"No," said Fred boldly. "I have told these men I trust them, and trust them now I must and will."
About ten o'clock the Island Queen quietly got up anchor and sail, and began her dangerous voyage.
It was indeed in every way an expedition fraught with the greatest danger. To begin with, they were in an unknown sea, where they must trust to Providence to keep them off rocks and shoals. Secondly, after they landed their lives were in the hands of the guide, who might, if he chose, lead them into the very midst of the enemy; and even if he proved true, they had the guards to silence, if nothing worse.
All hands were armed to the teeth, and the boat's oars were muffled.
It still wanted half an hour of midnight when the yacht crept slowly in towards the darkling shore, and the anchor was let silently down.
Finally the boat was lowered, and everything being ready, she was shoved off and silently rowed towards the shore.
Stars were all out and shining, but the woods lay still and quiet under their feeble light. Not a word was spoken by any one on board; but just before the boat was run upon the soft white sand Fred felt for Frank's hand and pressed it.
Frank well knew what was meant.
Then the landing was effected, Fred whispering some words in Mac's ear just before the three brave men headed by their savage guide, dipped into the dark woods and commenced the march.
Silently, and in single file, they followed on and on. It seemed a very, very long mile, and more than once Fred suspected treachery. So too did Frank. If treachery it was going to be, they at all events had resolved to sell their lives as dearly as possible; and it was satisfactory to remember they were venturing those lives in a worthy cause.