Captain Hillgrove ran into Cobija the next morning, when the loading of the nitrates was begun with as little delay as possible, Jack feeling in the best of spirits as he superintended the work.
But on the eve of the third day, Jack having got the last of the cargo aboard a little after noon, to his anxiety, Plum Plucky had not appeared.
“He will surely come before morning, unless something has happened to him, for I never knew Plum to break his word,” said Jack to the skipper.
“Can’t wait any longer!” declared captain Hillgrove the following morning, when it was found that Plum was still missing. “We shall all be confiscated by these infernal Spaniards.”
Jack was now really alarmed about his friend, whom he believed had been waylaid and robbed. But he could not think of leaving without making a search for him.
“I am going to start for De la Pama to look for him, but you may expect me back by sunset.”
“If you are not I shall set sail without you, for I have seen some of the Chilian spies around today.”
“You need not wait any longer than sunset,” said Jack, who could not blame the other for his impatience.
Losing no more time, Jack mounted a fleet pony that he had hired at an exorbitant price, and set out for De la Pama at a furious pace.
Toward noon he was gladdened by the sight of an inhabitant of the town whom he knew, and who was on his way to Cobija.