“Pshaw! I thought it was her.”
“No; you are mistaken, I am sorry to say.”
Frank looked intensely disappointed, and cast another glance down at the vessel.
As he did so he saw a very much larger steamer run from behind the key and race after the first one.
The large vessel carried a black flag at the masthead, in the center of which were a skull and crossbones.
“It’s the pirates’ emblem!” cried Frank.
“Ha! That’s her now!” exclaimed the Mexican, excitedly.
“So I perceive,” responded the inventor, leveling his glass again.
“Those monsters are intent on running the smaller craft down and attacking it.”
“Of course!” cried Frank. “And, by jingo! among the big gang swarming over the deck of the Snake I recognize the figure of Captain Diavolo.”