"Crouch," he said. "I can see the coast guard's lantern. It's old Bolt. He's getting on in years and does his beat with a light. Ha! ha! There's an advantage, captain. When he's passed, we've got a clear half hour."
"He's gone," he added, "and now for the signal."
Instantly, and for scarcely more than an instant, he turned out upon the sea that tiny beam of light. It was only for an instant, but eager, anxious eyes had been watching for that signal, and eager hands acted upon it.
Then the captain fancied that he heard some sound, but before he could distinguish it there glided a dark object close by his side.
It was a boat.
The next instant there was another, followed by another.
Then in the darkness and deep and impressive silence, lusty figures sprang into the water.
Round objects were handed from those in the boat to those wading to the cavern.
One was handed, or, rather, flung into the captain's arms, and with an excitement born of the scene, he fell to work with the others, William, Job and twenty messmates, the work of unloading was soon done.
The men went back in their boats, and Job, the captain and Willie remained behind.