"They were so in earnest that they did not notice me," continued Dora. "I was going to walk away when I saw them, but then I overheard the name of Walt Wingate and I turned back to learn what they were saying about that bad man. It seems both the mate and the assistant engineer have been talking to Wingate, and Wingate has made them an offer." "Does Wingate want his liberty?" questioned Fred. "Yes, and he wants more--he wants the mate and the assistant engineer to help him to defeat Mr. Rover's plan to get the treasure. He told Mr. Carey and Mr. Bossermann that if they would aid him he was sure Sid Merrick would reward them handsomely." "And what did Carey and Bossermann say to that?" asked Songbird eagerly. "They said they'd like to talk it over with Sid Merrick." "The scoundrels!" vociferated Fred. "Talk it over with Merrick! We ought to put 'em, both in irons!" "I wanted to hear more, but they walked away and I was afraid to follow them," continued Dora. "I thought I had better tell you and perhaps you'd know what to do. I didn't want to worry mother or my aunt." "We ought to let Captain Barforth know of this at once," said Songbird. "Chust vot I say," said Hans. "Der better der quicker." "How can you let him know?" "One of us might row ashore," said Fred. "The others ought to stay behind to watch affairs." "I'll go ashore," said Songbird promptly. "You'll have to have one of the sailors row you." "I know it. I can take Hollbrook, he's a pretty decent sort of chap and I know he can row well." The fishing lines were wound up, and without delay Songbird presented himself to Asa Carey. He and the others had agreed to say nothing to the mate about what Dora had over heard. "Mr. Carey, I wish to go ashore," he said. "Can I have Hollbrook row me to the beach?" "Go ashore?" growled the mate. "I didn't know anybody else was going." "Well, I've just made up my mind to go. Can Hollbrook take me in one of the small boats?" "Why didn't you go when Captain Barforth went?" "I didn't think of it then." "I don't know that I can spare Hollbrook," grumbled the mate. He was eyeing Songbird in a suspicious manner. "He doesn't seem to be doing anything just now." "Say, who is running this vessel, you or I?" cried Asa Carey. "Captain Barforth is running her. But she is under charter to Mr. Rover, and Mr. Rover told me to use a small boat whenever I pleased," answered Songbird sharply. "If you refuse to let me have a boat say so." "Oh, I--er--I didn't say that," stammered the mate. "If you want to go do so. But I don't know if Hollbrook can get you through the reef in safety or not." "I'll risk it," said Songbird briefly and hurried below to prepare himself for the trip. Fred and Hans met him in his stateroom. "I think Carey is suspicious," said Songbird. "Keep an eye on him, and if anything goes wrong shoot off the cannon or a gun. I'll do my best to find Mr. Rover and the captain and bring them back as quickly as possible."