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238 "We haven't looked everywhere, yet," answered Dan. "Turn over the bed mattresses."

"How could they get into the beds?" I asked. "If those rascally Tagals"

A shout from the deck interrupted me, and dropping everything I flew through the cabin and up the companion-way stairs, with Dan behind me.

"The second boat is coming on again!" announced Watt Brown. "Watch the woods, for there may be some understanding between the two attacking parties."

"Sure an' thim rascals are coming on, too!" burst in Matt Gory. "Down, all of yez!" and he dropped flat on the deck.

We did the same, and just then a volley of rifle shots rang out, and one of the bullets tore its way through the top of Dan's straw hat, while all came alarmingly close.

"On and at them!" shouted Captain Kenny, forgetful, no doubt, that the Celestials could not understand a word. And he led the way in a rush for the ship.

By this time the second small boat was less than two hundred feet off and coming forward with all the speed that the eight sturdy oarsmen could command. The officer in the bow was at the small cannon mentioned, and at what he