Mark locked the steering apparatus so as to keep the Mermaid headed
due east.

"Now you can go back to your friends," Tony said. "When I want you
I'll send for you."

With a heavy heart Mark rejoined the professor and others. He found
them with their bonds removed. But to guard against their escape
several men were on watch outside the door.

"What are they doing?" asked the professor eagerly as Mark entered,
and the boy told him what had taken place.

"They will ruin my ship and spoil the whole trip," cried the old
scientist. "Oh, why did I ever go to the rescue of the scoundrels?"

"Never mind," said Jack. "Perhaps we may yet outwit them."

Morning came at last. The ship was still shooting forward at fast
speed, in an easterly direction. The sailors had learned, in their
short stay aboard, where the food and stores were kept, and they lost
little time in getting breakfast. They sent same in to their captives,
including a big pot of hot coffee, and, after partaking of this the
professor and his friends felt better.

The mate of the Good Hope came in to help clear away the dishes. As he
passed Mark he slipped into the boy's hand a note.

"Don't read it until you are alone," he said in a low voice, as he