'They are less likely to be about at this time,' said Harry, cheerfully; 'but of course I must chance them. "Nothing venture, nothing have," is an English proverb which the buccaneers certainly act upon.'
In truth, Harry's plan was very cleverly thought out. The pirates, aware that no enemy would dare to come and attack them after dark, had let down their small boats and canoes, and were busily preparing everything for an early start.
Carlo now nimbly scrambled down, helped by Harry's steady hand, and safely descended into a canoe which was tied to the ship, and which was ordinarily used for running up narrow creeks in the islands. Then he crouched down and waited breathlessly for Harry to follow; but, to his horror, he suddenly heard voices above, and distinctly caught Harry's words, evidently meant for him to hear--
'I shall stay here as long as I choose: don't wait for me. Off with you: your business brooks no delay.'
A gruff voice answered:
'Marry! but you'll come with me too, young Pug-robin; the Captain says there's a good deal to do in stowing away the provision for to-morrow, and idle hands are not wanted here. Those that won't work can filch no booty.'
Then came the sound of retreating footsteps, and Carlo knew that all was up as far as Harry was concerned; so, cutting the rope, and not caring much whether he were discovered or not, so desperate had he become, he took the oars, and as silently as possible he shot off into the darkness, going, as far as he was able to judge, straight for the shore.
No one, however, seemed to have discovered his escape, for he heard no hue and cry raised, nor sound of pursuers; and this fact, after a time, raised his spirits. Happily, his expeditions with Andreas had made him a skilful oarsman, and when the moon rose he was able to see that he had got well forward and was out of sight of the pirates, having turned round a projecting cliff, and being now well in sight of the river's mouth.
If only Harry had been with him Carlo would have thoroughly enjoyed the adventure. He was so sure that, once in Chagres Castle, he should be safe and free, that he was all eagerness to push on.
'I shall save my uncle, and be ready to fight for him,' thought he. 'Ah, if only my father had not been so deluded, perhaps Chagres would not now have to defend itself against this fierce horde.'