half a dozen times. When they did get back it was so gloomy in the bushes that they had to call out to Larry, in order to locate him.
"Gracious! I was afraid you would never come back," said the youth.
"We've had quite an adventure," replied Dick, and related the particulars.
Larry's ankle was somewhat better, and by leaning on both Dick and Peterson he managed to hobble along to where the Rocket's small boat had landed them.
The steam tug was close at hand, and they were soon on board.
"Is the screw repaired?" was Dick's first question.
"Not quite, but it will be inside of half an hour," answered Jack Parsons.
"Have you seen anything of the Peacock? She is sailing around the island."
"No, haven't seen any sail since you left. We—"
A cry from the lookout interrupted the captain.
"Here comes the Peacock!"
The report was true, and all crowded forward to catch sight of the schooner in the darkness.
The stars made it fairly light on the water and, as the schooner came up close to the steam tug, Dick made out several figures on board.
