they laid down on the beach in readiness to be put aboard
the cutter. The small brandy cask was also conspicuously present. Jake
Irwin's quick eye fell upon it. Said he to Roger:

"Before we go, sir, let's have one more drink, `to the Isla de
Corsarios'; for I'm sure 't has proved a very good friend to us."

Roger thought that there would be no harm in such a proceeding, so he
raised no objection, and Bevan, pouring out a generous allowance into
their wooden beaker--which he had brought down to the beach without
being asked--handed it to his officer for the latter to take the first
drink. He took it, drinking the toast, and the other two followed his
example, helping themselves liberally, and smacking their lips after it
with much satisfaction depicted on their bronzed countenances.

The cutter was by this time quite close, and Jake, standing on a rock,
pointed out by signs to the coxswain where he could come alongside and
float in deep water, thus allowing them to embark easily and also put
the little stock of provisions aboard. The craft came dashing up until
within a few fathoms of the place indicated by Jake, and then the crew,
as one man, threw in their oars, and the boat glided rapidly alongside
the rocks, coming to a stand-still just opposite the spot where Jake was
standing.

"Now then, jump in quick!" yelled the coxswain, who happened to be also
second officer on board the _Elizabeth_, the vessel which was waiting
for them to come on board. "Look sharp, our captain is in all haste to
overtake the squadron before it comes up with that pirate craft yonder.
You need not imagine you are going to take that stuff aboard; I cannot
wait; I have not the time."

Irwin and Bevan looked somewhat taken aback at this brusque harangue,
but Roger, stepping forward, said:

"I do not know you, sir, but my name is Roger Trevose, and I am an
officer on board the flag-ship. This is fresh turtle meat, for the most
part, and I am sure your captain would not grudge the few extra moments
spent in taking that aboard."

"I beg your pardon, Mr Trevose," replied the officer; "I did not
recognise you. My name is Reynolds--Ralph Reynolds, and, as you say,
seeing that your cargo consists of fresh meat, I think we can spare time
to take it aboard, pressed though we are for time."

In a brace of shakes the meat was transferred to the boat. Roger,
following the two seamen, stepped into the boat, and she instantly
shoved off. R