Yet, but for one fact, Hazelton would have risen with his man, and would have hurled the mysterious one over into the waters of the gulf.
Just in the instant of victory Harry's injured right foot gave out under him.

With a stifled groan he sank down just as he threw his opponent.
The black, instead of going into the water, landed hard on his back on the top of the wall.

He was up again, however, before Hazelton could repress the pain in his foot and leap at the wretch.
"Ha, ha! Ho, ho!" came the tantalizing challenge.
"Put-put-put!" sounded over the water, coming nearer all the time.
"Re---e---e---e a d e! T o m R e a d e! Help---quick!" yelled Harry, lustily.
This, doubtless, was the first call that Tom, at the bow of the motor boat, thought he heard.
Uttering a snort, this time, instead of the laugh, the black sprang at his intended prey.

Their heads met, with considerable force.

Then, with a wild chuckle, the black wound his apelike arms around the young engineer.
"Reade! Tom Reade! Reade!" bellowed Hazelton lustily, as he tried desperately to free himself from the crushing embrace of the other.
* * * * * Over the waters came the penetrating beam of a small search-light.