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 taking to their boats,” speculated Leonard.

“But the boats are still here, sir,” objected Greer.

“There seems to be no explanation,” gloomed Caradoc.

“If we gathered this up and took it to the men, they would thank us heartily,” suggested Greer.

“That's a fact,” agreed Madden, setting to work at once. “Here, pile these plates on trays and we'll load 'em in the small boat.”

The three adventurers set to work busily, carrying the provisions, which were still fresh and wholesome, to the port dinghy which lay toward the dock.

As they worked they speculated further on what could have brought about such an extraordinary situation. Their guesses ranged from water spouts to savages. Presently Caradoc cut in with:

“It's not so much how the Minnie B got here, as it is how we are going to handle her.”

“We'll man her and sail home,” said Greer.

“We'll have to ballast her first,” declared Leonard. “She won't run this way.”