leg and was just going to strike, when—My gracious! look at that snake behind you!"
Worked up over what Sam was relating, and totally unconscious of the trick being played upon him, the sailor leaped up and turned around. As he did this, Tom came up behind him swiftly and pinioned his arms to his side. Then Sam rushed in and caught hold of the gun.
"Hi, stop!" roared the sailor. "Let go! This aint fair nohow!"
"Keep still, if you don't want to be shot," answered Tom. And he continued to hold the fellow, while Sam gave the gun a dexterous twist and got it loose. Then the youngest Rover aimed the weapon at the sailor's head.
"Up with your hands," he said, as coolly as he could, although his heart was pumping like mad. Tom released his hold, and fearful of being shot, the sailor raised his hands as commanded. Then Tom picked up the ropes still lying near and proceeded to bind the sailor's legs together.
The fellow wished to yell for help, but Tom's stern glance kept him silent.
"Now what shall we do with him?" asked Sam.
"Carry him into the cave," replied his brother. "Somebody else from the schooner is bound to come, sooner or later, and release him."
