"Do you know that the _Swallow_ is in this port?" went on Bart, as he drew closer to the underground stream. "Yes." "I wish she was at the bottom of the Pacific, and the Fearlesses with her." "You should not be so hard on them," replied Lemuel Hankers, hypocritically. At this Pete Rackley gave a harsh laugh. "You're a good one," he remarked in a low tone. "Hush; I don't want my son to know too much," whispered Lemuel Hankers. By this time Bart Hankers was standing on the edge of the underground stream. "Wish I could cross over and see what's on the other shore," he muttered. So far Dave had kept silent, drinking in all that was said. He realized only too well what a plot was going on against his father and himself, and against the _Swallow_. "If only I can get free, I'll show them a trick or two," he told himself. Suddenly Bart Hankers uttered a cry. "A snake! A snake!" He was right; a long snake had appeared at the top of the underground stream. It was a dangerous-looking reptile, eight feet long, and with nasty green eyes. Bart Hankers fell back in confusion. But instead of climbing to the outer bank, the snake crawled out close to the rock behind which Dave was in hiding. It was against human nature to remain hidden under the circumstances, and the young diver leaped up with all rapidity. At the same time he yelled at the snake, and the reptile, much startled, dropped back into the stream and was lost to view. "Dave Fearless!" gasped Bart Hankers, as soon as the danger from the snake was past. "That boy!" came from Lemuel Hankers and Pete Rackley in a breath. "Yes, it is I," answered the young diver, boldly. "How did you get here?" demanded Lemuel Hankers, much disconcerted. "Tumbled." "Tumbled?" "That is what I said, Lemuel Hankers. Have you any objection to my being here?" "You followed us. You have been playing the part of a spy!" cried the rich man. "How could I have followed you, seeing that I am on this side of the stream?" "You leaped over." "No, he couldn't do that, dad," interposed Bart. "He must have come in some other way." "You overheard our talk?" "I did." At this Pete Rackley emitted a low whistle. "In that case our cake is dough," he muttered. "Not if I know it," muttered Lemuel Hankers, savagely. "Do you think I am to be worsted by a mere boy?" And he shook his fist at Dave. All three of the young diver's enemies came to the edge of the stream. "How did you get where you are?" repeated Lemuel Hankers. "As I said before, I tumbled." "You are trying to poke fun at me." "I was never more serious in my life." "You think you are smart," put in Bart. "What I think is none of your business." "We'll make it our business," burst out Lemuel Hankers, wrathfully. "Come over here, and come instantly." CHAPTER XI FACING A JAGUAR Dave was surprised. He had not dreamed that Lemuel Hankers would carry his high-handedness so openly.