'Is there no way of escape?' resumed Francisco.
'Yes, we might abandon the schooner; and this night, when they would not expect it, run with the boats through the channel between the great island and the north Cayque: but that I dare not propose, and the men would not listen to it; indeed, I very much doubt if the enemy will allow us the time. I knew this morning, long before we saw those vessels, that my fate would be decided before the sun went down.'
'What do you mean?'
'I mean this, Francisco,' said Cain; 'that your mother, who always has visited me in my dreams whenever anything (dreadful now to think of!) was about to take place, appeared to me last night; and there was sorrow and pity in her sweet face as she mournfully waved her hand, as if to summon me to follow her. Yes, thank God! she no longer looked upon me as for many years she has done.'
Francisco made no answer; and Cain again seemed to be lost in meditation.
After a little while Cain rose, and taking a small packet from one of the drawers, put it into the hands of Francisco.
'Preserve that,' said the pirate captain; 'should any accident happen to me it will tell you who was your mother; and it also contains directions for finding treasure which I have buried. I leave everything to you, Francisco. It has been unfairly obtained; but you are not the guilty party, and there are none to claim it. Do not answer me now. You may find friends, whom you will make after I am gone, of the same opinion as I am. I tell you again, be careful of that packet.'
'I see little chance of it availing me,' replied Francisco. 'If I live, shall I not be considered as a pirate?'
'No, no; you can prove the contrary.'
'I have my doubts. But God's will be done!'