to try and steal something had been irresistible, and he was now creeping
toward the motor-boat with the intention of getting aboard and laying
hands on anything of value.

Then, again, it might be another entirely, some rascal much more to be
feared than George. Frank was not more than half a minute in making
up his mind what the best course for him to pursue under the
circumstances would be.

"I'll give him a shot, firing far over his head. Whoever it is, the
report must make him skedaddle like hot cakes," he thought, for he could
not bear the idea of doing a fellow human being any bodily harm, no
matter whether he were white or black.

Having so decided, Frank raised his gun a trifle further, so that it bore
on the tops of the cabbage palms beyond. Then his finger pressed the
trigger, and with the sudden report he gave a tremendous yell.




CHAPTER VII

A FLORIDA SHERIFF


There was an upheaval of various blankets, three faces peeped forth, and
then came a wild scramble for weapons.

"Wow! What is it, Frank!" bellowed Bluff.