"Look at this visitor and the note he left. That must indicate that
there is a gang working against us. I'm a peaceful, orderly citizen and
not at all inclined to start anything."
"Yes, he is!" laughed Arnold. "Look at the way he put the rollers under
the gang of thugs at our camp at Mackinac Island!"
"Now, boys," continued Jack, beckoning Arnold to silence, "if any one of
you wants to go back, he can have the chance. We're going to Pascagoula
and also to Biloxi. At either place one can get the Louisville &
Nashville railroad for home. Think it over. If you want to try for the
Spanish Treasure Chest, stick. If not, you are at liberty to go home at
any time we make a port."
At that instant the lads were startled to hear the hail:
"Launch ahoy! Keep off!"
"Port your helm," commanded Jack to Arnold who was at the wheel.
Dimly the boys made out the bulk of a schooner on their port bow, her
sails slatting and rigging flying as she came up into the wind. As the
Fortuna fell off they looked at the schooner and saw the main boom
swinging across the deck, strike a man standing near the rail.
"Man overboard. Give me a line," cried Arnold, springing over the rail
without stopping to divest himself of his clothing.
CHAPTER IV
THE HOLE IN THE BOAT
Harry dashed to the rail and seized the ring life preserver from its
beckets. As Arnold rose to the surface and reached out for the
unfortunate man from the schooner, Harry flung the ring-buoy with
unerring aim.
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