Not hearing any repetition of the noise, he was about to drop off again,
his eyes feeling very heavy, when he saw something move. Was that Frank,
or one of the other boys, who had been ashore, climbing back to the boat?

Bluff gripped his gun, and kept on the watch. Whoever it might be, he
evidently did not want to arouse the sleepers, for he was very careful
how he stepped after he had come aboard.

Bluff caught a glimpse of the other's face as the dying fire on shore
chanced to flare up. He made the alarming discovery that it was a white
man, but a stranger; and then and there he remembered about the sheriff's
hunt for the desperado!




CHAPTER X

BLUFF'S FIRST 'GATOR


"Don't you move a hand or foot, you rascal!" cried Bluff sternly as he
suddenly sat up, with leveled gun.

The unknown pillager was only a comparatively few feet away, so that it
was easy for him to see the weapon covered him. Immediately he elevated
his hands, as if to signify that he surrendered.

"What is it, Bluff?" asked a quiet voice, and Frank appeared from the
bottom of the boat.