"
The landing was made without a hitch--the sand being of the
hard-ribbed variety that covers the numerous reefs along the west
African coast.
After a short interval of wading the boys stood on the deck of the
Brigand, where she hung on the edge of the reef. Frank's sharp eyes
noticed that except for her forefoot the vessel was in deep water,
as the reef dropped off quite abruptly.
Old Barr received them with almost hysterical joy.
"This is better than I deserve, boys; better than I deserve," he
kept repeating.
"You had better stop your sniveling," said Frank sharply, thoroughly
disgusted with the cowardly old rascal. "Where are pens, ink and
paper?"
The ivory merchant led the way to the chart-house. "Be quick,
boys--she might sink," he stuttered.
The document that Frank dictated, Luther Barr signed and the others
witnessed, read like this:
I, Luther Barr, of New York, do here by deed, make over and assign
to the Boy Aviators--namely Frank and Harry Chester, William Barnes
and Lathrop Beasley, all my share, claim or equity in the ivory
which I wrongfully stole from them, which fact I with shame
acknowledge. I hereby affix my signature which I admit in the
presence of witnesses to be my true manner of signing."
"Now," said Frank, "just to show we are not mean, there is some
ivory left in the Moon Mountains, near the spot which is indicated
on your map.
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