"It seems to be steady, sir. I think she has come to anchor."
"Whew," whistled O'Connor; "that's bad."
The little boat put back to shore and O'Connor stood leaning over the rail in deep thought. Meanwhile dark shapes moved quickly, but silently, across the deck as the men took their quarters. The mate aroused O'Connor from his reverie.
"All is ready, sir," he said.
"Very good, Suarez. I think I know what her game is now. She's beating the coast for just such hidden spots as this lagoon. Get word at once to the men on the point to watch carefully for the approach of a launch or small boat. There is to be no demonstration unless they find the inlet. In that case let them see that no one gets out again. And Suarez, the machete—no guns. There must be no noise to tell the Belair what has happened."
O'Connor rejoined the party in the cabin with a smile on his lips that belied the weight of anxiety on his mind.
"Now ladies," he said cheerily, "if Harry has finished his tale of adventure we will bid you good night, as I have to make ready for sea. You will occupy my cabin, as I have no doubt the boys will be quite willing to bunk with me in a spare stateroom forward."
The boys bade the ladies good night and retired to the deck with the captain.
"What's up, Cap?" asked Harry, as soon as the door closed behind them.
"Can't fool you, eh?" laughed O'Connor.