"All the same it is desirable," continued the "Aphrodite's" owner. "If von Harburg is not down there our quest is not yet at an end. Personally I do not like the business, but how can we report the death of the modern pirate unless we know definitely that such is the case?"
"Very well," agreed Jones. "I'll land you. I'll remain here, for if there are any survivors of the gang and they show fight I can render you much more assistance than if I were down there."
Accordingly the airship was brought close to the ground and Captain Restronguet, Hythe, O'Shaunessey, and Carnon descended the wire rope ladder. Revolver in hand they advanced towards the silent camp. As they approached evidences of what had occurred were not wanting. The canvas tents were shot through and through, the packing cases were riddled and splintered. Every man lying within the wooden breastwork was stone-dead, only one of them being killed otherwise than by a bullet.
Cautiously picking his way Captain Restronguet opened the flap of one of the tents. He paused to allow his eyes to get accustomed to the gloom, then turned and signed to Hythe to enter.
Lying across an empty box was a short, heavily-built man, whose long matted hair and unkempt beard well-nigh concealed his features. A partially discharged revolver lay by his side, his left hand still grasped a flask of spirits. He was stone-dead.
"Karl von Harburg," whispered Captain Restronguet. "My debt in that direction is paid, though I'm glad that he did not die by my hand. He has altered somewhat since last I saw him, but we ought to be able to find conclusive means of identification."
Bending over his dead rival the captain drew a watch from von Harburg's pocket. It was a gold hunter. Within the case was an inscription in German: "To Karl von Harburg from his friend, Ludwig von Thale--September, 1913."
"We'll take this," continued Captain Restronguet. "He was very fond of showing it to people. Ludwig von Thale was a high court official whom von Harburg sold very neatly. But we've seen enough here. Let us get some fresh air."
Further examination showed that most of the boxes had contained gold. By strenuous exertions the crew of the "Vorwartz" had succeeded in dragging a portion thus far. Then they quarrelled amongst themselves. A desperate fight ensued, and of the thirty men only one survived, and he was a raving lunatic. Of the others twelve were found within the camp, the remainder having continued their fight to the death in the neighbouring wood, for there O'Shaunessey and Carnon discovered their bodies, some of them literally grasping their former comrades' throats.
"What's to be done with them, sir?" asked Carnon, pointing to the gold ingots.