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Rh searchers. Not one inch would he budge. So, his own offer of assistance having been very bluntly refused by Ben, Larone, hurt at the suspicion but smiling courteously and patiently, left on a reconnaissance of his own.

"They must have the treasure on the yacht," said Benson, after six toilsome hours had passed in the fruitless quest. "Toted it over in the tender, piecemeal—in sacks or somethin'. Let's take the long-boat and find out."

"What, and leave Sally here?"

"Take Dick and Jack Beam with us," was his answer to the Captain's objection, "and leave Ben and Yeo with her. Give her a revolver. She can shoot 'n she won't turn her head, either, when she pulls the trigger. The thieves won't trouble her now they've got what they're after."

"Thieves, did you call them? Do you realize they're murderers!"

"I guess they done it, all right, Cap'n, and we ought to be huntin' them pizen snakes instead of lookin' fur filthy dollars."

They looked over at the headland. A little coil of smoke floated away like a feather in a lazy breeze.

"She's getting up steam, now."

"All right," said the Captain. "We'll search that yacht if she's armed like a dreadnought," and he issued his orders, which were promptly put into effect except as to the disposition of Ben.

"What! Me on watch here while you're getting in that mess!" he protested. "Let the gypsy stay, and Zeke Yeo, the burglars are on the yacht and she'll be safe. They'll be away from the place in an hour if we don't start."