eaks his promise."

In a few minutes the outfit had been packed away in boxes, provided for
the purpose, and the Crusoe men began the work of stowing it in the
yawl--all except Tom Newcombe, who, being fully occupied with his grand
idea, was careful to see that nothing that could render it successful
was neglected. The governor had made his first journey to the island in
a skiff which he had stolen in the harbor, and it was in this skiff that
Tom intended to pay his visit to the Storm King. She could be handled so
much easier than the heavy yawl, that their chances for escape, in case
of pursuit, would be increased. After bailing all the water out of her,
and examining the rowlocks, Tom brought out of the cabin two pairs of
oars and a boat-hook, which he placed under the thwarts and tied fast,
so that they could not be lost overboard while crossing the shoals; and
next he produced, from some secret hiding-place, a suspicious-looking
black bottle, which he put into his coat pocket.

"What's that, cap'n?" asked the governor, who at that moment came up,
carrying a box of crackers on one arm, and a bundle of blankets under
the other.

"It's coal-oil," replied Tom, with a chuckle. "I am going to make sure
work of that yacht, if I succeed in getting into the galley. I'll
sprinkle the contents of this bottle over the wood-work, and on the pile
of kindling which I shall find under the stove; then I'll touch a match
to it, and--whew!"

Tom ended the sentence with a prolonged whistle, and by throwing his
arms about his head, indicating, no doubt, the rapidity with which the
flames would spread over the devoted vessel.

"I have only one cause for uneasiness," said Tom, to himself, when the
governor had gone on to the yawl. "This skiff is painted white, and can
be seen a long distance, dark as it is. If we are discovered before we
reach the yacht, my splendid idea is up stump; but if I can once get on
board, and make my way into the galley without being seen, I'll be all
right. Five minutes will do the work, and I won't care then if we are
pursued. The fellows are all good oarsmen, and we can show that
jolly-boat a clean pair of heels."

"Now, then," said the governor, picking up his lantern and peeping into
every corner of the cabin, to make sure that nothing had been
overlooked, "I reckon we're all ready. We're goin' to leave you here,"
he added, turning to the prisoner, who still lay bound and helpless on
the floor.

"W