He and the others had agreed to say nothing to the mate about what Dora had overheard.
"Mr. Carey, I wish to go ashore," he said. "Can I have Hollbrook row me to the beach?"
"Go ashore?" growled the mate. "I didn't know anybody else was going."
"Well, I've just made up my mind to go. Can Hollbrook take me in one of the small boats?"
"Why didn't you go when Captain Barforth went?"
"I didn't think of it then."
"I don't know that I can spare Hollbrook," grumbled the mate. He was eyeing Songbird in a suspicious manner.
"He doesn't seem to be doing anything just now."
"Say, who is running this vessel, you or I?" cried Asa Carey.
"Captain Barforth is running her. But she is under charter to Mr. Rover, and Mr. Rover told me to use a small boat whenever I pleased," answered Songbird sharply. "If you refuse to let me have a boat say so."
"Oh, I—er—I didn't say that," stammered the mate. "If you want to go do so. But I don't know if Hollbrook can get you through the reef in safety or not."
"I'll risk it," said Songbird briefly and hurried
