“That’s the ship that Smith has sent to get us out,” laughed Storms, “and we’ve got ahead of him, and got out ourselves.”

He was correct, for in half an hour the newcomer was alongside and in a moment Mr. Smith himself was over the side and grasping his son, Jesse W., in his arms.

“But how is this?” he asked.  “I thought you could not get out.  Did you do this for a joke so that you could see me?”

“No, indeed, sir,” said young Smith.  “We have not been away from the island more than an hour or two, and it is to Jack Sheldon that you owe your getting out.  Come here, Jack, I want to introduce you to my father.”

“I am pleased to see you, sir,” said Jack, coming up.  “I am afraid that Jesse W. gives me too much credit, although I am willing to take a little of it.  Captain Storms deserves the greater part of it, however.”

Mr. Smith held a consultation with the captain of the revenue cutter, and an arrangement was shortly made between them whereby the Circe was to be in the government’s custody for a time, and then to be turned over to her owners.

The whole story was told and Jack, Dick, and many of the boys came in for their meed of praise from Mr. Smith, as well as from Dr. Wise and the captain.

Mr. Smith had not found a pilot who could take him through the reefs to Lost Island, as they all still called it, but his chagrin was greatly tempered by seeing his son and all the boys safe out of their island prison, and he complimented Jack on all that he had done, and said: 

“My dear boy, I have already promised my son to look after your interests, and you need have no fear that they will be thoroughly attended to.”

“I am much obliged to you, sir,” replied Jack, blushing, “but I am glad to have found such good friends.  I want to say a few words in behalf of your son, and am only expressing the sentiments of the majority of the boys when I tell you that he is a plucky little chap, and a credit to the Hilltop Academy.  I trust that we may long have him with us.”

“Hurrah for Jesse W., boys, give him a rouser!” cried Percival, and they were given with a will.

Mr. Smith went back to the relief vessel, the cutter took away her prize, and by night the vessels had all parted company, Jesse W. Smith’s father to return to New York, and the yacht to proceed on her cruise, which, although somewhat shortened as to route, was to continue until the time originally set as to its duration.

The cruise was a most pleasant one, and the boys learned much while it lasted, and were sorry when it ended, and they set out for the north and the Academy in the highlands.

Later the Circe was turned over to its owners, and a share of the reward for its recovery put to Jack’s account in the bank, much to his surprise, as well as satisfaction.

The man with the white mustache, who was one of the boldest of the smugglers, had made his escape, whither he had gone no one could tell, but Jack’s only interest in the man was to hope that he would keep away on account of his mother, to whom he related nothing concerning his meetings with the man, either at the Academy or in the tropics.