Finally Zamora pointed ahead and said:
“There is the pirates’ stronghold.”
“Let me see,” said Frank, curiously.
As he looked down he observed a large land-locked lagoon which was fed by a long creek from the Gulf.
Along the creek on both sides were several forts with powerful guns mounted behind stout walls of masonry.
It would be impossible for a ship hostile to the pirates to traverse the creek without being destroyed before it could reach the lagoon.
Moreover, the creek was so shallow that only vessels of light draught could pass up or down; hence war ships of almost any type could not float there.
High hills and rocks surrounded the lagoon, so that it was concealed from the view of any one on land or sea, and vigilant sentinels were to be seen keeping a close guard.
The village of the pirates consisted of a cluster of stone houses planted around the head waters of the lagoon.
In their midst rose a more imposing edifice, which was evidently used by Diavolo, and dubbed his castle.