We've too much at stake.

The raft has gone, and we are after it.

That's all Grim and I know.

Whatever information you can give concerning its disappearance will be gratefully received." [Illustration: "'The raft has gone, and we are after it.'"] The interchange of high words that followed had almost led to blows, when Mr.Gilder suddenly became silent, and stepped quickly to the pilot-house door.

He had just caught sight of Sabella holding Don Blossom in her arms, and staring through the open doorway with an expression of frightened bewilderment.