The big steamer went
first, and, for a time, it seemed she was doomed, for the current
played with her like a toy ship. But whoever was in charge of the
wheel had a master's hand, and soon the craft had shot into the calm
waters, followed by the Tartar.
It was a great relief from the pitching and tossing of the last two
days.
"Oh, to be quiet again!"
"Isn't it delightful!" agreed Bess. "And now if we can only find our
folks!"
Lieutenant Walling lost no time. As the Ramona dropped her anchor,
he sent the Tartar alongside, and on his official hail a ladder was
lowered. Walter and Jack mounted with him.
"Every mutinous member of this crew is under arrest!" was the grim
announcement of the revenue officer. "Who's in charge? Are there
any passengers aboard?"
Anxiously Jack looked for a sign of his mother, or for Mr. and Mrs.
Robinson. He saw nothing of them.
"The passengers were all put ashore, sir," said sailor, with a
salute.
"Where?" demanded the lieutenant.
Before he could answer there came on deck a fat man, at the sight of
whom Jack uttered an exclamation.
"Senor Ramo!" cried Cora's brother.
CHAPTER XXVIII
FOUND
Unaware of what was taking place on the deck of the Ramona, for they
were far below its level in the Tartar, Cora, Belle, Bess and Inez
looked anxiously aloft. They could hear a murmur of voices, but
little else.
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