Fenton relates the story of his capture just after leaving the message the boys received from their mother and how he feigned being delirious and used his ranting to try to convey a message to them. As they talk, they notice that the forest around them is on fire, and that they are trapped. As the fire closes in on the cabin, all hope of escape seems cut off. Suddenly, a charging horse and rider burst through the wall of flames, and Sergeant Johnson dismounts. He quickly gives them direction on how to direct their horses through the fire and straps Fenton to his mount. After penetrating the firestorm safely, they head back to the village. At the village, Fenton receives medical attention. They decide to give Chet another call for an update. Chet tells them that while investigating the "Black Parrot", he has found out that there are a number of Parrot boats, each named with a different color. Frank concludes that the smuggling gang has read the pirate book they picked up, and have been using it as a guide. Fenton summons the boys and tells them that Sergeant Johnson overheard the prisoners discussing a boat named the "Black Parrot" due to dock at a small port town, Little Cove. Fenton directs them ship out on the boat in order to solve the case. They travel to Little Cove. In Little Cove they find that the "Black Parrot" has not yet arrived. They then spy Pierre, and follow him back to a large house. In the morning they procure seaman’s clothing as a disguise, and binoculars. They stake out Pierre’s house and, using the binoculars, are able to distinguish a claw mark on his index finger. The next morning, the "Black Parrot" arrives and Frank and Joe head to the water front in their disguises to sign up for the crew. As luck would have it, when the boys approach the first mate he has just fired two rowdy crew members and hires them on the spot. They report to the ship the next morning and are put to work right away. In the course of their labor, Frank observes the twisted claw print on the Captain's finger and Joe overhears the Captain and Pierre say that they are sailing to King Barracuda’s Island for a meeting of all the King’s subjects from the world over. Joe notices that the Captain is an enthusiast for solitaire card games and manages to engage him with new games and strategies. Frank cozies up to “Sparks” the radio operator.