The whole party halted at a little distance from the entrance to the cave, where Bradley desired them to remain while he should go and reconnoitre.
He had reached the entrance, had made a careful examination of everything about it, and was in the act of turning to make his report, when Flint sprang upon him from the bushes, saying, "So it's you, you traitor, who has betrayed me," at the same moment plunging his dagger in the breast of Bradley, who fell dead at his feet.
In the next moment the pirate was flying through the forest. Several shots were fired at him, but without any apparent effect.
The whole party started in pursuit. But the pirate having the advantage of a start and a better knowledge of the ground, was soon hidden from view in the intricacies of the forest.
Still the party continued their pursuit, led now by Henry Billings.
As the pirate did not return the fire of his pursuers, it was evident that his only weapon was the dagger with which he had killed the unfortunate Bradley.
For several hours they continued their search, but all to no purpose, and they were about to give it up for the present, when one of them stumbled, and fell over something buried in the grass, when up sprang Black Bill, who had hidden there on hearing the approach of the party.
"Lookin' arter massa Flint?" asked the boy, as soon as he had discovered that he was among friends.
"Yes; can you tell us which way he has gone?" asked Billings.
"Gone dat way, and a-runnin' as if de debble was arter him, an' I guess he is, too."