Suddenly he heard low voices close beside him, a dark object dashed up to his raft, and a dazzling light was flashed full in his face.

The next instant two men sprang to his side, threw him down, searched him for arms, secured his knife, which was the only thing resembling a weapon that he possessed, and forced him into a large skiff containing several other men.
"Close the lantern," ordered one of these in a low but stern voice, "and pull for that fire on shore.

No doubt we'll bag some more of them there." Then to Winn the man said, "So you thought you could give us the slip, did you, young fellow?
Well, you found us up too early, didn't you?
Now the best thing you can do is to afford us all possible aid in capturing the rest of your gang.

It'll count big in your favor with the Judge, I can tell you.

How many are there on the island ?" "I don't know what you mean--" began Winn, indignantly; but a heavy hand was instantly clapped over his mouth.
"Shut up!" whispered the man, hoarsely, but with terrible distinctness.
"If you speak another loud word I'll brain you.