with large canes similar to bamboo.

A sort of corduroy road led into the swamp, and disappeared amid the
trees. Upon a post near by was an old marlin spike with something
white fluttering beneath. This attracted the mate's eye.

"Here we are," said he, detaching the bit of paper. "Perhaps this will
give us a little light."

And he read as follows:

"3 bells sekund dog watch. gOt to git out. Uncle Sam on the Lookoute.
cap ses yu must shift fer yure selves."

"That looks as if a fo'c'stle fist had written it," remarked Duff
ruminatively. "I have felt for some time that Gary wouldn't object to
being rid of a few of us."

"'E's a bloomin' fool," quoth Ben, evidently feeling that this exigency
had removed all restraint of speech as regarded the captain. "Wot will
'e do short handed with a hundred or more black devils aboard in case
trouble comes? Barrin' I were out o' here though, I wouldn't care if I
never touched a halyard of the Wanderer again."

"You see," said Duff, "we three were known to disapprove of the whole
business. He needed me to get over here, for I know the coast. But he
can get along without me going back."

"What does that mean about Uncle Sam," asked Ralph.