The others went forward and joined him. They looked down upon a narrow ravine--a steep valley such as is called a chine in the South of England. At the foot of the thickly wooded banks a stream flowed out into a small bay almost landlocked by high cliffs. And in the middle of the bay lay a vessel--a long blue shape with a single funnel.
'The Raider!' ejaculated Grinson with an oath.
'THE RAIDER!'
'I guess you 're right,' said Hoole quietly. 'And there 's that cloud of smoke we saw in the distance this morning.'
A slight dark cloud was rising above the cliff near the vessel. It did not proceed from the Raider's funnel. Was it possible that a consort of hers lay beyond the point?
The four men, standing just within the forest verge, gazed for a few moments in silence at this unexpected scene. Then Trentham turned.
'We had better get back--to where we can see Mushroom Hill,' he said, a grave note in his voice.
'And give up Haan?' said Hoole.
'And give up Haan. Haan may go hang. Let us go at once; it 'll be dark soon.'