"Let's go over there and watch proceedings," urged Alec.
"I second the motion!" Hugh declared, eager to see the latest developments.
So without further discussion, they hurried over to the place, and were in time to witness the capture of Bego and his gang.
* * * * * * *
By morning, a sullen company of prisoners was put aboard the Petrel and conveyed southward to Key West for trial.
The interval between their capture and the departure of the revenue cutter was spent in putting out the fire near Durgan's cove, all that remained of the three adjoining shanties being a heap of charred logs and wind-swept ashes. Durgan's motor boat was fastened by means of a long cable to the aft rail of the Arrow, which was commissioned to tow it to a wharf at Charlotte Harbor, where it would be delivered to a brother of the smuggler. This brother, a thoroughly honest fisherman, was well known to Captain Vinton.
Bego's ship, the Esperanza, remained at anchor off the cove. Arrangements were made for its safe delivery at Charlotte Harbor, as soon as a suitable crew could be sent to convey it to that haven.
Hoping that his presence might not be required at the trial, though fully resigned to the probability of having to attend it, Hugh wrote out and signed a full statement of his experiences with the outlaws.
This paper was also signed by Norton, Captain Vinton, and Lieutenant Driscoll, as testifying their belief in its veracity. The captain of the Petrel undertook to deliver it to the proper authorities, and it was eventually accepted in lieu of Hugh's personal testimony.
Having attended to these matters, the crew of the Arrow went aboard about noon. The day was perfect for the return voyage, a fair breeze blew against her weather-stained sails, and the ocean was as blue as sapphire.