry mother or my
aunt."

"We ought to let Captain Barforth know of this at once," said
Songbird.

"Chust vot I say," said Hans. "Der better der quicker."

"How can you let him know?"

"One of us might row ashore," said Fred. "The others ought to stay
behind to watch affairs."

"I'll go ashore," said Songbird promptly.

"You'll have to have one of the sailors row you."

"I know it. I can take Hollbrook, he's a pretty decent sort of chap
and I know he can row well."

The fishing lines were wound up, and without delay Songbird presented
himself to Asa Carey.

He and the others had agreed to say nothing to the mate about what
Dora had over heard.

"Mr. Carey, I wish to go ashore," he said. "Can I have Hollbrook row
me to the beach?"

"Go ashore?" growled the mate. "I didn't know anybody else was going."

"Well, I've just made up my mind to go. Can Hollbrook take me in one
of the small boats?"

"Why didn't you go when Captain Barforth went?"

"I didn't think of it then."

"I don't know that I can spare Hollbrook," grumbled the mate. He was
eyeing Songbird in a suspicious manner.

"He doesn't seem to be doing anything just now."

"Say, who is running this vessel, you or I?" cried Asa Carey.

"Captain Barforth is running her. But she is under charter to Mr.
Rover, and Mr. Rover told me to use a small boat whenever I pleased,"
answered Songbird sharply. "If you refuse to let me have a boat say
so."

"Oh, I--er--I didn't say that," stammered the mate. "If you want
to go do so. But I don't know if Hollbrook can get you through the
reef in safety or not."

"I'll risk it," said Songbird briefly and hurried below to prepare
himself for the trip. Fred and Hans met him in his stateroom.

"I think Carey is suspicious," said Songbird. "Keep an eye on him, and
if anything goes wrong shoot off the cannon or a gun. I'll do my best
to find Mr. Rover and the captain and bring them back as quickly as
possible."

In a few minutes Songbird and the sailor were over the side of the
_Rainbow_. Hollbrook could p