“But supposing he allows Wingate to go to that other ship.

“Well, if Wingate goes we’ll be well rid of him.”

“Of course that is true, but still—­”

Fred did not finish for just then Asa Carey came up.

“I am going to visit that other steamer,” he said, to the chief engineer.  “I shall take that man Wingate along, and Bossermann is going, too.  You can remain right here until I get back.”

Norton nodded, but said nothing.  The mate looked at Fred as if to say more, but then apparently changed his mind and hurried away.  Soon a small boat was over the side and this was manned by the mate, Bossermann, Wingate and a sailor named Ulligan, a fellow noted for his laziness and untrustworthiness.  Without delay the small boat set out for the Josephine.

“I don’t like this at all,” said Fred.  “Those fellows mean mischief as sure as you are born!”

“I dink da vos hatch owid somedings mid dot Merrick,” said Hans.

“Perhaps they are plotting to gain possession of this yacht,” was Dora’s comment.  “They may bring over a crowd to take possession and make us prisoners!”

“If they try any game like that we’ll fight,” answered Fred.

“Dat’s right!” cried Aleck.  “We’ll fight, an’ fight mighty hard, too!”

“If only the Rovers were here,” sighed Dora.  “I am sure they would know exactly what to do.”

“They may be having their own troubles on land,” said Mrs. Stanhope.  “Sid Merrick is a very bad man and will do all in his power to get that treasure in his possession.”

CHAPTER XXIX

THE HUNT FOR THE TREASURE

With the Rainbow steaming away from Horseshoe Bay, the Rovers and those with them on shore felt that a crisis had been reached.  If it was true that Carey, Bossermann and Wingate contemplated joining Sid Merrick there was no telling what the enemy might not accomplish next.

“I have never liked Carey,” observed Captain Barforth.  “But I did not imagine he would take matters in his own hands in this fashion.  I did not think he had the backbone.”

“It’s the thought of the treasure has done it,” answered Anderson Rover.  “Many a man’s head is turned because of gold.”

Those on the shore watched the steam yacht round the eastern point of the isle.  Each heart sank as the vessel disappeared from view.

“Well, we can do nothing at present, but hope for the best,” observed the captain.  “We cannot think of chasing them in the rowboats.”

“We might tramp across the isle and see where they go to,” suggested Tom.  “The Josephine must be over there somewhere.”

“Yes, we can do that,” answered Mr. Rover.  “But it will be a rough journey.”

“I have a better idea,” came from Dick.  “Father has his spyglass with him.  Why not ascend that hill back of where the treasure cave is and then get up in the highest tree there?  A fellow ought to be able to see all around from that height.”