gh which a tiny
rivulet ran. This verdant little gem was so hemmed in by hills that it
could not be seen from the sea or any low part of the island. But what
surprised the discoverers most was the sight of an old woman, bent
nearly double, who was busily at work in the garden. Not far from her
was an old man, who, from his motions while at work, appeared to be
blind. Their costume being nondescript, besides ragged, did not betoken
their nationality.

Sam and Robin glanced at each other in silence, then turned to have
another gaze at the scene.

"We've found," said Sam, slowly and impressively, "a robber's nest!"

"D'you think so, Sam?"

"Think so! I'm sure of it. Just think. There is nothing on such an
island as this to attract any one at all--much less robbers or pirates--
except the fact that it _is_ unattractive, and, apparently, far removed
from the haunts of honest men. Depend upon it, Robin, that the pirates
whom we saw have made this their head-quarters and place of deposit for
their booty--their bank as it were, for it's too small for their home;
besides, if it were such, we should see a colony of women and children.
No--this is the great Pirate Bank of the Southern Seas, and yonder we
behold the secretary and cashier!"

"And what," said Robin with a laugh, "if there should be a few clerks in
the bank? We might perhaps find them troublesome fellows to deal with."

"We might, Robin. Would it not be wise to return and let Slagg and
Stumps know what we have discovered, and take counsel together before we
act."

"Agreed," said Robin. "Isn't it strange though," he added, as they
turned to retrace their steps, "that there are no buildings of any
kind--only a little garden."

"It is somewhat puzzling, I confess, but we shall--"

He stopped abruptly, and stood rooted to the ground, for there, on a
rock in front of him, with her light, graceful figure, and flowing
golden hair, pictured against the blue sky, stood a little girl,
apparently about six or seven years of age--an angel as it seemed to the
amazed youths!

She had caught sight of the strangers at the very moment they had
observed her, and stood gazing at them with a half eager, half terrified
look in her large lustrous eyes.

With a sudden and irresistible impulse Robin extended his arms towards
her. She made a little run towards him, then stopped, and the look of
fear again came over her beautiful face. Robin was afraid to advance
le