Why she should attempt to tamper with the cable, he could not understand, knowing the superior efficiency of the wireless system; but he thought she might be one of the elusive filibustering vessels reported to have been seen in the Gulf of Mexico several days before this.

Stories about these mysterious vessels had caused official orders to be sent to Tampa and to Galveston, Texas, concerning the departure of several transports with American troops.  And Captain Vinton himself had almost encountered a notorious filibuster named Juan Bego, one night during the earlier part of this pleasure cruise; that is, he had sighted a vessel which he felt sure was the Esperanza of Captain Bego, in waters which were supposed to be debarred to the enemy.  All this had tended to make him more alert and wary than ever, even suspicious; and he had resolved to lose no time in reporting his most recent discovery.

“You boys might as well heave them old tarpon poles overboard now,” he said seriously, as he shifted the helm.  “That there craft I seen las’ night ain’t Yankee built, I’ll swear; and if she should take a notion to foller us, we want to be light and shipshape, without no signs o’ lubberliness that the squall may have brought to the surface.  How’s everything in the cabin, Dave?  Tight and neat?”

The Seminole grunted, nodding his head in affirmation.  Apparently he was too disturbed in mind to reply verbally; besides, like most of his kind, he was a poor sailor, and he did not enjoy the speed at which the Arrow was now sailing.  It upset his mental balance as well as his bodily equilibrium.

Obeying the captain’s instructions, the boys tossed overboard their heavy poles, saving only the lines and reels.

“When we get back to Key West, what’s the first thing to do, Captain?” inquired Alec.

“Report seeing that steamer to the naval authorities,” was Vinton’s prompt answer.

“I didn’t know there were any-----”

“There’s likely to be some there now, waiting for orders.”

“And will they search for the strange vessel?”

“You bet they will!  We ain’t goin’ to let no sneakin’ furrin tub show us her heels,—–­are we, lads?”

“Not if we can help it!” exclaimed Hugh.  “I guess one of Uncle Sam’s revenue cutters will give chase to that steamer, or gunboat, or whatever she may be.”

“Not if she’s a gunboat, I reckon!” quoth Vinton with a chuckle.  “Cripes! that vessel was certainly a clipper for goin’!  Her cap’n was wise enough to keep to wind’ard, for he seemed to know where the rough water begins to rise and how to make the most o’ them keys.  Never mind; off Nor’west Cape he’ll have to come out like a seaman and take his duckin’!  H’ist that there jib, Billy, and make Dave move his carcass where it’ll do some good.”

But Dave did not want to bestir himself from his position on the weather gunwale, where he crouched dejectedly, letting the stiff breeze dry his spray-soaked garments.  He groaned, protested, grunted, and finally swore volubly as Alec prodded him, while Billy hoisted the flying jib.