"We ought to git back to the house at once!" put in old Jerry. "We
must warn the cap'n and the others of what Lesher and his crowd intend
to do."
"That is true, but we can't leave this poor chap here. He might die
for the want of care," came from Tom.
"We'll take him along," said Dick. "Come, lift him up."
As carefully as they could they lifted the unconscious form up and
bore it to where the rowboat was lying. Soon all were on board, and
while Tom did his best to revive Bostwick, Dick and old Jerry bent
their back to the oars, pulling as they had seldom pulled before.
The beach in front of the house was almost gained when they heard a
shot ring out, followed by several others.
"Just as I feared!" groaned Dick. "Lesher and the others have begun
the attack!"
"Then we'll have to be careful how we land," said old Jerry. "If we
aint, we may run right into 'em!"
There was no moon, but the stars shone brightly, so the beach line
was dimly visible in the distance. Standing up in the bow, Tom saw
a flash of fire from the jungle below the house, and heard the crack
of a firearm. Then he saw some dark forms running along the beach.
"Our party is making for the cave!" he cried. "We had better turn in
that direction."
Several other shots followed, but they could not tell if anybody was
hit. In the distance several rum-crazed sailors were yelling like so
many Indians.
Bostwick came to his senses just as the sand was reached.
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