“A very indiscreet sort of a gentleman,” remarked Edwards.  “Here goes, sir.”

He pressed the trigger.

A howl of pain rewarded this effort and Edwards smiled grimly to himself.

“Got him,” he said cheerfully.

The sound of the rifle brought another figure to the deck.  Now it was Frank’s turn and he acted instantly.  Again there was a faint report and the second man toppled over.

“Two,” said Frank quietly.

“Right, sir!” replied Edwards.  “All ready for another, sir.”

“I guess the next will be along in a minute,” said Frank dryly.  “Besides, it’s about time for Jack and Williams to take a hand in the game.”

“Wouldn’t want to leave them out all together, would we, sir,” grinned Edwards.

“I should say not,” replied Frank.

“No, sir; they wouldn’t like that.”

They waited patiently, but ten minutes passed and no other form appeared aboard the enemy.

“Guess Jack is playing a waiting game on the other side,” muttered Frank.  “Now, I wonder——­”

There came an abrupt interruption to his thoughts.

“Throw up your hands!” came a sharp voice from behind, a trifle to the right.  “Surrender or you are dead men!”

CHAPTER IX.

JACK TO THE RESCUE.

Frank and Edwards both whirled hurriedly; and not a fathom’s length away rode a second small boat; and standing forward were two men, their revolvers levelled directly at the heads of our friends.

“Up they go, Edwards,” said Frank quietly, dropping his rifle and suiting the action to the word.  “It’s no use; they’ve got the drop on us.”

“They have, sir,” agreed Edwards.

His rifle also fell to the bottom of the boat with a clatter and his hands went in the air.

“Good!” said one of the men in the other boat.  “You will please keep your hands where they are.”  He turned to his companion.  “Fritz, you row closer, while I keep them covered.”

The latter obeyed and soon the two boats scraped.

“Now you will please come aboard my boat,” ordered their captor, still keeping them covered.  “One false move and you are dead men.  Come quickly now.”

Frank realized there was no hope for it, so he obeyed without a word.  Edwards followed suit.

“Take your places forward there,” commanded their captor.

The prisoners obeyed.

“Very good.  Now, Fritz, row to the boat.”

The latter dipped his oars in the water and the rowboat moved toward the motorboat, at which Frank and Edwards had so recently fired.  There the first captor—­the man who seemed to be in command—­ordered Frank and Edwards over the side.

“Quick, now!” he commanded.

Frank climbed aboard first and as he rose to his feet there was the sound of a shot and the lad felt a bullet whistle past his ear.  He dropped to the deck.