dered him, and found that the ships were
at that moment in longitude 73 degrees west and latitude 15 degrees
North; so that, going by the chart, there ought not to be any land in
sight for several days at least.

"This particular part of the Caribbean Sea, sir, is not very greatly
frequented by English ships," said Leigh in explanation; "but the
Spaniards, no doubt, know these waters well, and yonder island may
perhaps be laid down on one of their charts."

"Very possibly," answered the skipper; "but we have no Spanish charts.
The next Spaniard we capture, however, we will search for her charts,
which will certainly be of the utmost use to us."

During the foregoing conversation Roger had come down from aloft to
report still further to the captain, and he had overheard the last
remark, which immediately reminded him that he had brought certain
charts away from the cabin of the _Gloria del Mundo_; in fact, Harry and
he had found their cipher concealed in the folds of one of them. He had
intended to give them to his captain, but subsequent stirring events had
driven the idea out of his mind.

Having now recollected them, however, he explained the matter to
Cavendish, and asked if he should bring the charts up on deck.

"By all means," replied the skipper; "let us have them at once, Trevose,
my man."

Roger dived below, and soon reappeared with the charts under his arm.
They were immediately spread open on the deck and overhauled, and all
were found to be of the utmost importance; some papers also being found
among them giving the bearings and soundings of certain secret channels
leading to ports on the South American coast. There were also found
plans of towns and fortresses that would prove of inestimable value to
them. These last were forthwith placed in safety for future reference,
and a chart was presently discovered showing that particular portion of
the ocean upon which they were now sailing; and, sure enough, there was
a small island marked in the precise spot occupied by the one for which
they were heading. There was, in ink, a description of the island--
written, of course, in Spanish,--setting forth that it had been named
"Isla de Corsarios", and that it was, according to English measurements,
two and a half miles long by one mile broad; also that it was
uninhabited. The description, written as a marginal note, further
stated that there was a spring of fresh water on the island, and that
there were p