All the boys agreed that it was, and Professor Strong could not help but smile at their enthusiasm. At once they made him promise to come into the plan, and he finally consented. “But I am not going to sneak on board like a criminal,” he said. Soon they were down at the docks and here they met January Jones, who had just completed his errand. They took the negro into their confidence and he promised to come on deck and wave his big red bandanna handkerchief when the coast was clear. Fortunately the plan worked with ease. Captain Sudlip was not dreaming of their return by half-past twelve and they came on board seen only by January and one of the deck hands. This deck hand loved the captain no more than did the negro and he readily consented to remain silent concerning the American passengers. Once on the steamer the party did not go to their staterooms but to a storeroom which January pointed out to them. It was a fairly comfortable spot, and here they remained until the steamer was under way. While sitting here the boys completed their plan, which made even Professor Strong smile broadly. It was Darry who ventured forth first, showing himself when the harbor had been left many miles behind. He strolled on deck as coolly as possible, passing the captain without appearing to notice the latter. Captain Sudlip was nearly dumfounded and stared as if he was looking at a ghost. “Why--er--er,” he stammered. “When--er--when did you come on board?” “Not very long ago,” answered Darry, coolly. “Hum! Did you--er know--I mean, did you have a nice time?” “First-class, although I should have liked to have seen more.” And then Darry added, before the captain could speak again: “Seen anything of the rest of our crowd?” “No.” “Queer. They must be somewhere,” and then Darry walked away, leaving Captain Sudlip staring after him. “He must have left the others of his party,” mused the master of the _Chester_. “Humph! Well, I won’t treat him any too good. He’ll find out that he can’t boss me as the whole crowd did. If he gives me any lip I’ll lock him in the brig.” Darry lost no time in retreating to the storeroom, where he told his story. Then Mark sauntered forth and passed the captain as the latter was entering the cabin. This time Captain Sudlip’s jaw dropped in chagrin as well as amazement. He was about to back away without a word, but Mark did not allow this. “Well, Captain, I see you got away on time,” he said, pleasantly. “Nothing like being prompt, eh?” “Hum! Why--er--yes, I always sail on time,” came back, in snappy tones. “I--er--when did you come aboard?” “Not very long ago,” and then Mark added, as Darry had done: “Seen anything of the rest of our crowd?” “Saw one,” was the short answer, and then Captain Sudlip passed on, his face full of perplexity and chagrin.