The boys hastened on board and Clay ran to the motors. At that instant, four men made their appearance on the ledge above the cove, beckoning with their hands and calling out to the boys that they had something of importance to say to them.
"They look to me like triple-plated thieves," Alex commented, "and I wouldn't be caught on an island with them for a farm."
Captain Joe seemed to approve of this decision, for he stood with his feet braced, growling furiously at the beckoning men.
"Boat ahoy!" one of the men cried. "We have a message for you."
"All right," Case answered, "you may send it by wireless."
"But it is important!" came from the man.
During this brief conversation, the motors were slowly drawing the _Rambler_ out of the sandy cove, the electric connection having been made, and the men were rapidly approaching the shore. The boat moved slowly, for the keel was dragging slightly in the sand, and the wreckers, if such they were, stood at the water's edge before the craft was more than a dozen yards away.
Directly, all appearance of friendship ceased, and the men stood threatening the boys with automatic guns.
"Run back!" one of the men cried, "or we'll pick you off like pigeons!"
The boys had already taken their automatic revolvers from the cabin, and now, instead of obeying the command of the outlaws, they dropped down behind the gunwale and sent forth a volley not intended to injure, but only to frighten.
Apparently undismayed by the shots, the outlaws passed boldly down the shore line seeking to keep pace with the motor boat as she drew out of the cove. Every moment the motors were gaining speed. In another minute, the _Rambler_ would be entirely beyond the reach of the outlaws.
Apparently hopeless of coercing the boys into a return, the outlaws now began shooting. Bullets pinged against the gunwale and imbedded themselves in the walls of the cabin but did no damage.
A tinge of color was now showing in the east. Birds were astir in the moving currents of the air, and lights flashed dimly forth from the distant houses of St. Luce. Against the ruddy glow of the sky, a river steamer lifted its column of smoke. Observing the approach of the vessel, the outlaws redoubled their efforts to frighten the boys into instant submission.