"Why, we would, of course. I rather guess we know enough by this time, after all the experience we've had, to sail a boat of this size. I know I would, anyhow."
Just here there came such a tremendous flapping of sails, thrashing of ropes, and banging of blocks from overhead that the boys made a rush for the deck to see what was up. To their dismay the cabin doors were not only closed but locked. In vain did they pound, kick, and shout to be released. There was no answer to their cries, though the terrifying racket overhead continued with increasing violence.
"Something serious has happened," shouted Will Rogers, with a very pale face. "Perhaps Mr. Bangwell has fallen overboard, and a squall has struck us. Anyway, we must break open these doors."
But the doors were stout, and for several minutes resisted their utmost efforts. Finally, however, they gave way, and the boys poured on deck. By this time the alarming noise had ceased, for the yacht, which had thrown her head into the wind, had again filled away and resumed her course of her own accord.
The Rangers gazed about them in bewildered amazement. There was no trace of the man whom they had left on deck, nor of the boat that had towed astern.
"He must have fallen overboard and got drowned," said little Cal Moody, in an awe-struck tone.
"He must have deserted us and gone off, though I can't understand why, nor see where he has gone," answered Will Rogers, as he mechanically stepped to the wheel and cast off its lashing. "There is something wrong about this whole business, and we are left in a pretty pickle. Now the question is what shall we do about it?"
"Go back to the island and wait for Captain Crotty," suggested several.
"But we don't know where it is," objected Sam Ray. "I'd run for the nearest land."
"We could anchor when we got near shore."
"No, we couldn't, 'cause we haven't got any anchor. Don't you remember we left it behind?"
"That's so. Well, then, let's keep on till we meet some vessel, and then ask where Newport is."
"We know the course to Newport," suggested Mif Bowers, "for I heard him telling you, Will."
"Yes," admitted the latter. "He told me that Newport lay east by south half south, but I don't believe it. In fact I think it lies just the other way."