“I see,” replied Frank.  “I hadn’t thought of that.”

“But it seems to me we are getting in pretty easily,” said Jack.  “It’s a wonder we are not challenged.  I’m always suspicious of anything that is attained too easily.  I wonder if we can be suspected?”

“Not likely,” remarked Lord Hastings.  “We’ve come pretty straight, in spite of our short stop.  They could hardly have had word of the sinking of their vessels in the Thames as yet.”

“Unless from Davis and his crew, sir,” suggested Frank.

“I don’t believe they have learned anything from Davis,” Jack declared.  “That bunch of vagabonds are probably prowling about seeking whom they may devour.”

“And I have a faint hope that they may seek to devour us before long,” said Frank with a smile.

“I’ve sort-o had that wish myself,” Jack seconded his chum.  “However, I feel certain that we shall come upon them sooner or later.”

“And still,” said Lord Hastings, “there really is no telling where they are likely to be.  They can’t wander too far from their base.  They’ll have to put in some place every so often, you know.”

“They will live off their victims, providing they have any,” said Frank.  “To find them is like looking for a needle in a haystack.  We might have to search the seven seas.”

“And then not find them,” Jack added.

“Well, if we do come up with them, I’d like to lay my hands on Davis,” declared Frank.

Jack smiled.

“You laid hands on him last time, if I remember rightly,” he said.  “Also he laid hands on you, and a deal more roughly, too.  He might not let you off so easily again.”

“Think so, do you,” said Frank, a little sulkily.  “He was just lucky, that’s all.”

“It may have been a little luck,” Jack admitted.  “At the same time, you will have to give the fellow credit.  He can use his hands.  I guess if we encounter him again it will be up to me to handle him.”

“You don’t seem to have much confidence in yourself,” remarked Frank sarcastically.

“Well, a fellow has to have confidence in this world,” was his chum’s reply.  “It may be that he would be too much for me, too; but I’ve an idea I could take care of him.”

“Well, you won’t.  He’s my meat next time,” declared Frank.

“We won’t argue about it,” smiled Jack.  “We’ll let events shape themselves when the time comes.  Only, if he falls to my lot, I’ll try to even up your score, too.”

“And if he comes to me,” grinned Frank, “I’ll put in a few blows for you, seeing that you are so obliging.”

CHAPTER XXIII.

AN UNEXPECTED ENCOUNTER.

“Now that we have so kindly been permitted to enter,” said Lord Hastings, “I don’t believe it would be half a bad idea for us to go ashore; or at least two of us.”

“I speak to go with you, sir,” exclaimed Frank.