Frontier Boys in the South Seas Part 15

"Where are you going to land, Jim," asked Berwick, who had taken the tiller. "It won't do to venture very close to the Sea Eagle."

"The first point where we can find a landing place on the north sh.o.r.e.

They will hardly see us at this distance."

"Just over here is a good place," suggested Tom, indicating a break in the rocky cliff where the land sloped down to the water.

It was only a short pull to the sh.o.r.e, and ten minutes later the boat was run up on a sandy beach, and the comrades disembarked. Making the painter fast to a large rock, the party, under the lead of Jim, set out for the other end of the harbor.

It was slow moving through the tangled underbrush, and nearly two hours were consumed in a roundabout trip which brought them to a point, where, themselves un.o.bserved, a close and distinct view of the Sea Eagle and the lugger was obtainable.

Everyone on board the two boats was busily engaged in the task of transferring from the lugger's hold numerous boxes, cases and casks, which were being stored aboard the Sea Eagle.

Berwick clutched Jim's arm. "See," he gasped, "on the afterdeck! What did I tell you?"

"Manuel," muttered Jim, with almost a shudder.

"It means trouble," grumbled Berwick.

"Nonsense," responded Jim. But there was lacking the usual tone of a.s.surance in his voice. He looked at his brothers and Juarez. No one spoke. All seemed imbued with the same feeling of inexpressible nervous concern. Was it a foreboding of some impending danger?

Very silently now the party pushed on, and a little later they were able to get a good view of the stretch of land occupying the s.p.a.ce between the water's edge and the foot hills, which were a full mile away.

It was a level plain with a few large eucalyptus trees of considerable growth cl.u.s.tered a short distance from the sh.o.r.e.

One particularly large tree of the group attracted Jim's attention, and indicating this one, he announced:

"That is where the meeting will be held."

The others looked at him in astonishment. To them the trees all looked alike.

"How do you know?" they chorused.

"See the birds flying about?" There were flying through the air a number of birds. Occasionally some of them lit for an interval, but never upon the tree Jim had pointed out.

"But what of that?" asked Tom.

"There is some one in that tree," explained Jim. "That is why, as you will notice, the birds alight on the other trees, but never upon that one."

Observing for a continuous period the actions of the birds their maneuvers seemed to confirm Jim's theory.

"This then," determined Jim, "is our place of observation when it comes to the surrendering of the Senorita and the paying of the ransom. We cannot be seen here, but can get quickly into action and upon the scene if there is need."

"We have the place of ambush," said Berwick, "and the next thing to find out, if we can, is, when the villains are to complete the transaction."

"For that purpose I am going to attempt to hunt out the senor, and try to secure, if possible, an interview with him."

Jim had noticed that a faintly marked trail led inland from the sh.o.r.e, and a short way up the nearest hill was seen a low bungalow with out-buildings which Jim concluded was a way-house or inn, and the likely stopping place of the Senor.

"What are we to do?" asked Tom.

"You four remain here on guard and fire two shots in quick succession if I am wanted."

Saying this, Jim strode away in the direction of the foot hills, but sheltered the while from observation by the forest and underbrush.

It was as Jim surmised. On the veranda of the inn sat the senor intently reading a book. As Jim approached, no other person was in sight.

"Buena diaz, Senor," called Jim.

Instantly the Senor sprang to his feet, observing Jim for the first time and facing him with a stern, uncompromising look.

"So you are concerned in this evil venture, you--"

"On the contrary," broke in Jim, himself greatly surprised. "I have come to help you."

"I have no need of help," a.s.serted the Senor, unbending not the least, suspicion in his voice.

Jim was staggered for a moment and at a loss for words. Here was an obstacle he had not thought of. Finally he ventured the inquiry:--

"You have not, however, recovered your daughter, the Senorita?"

"No."

"And until you do, I a.s.sure you, there is grave danger."

Something in Jim's tones seemed to impress the Senor with his sincerity, and his future speech indicated the return of confidence.

"My daughter is abducted. By whom, I know not. How did you know of this?"

"Just by chance," replied Jim. "But tell me about the capture?"

"But I know nothing," protested the Senor. "She went out and came not back. Then I got word that these men,--these--" the Senor stopped.

"They warned me to say nothing or that they would kill her."

"Unless you paid them so much money," added Jim.

"And you know that, too. It was much--five thousand dollars--but that is nothing if I have my daughter safe again. You think they will come?"

"I think they will try to get the reward," said Jim, cautiously.

"And if they do not come, you will help me find her?" the Senor asked, looking into Jim's face.

"a.s.suredly," responded Jim. "But tell me about the arrangements you have made."

The Senor glanced about, then walked with Jim a little distance from the inn. There was no apparent need for the precaution, for there was no one to be seen about the place.

"At five o'clock to-day, at an appointed spot, a tree below here, I am to be met by someone who will receive the money."

"Yes," said Jim, "and you already have your men perched in the branches of the tree."