it is nothing of
the kind; Morillo has taken possession of it, and established quite a
little settlement upon it. There is a snug harbour at its south-western
extremity, affording perfect shelter and concealment for his brigantine,
and all round the shore of the harbour he has built storehouses and
residences for himself and his people. I pray only that he may be at
home to give you a fitting reception."

"I am much obliged for your kind wish," I replied drily. "And now, just
one question more--is this harbour of which you speak difficult of
access? Are there any rocks or shoals at its entrance or inside?"

"No, none whatever; it can safely be entered on the darkest night," was
the answer.

"Good," I returned; "that will do for the present, Senor Garcia, and
many thanks for your information. You will observe that I have accepted
as true every word that you have spoken; but I should like you to think
everything over again, and satisfy yourself that you have made no
mistake. Because I warn you that if you _have you will be shot on the
instant_. You may go!"

He was forthwith marched away and placed in close confinement below,--
for my interview with him had convinced me that the fellow was as
malignantly spiteful as a snake, and would willingly destroy the ship
and all hands if an opportunity were afforded him,--after which I
retired to my cabin, got out the chart, and set the course for the
island of Cariacou, a course which we could just comfortably lay with
yards braced taut against the lee rigging and all sheets well flattened
in. The trade wind was blowing fresh enough to compel us to furl our
topgallant sail, but it was steady, and under a whole topsail and
mainsail the little hooker drove ahead over the long, regular ridges of
swell at a good, honest, nine-knot pace hour after hour, as steadily as
the chronometer itself. We sighted the island, some sixteen miles
distant, on the evening of our fourth day out, and I at once shortened
sail and hove-to, in order that I might carry out a little plan which I
had concocted during our run across.

CHAPTER ELEVEN.

CARIACOU--AND AFTERWARD.

As soon as the darkness had closed down sufficiently to conceal our
movements, I filled away again upon the schooner, and stood in until we
were within two miles of the southern extremity of the island,--which
also forms the southern headland of the harbour mentioned by Garcia,--
when, having run well in behind the