“Well, we will remove it from its present place, and by the time this is done the pirates, missing us, may think we have gone away, and make their reappearance.”

“Quite a good idea.”

“We can pounce on them, and make a struggle to get your son from their clutches.”

This plan pleased Zamora.

A few minutes afterward the Jove settled down in the big square facing the castle.

Leaving Barney in charge of her, the others armed themselves, took a portable electric lantern, and strode over to Captain Diavolo’s dwelling.

The shots they had rained down upon it had almost blown the upper part to pieces, and it presented a battered look that spoiled its beauty.

There was a fine entrance, and the trio passed into a large corridor, upon which several rooms opened.

Proceeding to the rear, a broad staircase was reached, which led them into the cellar beneath the building.

By turning a switch on the lantern a bright light was caused to gush from the bull’s-eye.