"
"I hope he was not badly hurt," said Frank.
"He is dead," said Mr. Barr, calmly stuffing half a sweet potato
into his capacious mouth.
The boys gave an exclamation of concern.
"Yes, it was very annoying," commented Mr. Barr.
"You see I have had to trust since to the navigation of my mate, and
while he is a careful fellow he is not much good as a navigator, and
in addition to that he is a drinking man. I am afraid that he may be
ashore now in my absence and indulging his taste for strong drink."
"I should have thought you would have forbidden him shore leave,"
commented Harry.
"No good, my dear boy, that fellow would swim ashore even if the
harbor were swarming with sharks, to gratify his disgusting taste."
"But now," he continued with a change of tone, "to business. You
have got the ivory?
"We have," replied Frank.
"Where?"
"We have it here," was the quiet rejoinder.
"What!" an amazed tone.
"What I tell you is true," and Frank-foolishly as he admitted
afterward-led the way to the cache in the forest; "it is buried here
so as to be safe from marauders."
Mr. Barr seemed lost in thought for a few minutes then he suggested
a return to the camp-fire. Once there he drew out a paper from his
pocket-book.
"Many things have happened since you left New York, boys," he said
quietly, through a feverish gleam in his deep, crafty eyes belied
his outward calm.
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