More talk followed, but as the men were now moving in another direction the Rovers and their companions made out little more of the conversation.
"What shall we do, confront them?" asked Sam of his parent.
"Not if they are going back to their ship," answered Mr. Rover. "We can watch them and see what they do."
At the end of half an hour they saw that the Merrick party had started for the north side of the isle. They waited in silence until all were well out of hearing.
"I am glad we are rid of them—at least for the time being," said Anderson Rover. "Now we can continue the treasure hunt in peace."
"But dem fellers will be suah to come back," interposed Aleck.
"I know that, Aleck, but they won't come back right away. Evidently they are returning to their vessel to get that Spaniard, Doranez."
"I'd like to have punched Merrick's head for tying me up," growled Tom.
"It will be punishment enough for him if we get the treasure," answered Mr. Rover.
"If we do."
"You are not ready to give up yet, are you, Tom?"
