"And why did we climb onto this steamer 'way out here in the deep water?" asked May.
"Oh, this is part of the surprise for to-day," answered their father. "Don't you like it?"
"Of course we like it," said Molly. "I even like those pirates, though I am glad they have gone back to their cave. But please tell us where we are going, father."
"Well, we are bound for the island of Capri, away off in the distance. It is about seven miles from here."
"But why didn't this boat come to the shore and get us?" asked May again.
"Just because the water close to the shore is not deep enough for so large a boat to sail on," said her father.
"Did those men know you wanted to go on this steamer?"
"Yes," answered her father. "It is their business to bring out in their boats people who want to go to Capri."
"Then they really are not pirates at all," said Molly in a disappointed voice.
"No, I am afraid not," answered her father. "But they have helped you to play a real pirate's trick. How did you like it?"