This told them that after all Davy had spoken truly when he declared so
vehemently that he had seen a man's head up there on the rocks.

Nobody moved, only crouched there, staring at that dazzling light, and
mentally figuring what was going to happen next.

Doubtless all sorts of alarming theories flitted through their minds,
for after their recent talk about smugglers and those sorts of law-
breakers the boys were in a good state to imagine things.

They were given very little time, however, to collect their wits; for a
gruff voice (strange how voices are always gruff under similar condition
but this one was very hoarse without any question) called out:

"Ahoy there, aboard the launch!"

Had it depended on Bumpus, and perhaps Step Hen also, the reply must
have been a long time coming, for they hardly dared trust their voices;
but then Thad was able to hold his own, and he immediately called back:

"Hello! yourself; what d'ye want?"

"Bring that boat ashore, and be quick about it!" the deep grumble
proceeded to tell them; and somehow poor Bumpus was forcibly reminded of
the growl of a lion he had once heard in a menagerie, as well as several
other things along the same "away down in the cellar" line.

"I suppose we might as well do it, fellows?" Thad remarked to his chums,
in somewhat of a low tone; as though he meant to be influenced more or