"We'd better get the anchor aboard," suggested Harry, "and then hoist
the steel rowboat into her chocks and lash her fast. The skiff we can
tow behind us as we did the other if it's agreeable."
"Right-o!" sung out Tom, who had nearly forgotten his swollen jaw under
the excitement of the moment. "I see the oar we tied onto the line that
Frank fastened to the cable. It's right over there."
In a short time the anchor was brought aboard and lashed fast. The
rowboat was slung into place and made secure, and nothing remained but
the disposing of Wyckoff to occupy the boys at the island.
"How about it, Wyckoff?" called Harry from the deck of the Fortuna; "do
you want some grub, or can you rustle for yourself?"
A torrent of abuse was the outlaw's reply.
"Watch out or I'll sic my little dog onto you!" warned Harry.
"Let's not aggravate him any more than we have to," cautioned Jack.
"Take him some grub and throw it onto the beach. Then be quick about
getting back, for it's getting late. It's three bells now!"
Harry rowed ashore with some canned beans, meats and blueberries.
Keeping at a respectful distance from the shore he tossed the cans to a
position where they could easily be recovered by the outlaw. He whistled
to Rowdy, who came aboard the skiff with a rush, and then pulled for the
Fortuna with a lusty stroke.
Scarcely was he well aboard before Jack at the switchboard had started
the engines and the Fortuna pointed her nose away from Petit Bois Island
and headed for the mainland.
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