CHAPTER XXIII.
THE MYSTERY OF THE FISHING-SLOOP.
"Stay with the raft," Merriwell again commanded.
"But I want to go with you! You will need help!" "Perhaps I may have to return to the raft.

I can't find it if you leave it." "We can get on that vessel.

And perhaps, if you go alone, you will be killed." Merriwell was as anxious and almost as much excited, but he kept his head.
"Don't you see that the sloop is moving on the new tack.

She may be going faster than I can swim.

Stay on the raft!" As he gave this last command, he slipped out of his heavy, soaked outer coat, quickly removed his shoes, and, pushing these articles to Hodge, let himself into the sea, and began to swim toward the dingy fishing-sloop.