And then he thought of his companions. How was he to warn them before it was too late?
For a single minute Johnny Thompson remained behind the closed door; then his fear for his companions drove him forth. Throwing the door wide open, he made a dash for it. Down the companionway and up the hatch he raced at full speed.
The Professor was the first person he came across.
“Where’s Pant?” he gasped. “Natives on board—murderous fellows!”
“There!” A black form appeared on deck. “Dodge!” exclaimed Johnny, setting the example. “They throw knives!”
It seemed, however, that this precaution was unnecessary, for the black man sprang to the gunwale, then leaped overboard. He was followed rapidly by two others.
Pant had heard something of the commotion, and now came hurrying around the corner of a cabin.
“Better get to the rifles,” breathed Pant. “Can’t tell how many of them.”
He leaped for the rope ladder. In another minute they were rowing rapidly for the “Dust Eater.” As Johnny climbed to the cabin on the plane he looked back. “There they go!” he exclaimed.
It was true. A long, slender canoe, manned by four husky native paddlers, was shooting over the water at an incredible speed. They were striking boldly out to sea.
“Guess they’re as afraid of us as we are of them,” smiled Johnny.
“Yes, that’s one more than I saw,” answered Johnny.
“We came at a fortunate time,” remarked the Professor. “They doubtless belong to another island and have discovered the wreck in passing. The whole tribe will be along presently to loot it.”
“In that case,” said Johnny, “we’d better work fast.”
“And get away before they come,” said Pant. “Good idea. Plenty of coal to grind up for fuel. Perhaps we can get away before dark.”
After securing the rifles they hastened back to complete their search, confident that the treasure chests would be in their hands in short order.
In a cabin formerly occupied by the chief steward, Johnny found a master key, which expedited their work. With his two companions standing guard, Johnny was able to unlock one stateroom after another in rapid succession. One glance in each was enough to satisfy him that the chests were not to be found there.
When they had made the entire rounds of the main deck, and had discovered no chests of any sort, their hopes fell a trifle. There remained, however, the lower deck. To this they hastened. When this search proved fruitless, they stood for a minute silently looking at one another.