had a strong crew on board, to row out in the teeth of
the gale far enough to make off the land. That fellow is up to mischief
of some sort."

A few minutes later the captain ordered a boat to be lowered, and rowed
out to the rocky islet at the mouth of the harbour, and landing,
climbed up the rocks and looked out to sea. In half an hour he returned
to the ship.

"It is no use," he said to Francis. "The wind is blowing straight into
the passage, and we could not row the Bonito out against it. It was
different with that craft that went out yesterday evening, for I have
no doubt she started as soon as it became dark. She was low in the
water, and would not hold the wind; besides, no doubt they lowered the
masts, and with a strong crew might well have swept her out. But with
the Bonito, with her high sides and heavy tonnage, it could not be
done."

"What do you think she went out for, captain?"

"It is likely enough that she may have gone to one of the other
islands, and may return with a dozen other craft, pirates like herself.
The news that a Venetian merchant ship, without consorts, is weather
bound here, would bring them upon us like bees.

"It is a dangerous thing, this sailing alone. I have talked it over
several times with the master. Other merchants generally send their
ships in companies of eight or ten, and they are then strong enough to
beat off any attack of pirates. Messer Polani always sends his vessels
out singly. What he says is this: 'A single ship always travels faster
than a convoy, because these must go at the rate of the slowest among
them. Then the captain is free to go where he will, without consulting
others, according as he gets news where trade is to be done, and when
he gets there he can drive his own bargains without the competition of
other ships.

"So you see there are advantages both ways. The padrone's ships run
greater risks, but, if they get through them safely, they bring home
much larger profits than do those of others. As a rule, I prefer
sailing singly; but just at the present time I should be well pleased
to see half a dozen consorts lying alongside."

Three times during the day the captain paid a visit to the rocky
island. On his return for the last time before nightfall he said to
Francis:

"The wind is certainly falling. I hope that tomorrow morning we shall
be able to get out of this trap. I am convinced that there is danger."

"You see nothing else, do you, captain,