"Why, the Gauntlet ketch! You don't tell me," said Billy, with a glance westward, where, however, the hills intervened and hid the coast from us—"you don't tell me you haven't sighted her! But she's here, lad—she must be here! Your father sent home word by her that she was to be back wi' reinforcements by the first day of November; and did you ever in your life know your uncle disappoint him?"
"Marc'antonio," said I, "what is this I hear from Billy about a ship?"
Marc'antonio gave a start, and looked from me to Billy in evident confusion.
"Truly, cavalier, there was a ship. I spied her there three days ago, at sunset, making for the island."
"Was she the same ship that first brought us to the island?"
"She was very like," he answered unwillingly. "Yes, indeed, cavalier, I have no doubt she was the same ship."
"And you never told me! Nay, I see now why for these three days we have been hunting to the east of our camp, and always where the coast was hidden. Yes, yes, I see now a score of tricks you have played me while I trusted to your better knowledge—Marc'antonio," I said sternly, "did you indeed believe so ill of me as that at sight of the ship I should forget my parole?"
"It was not that, cavalier; believe me, it was not that. I feared—"
"Speak on, man."
"I feared you might forget our talks together, and, when your release came, forget also that other adventure on which I had hoped to bind you. The Princess—"