saw the governor, with the valise in his hand, disappear around
the bend in the path, closely followed by his men. "What do you mean?
Stop, I tell you."

The burglars looked as though they thought it was not all right with
them after all. They stood for an instant irresolute, and then started
in hot pursuit of the Crusoe men, dashing recklessly down the slippery
path, apparently all unconscious of the fact that a single misstep would
precipitate them upon the rocks forty feet below. They reached the cove
in safety, having made such good use of their time that, when the
governor sprang over the schooner's rail, they were close at his heels.
Sam was astonished, and highly enraged, but accepted the situation as
gracefully as he could. Seeing that his plan for "getting even" with the
robbers had failed, he placed the valise against the rail, and said,
innocently:

"There's your money, mister. Cap'n, get under-way, to onct."

Sanders looked sharply at the governor. He had nothing to say, but he
resolved that as long as he remained on board the Sweepstakes, he would
never for an instant release his hold upon the valise. He believed the
chief had some designs upon it.

"I reckon you'll stay with us now, won't you?" asked Sam.

"We must, I suppose," replied Sanders. "What are you going to do? Do you
intend to cross the breakers again?"

"Sartin; there aint no other way to get out of the cove."

The actions of the burglars very plainly indicated that they did not
like the idea of again attempting the passage of the shoals; and Sam
himself would have been very glad indeed if there had been some less
dangerous avenue of escape open to them. He could not forget the rock on
the outer edge of the breakers, nor the risk he had run there a few
hours before. Every thing being ready for the start, he went to the
wheel, the line with which the schooner was made fast to the bank was
cast off, and she moved slowly out of the cove. The skipper stationed
two men at the fore and main sheets, placed Xury in the waist to pass
orders, and then took his stand beside the governor. The latter would
have stoutly denied that he felt the least nervousness or timidity, but
his compressed lips and trembling hands told a different story. All the
Crusoe men were more or less alarmed, with the exception of the mate,
who was as careless and indifferent as ever. Nothing seemed to disturb
him. He stood leaning against the rail, whistling a lively tune,