em,
when suddenly a loud shout reached their ears. It startled most of the
party, who, overcome by the heat, had fallen asleep. Again and again
the shout was repeated in tones of anger. There could be no doubt that
the pirates had discovered their flight, and were searching for them.
They were still at some distance, and might not look into the creek
where the boats lay hid. If, however, they were to follow in a boat,
they would scarcely pass by the mouth of the creek without exploring it.
Paul, as the most active of the party, was directed to climb up the
rock to try and ascertain in what direction the pirates were roaming.
He clambered up the rock, concealing himself as much as possible by the
projecting portions. He saw in the far distance on the level ground
figures moving rapidly about; but only a small part of the island was
visible. It was evident that those whose voices had been heard must
have come much nearer. He came down and made his report.

"Hurrah! it never occurred to us before that we took the only boat they
had on shore, and that those thieves of the world can't get aboard their
vessel again," cried O'Grady, in great glee. "There are some
ugly-looking monsters in the lagoon, sharks or alligators, and it's just
that they don't like swimming off lest they should make a breakfast for
some of those pretty creatures."

"Should your idea be correct, there is another chance for us; but they
will not be long before they build a raft and get on board," said
Devereux.

"Oh, by the pipers, but I wish that we had remained on board, and fought
the thieves from their own craft," cried O'Grady. "We might have picked
them off as they appeared on the shore one by one, and carried her out
of the harbour in triumph. Would it be too late to go back to try that
same just at once?"

"Too late to go back, except we wish to be picked off ourselves, yes
indeed," said Devereux. "And hark! there is the sound of oars coming
down the lagoon; the villains have got on board, and are in search of
us. If we are silent, we may still avoid them."

The whole party remained still as death. The boat came nearer and
nearer. She passed the mouth of the creek, and went down to the
entrance of the lagoon. Those in her were apparently satisfied that
their prisoners had escaped, for the splash of their oars, and their
voices as they talked loudly, were again heard as they pulled up the
lagoon. Paul and his companions breath