Winding it round a tree stump, the discomfited voyagers found their passage stopped.
Charity looked up into the pirate's face. She saw that his eyes were twinkling, and she felt reassured.
"The ocean is free to all," she said boldly.
The young man pointed to a board close by.
"Private water. Trespassers will be prosecuted."
And then Charlie saw that he had brought his raft along the wrong bend of the stream. He had seldom before come as far as this.
For a moment the little Captain looked perplexed.
"We are on a peace voyage," he said, "otherwise with cutlasses and guns we would make short work of you. We are searching for an island called 'Tarjak,' and for treasure thereon."
"Ah," said the young man in a mysterious tone, "now you've come to the right party. I know the very spot and will lead you to it, if I may share in the booty."
"He means treachery!" said Charity in a loud whisper.