“He said there was no one here to buy smuggled goods, and nothing here to smuggle.”

“Of course not: the other’s the idea, and I vote we go down and properly examine our treasure after dinner.”

“That is curious,” said Vince, “about the tradition of the pirate ship disappearing, because it proves that there is a channel big enough for a small ship.”

“Oh you’re beginning to believe, then, now?”

“No, I’m not; for I feel sure those are smuggled goods. But, Mike, we must get old Joe to lend us his boat, and sail along there ourselves.”

“He wouldn’t lend it to us.”

“Then I know what we’ll do—”

“Now, gentlemen, I’m waiting,” said a familiar voice.

“All right, Mr Deane; we’re coming,” cried Mike. “Now, Cinder, what shall we do?”

“Go and ask the old chap to lend us his boat, and if he won’t we’ll come back disappointed.”