“That’s an easy one. When the _Jolly Sport_ slammed up against this vessel I thought she was a goner, and I made a scramble to get on board here, expecting the rest of you to follow. I was astonished when you failed to do so, and I looked down to see nothing of the boat. She was gone, and I did not know but what she had gone to the bottom with the whole of you. They have kept me here ever since, for I was knocked over and tied up with ease, like the fool that I am! I’ve tried to get away, but it’s no use. Then I heard you captured, and saw you dragged in here.” This was very astonishing, but Frank Merriwell’s heart was filled with thankfulness to know that Hodge still lived. Hastily they talked over what had happened since the _Jolly Sport_ was driven into the cove before the gale. “Merry.” “Yes, Bart.” “Got a surprise for you.” “What is it?” “Don’t want to tell you now, but I know the captives--Capt. Horn’s captives. We must do something for them. You are full of schemes, old man; can’t you plan something now?” “I can plan enough, but the trouble is to put the plans into execution. Where are the captives?” “Beyond that door there.” Frank saw a door at the farther end of the cabin. He had not noticed it before. At this moment one of the sailors came down from above. The sound of hoisting the anchor had stopped, and it was evident that the man popped down to take a look at the captives and make sure they were all right, for he stopped but a moment. Soon the boys realized that the vessel was under way. They could tell by the motion. Capt. Horn came down. “Hello, cap,” called Frank. “Whither away?” “Out to sea,” was the surly answer. “Going to drop you over where it is deep.” “Couldn’t persuade you to change your mind about that? I don’t want to be dropped overboard.” The man grunted. After a time another man came below. Capt. Horn rolled into a bunk and slept. Frank strained and worked at his bonds. At first it seemed that he simply made them cut deeper and deeper into his wrists without loosening them in the least. After a time, he began to fancy he was making some progress. If he could get his hands free he felt sure he would be able to liberate Hodge. Between them they could make a fight for life and liberty. Hours passed. Capt. Horn got up and went on deck, accompanied by the man who had been in the cabin with him. Then the other two men came down and turned into the bunks. They seemed exhausted, and quickly fell asleep. Morning dawned. With the coming of dawn, Frank succeeded in getting one hand free. Then it was not long before he was entirely free, and he hastened to release Hodge. Bart was palpitating with excitement. “What’ll we do, Merry?” he asked, in a whisper. “First set the other captives at liberty,” said Frank. “We must work lively.” “Steady, then,” warned Hodge. “No matter whom you see, do not utter a cry. Here, tie this handkerchief over your face to your eyes.” “What for?”