Langless invite them on board, to look for Dick. Then we can bag them and put them with Dick."
"By Jove, that is a scheme!" exclaimed the rascally parent. "Langless, will you do it? Of course, we'll have to get out of sight until the proper moment arrives."
"But if you bag 'em, what of those left on the Swallow?" questioned the captain.
"There is only one man, a negro. He doesn't amount to anything."
"There may be more—one or two officers of the law."
Arnold Baxter used his glass again. "I see nobody but the darky. If there were officers at hand, I am sure they would have come along in that rowboat."
"I guess you are right about that."
"If we capture the boys the darky won't dare to follow us alone, and it may be that we can capture him, too," went on Arnold Baxter.
By this time the rowboat was drawing closer, and Arnold Baxter and Dan stepped out of sight behind the forecastle of the schooner.
A few additional words passed between Captain Langless and the Baxters, and then the owner of the Peacock awaited the coming of our friends, who were now almost alongside, never suspecting the trap which was set for them.
