“Then has it sunk?”
“No; it could not sink.”
“Then what does it mean? We left it there.”
“It means that the blacks have been and fetched it while we were away,” said the mate, drawing a deep breath. “Just as Captain Bradleigh prophesied.”
“What’s that?” said the captain sharply.
“I don’t think there is any question about it. She might have drifted a little way, but that is doubtful, for one end was well aground. We must have had visitors while we were away. I thought they would not give up that canoe without a struggle.”
“Yes,” said the captain, “they must have been. That canoe was too valuable to be lost. I said so.”
“Then they may come again at any moment?” said Sir John.
“Yes, sir,” replied the captain; “and they must find us well prepared.”
“Mr Jack, sir,” whispered Ned at the first chance, “we’re going to have some fighting after all.”