“Look, sa'b, look!” gasped Puggles, pointing down the coast with shaking hand.
Far away on the horizon appeared the white canvas of a vessel bowling along before the fresh land breeze, with a fleet of fishing-boats spreading their fustian-hued wings in her wake.
The spot where our adventurers had last seen the schooner at anchor was deserted. She was gone!
CHAPTER IV.—INTRODUCES BOSIN, AND TELLS HOW CAPTAIN MANGO PROVED HIMSELF A TRUMP.
The schooner had sailed!
When the dismay caused by this unlooked-for turn of events had somewhat abated, Jack, catching sight of the black boy's lugubrious face, fell to laughing heartily.
“After all,” said Don, following his chum's example, “it's no use crying over spilt milk. I'm not sure but this is the best thing that could have happened, Jack.”
“My opinion exactly. We began the quest without the guv's knowledge, and nolens volens we must continue it without his consent. What's the next piece on the programme, old fellow?”