"Er—er—it is really a pretty island, and—interesting," he mumbled.
"Daddy means," said Sybil, "that Don Miguel has no intention of letting us get back to civilization again, provided the yacht proves to be worth taking—and keeping."
"That's it, exactly," said Chesty; "only Mr. Cumberford did not like to disturb your equanimity. But he sized up the situation, as we all did. Eh, Steve?"
Steve nodded, looking gloomily at the three girls.
"How many men did he take with him?" asked Madeline.
"About fifteen. I tried to count 'em," said Mr. Todd. "But they did not seem to be armed."
"There are seven on the yacht, besides Mr. Tupper, who doesn't count; and they have no arms, either, that I know of."
"They won't be expecting to defend themselves, anyhow," observed Chesty. "Therefore the yacht is as good as captured."
"And with the noble Don in possession," added Sybil, "our plans for a homeward voyage are knocked sky-high."
"The yacht will be a great find for him," remarked Mr. Cumberford; "so I imagine he will condemn it as 'wreck' on his shores and keep it for himself."