The day passed, the night came on, and out of the gloom the passenger on board the schooner caught glimpses of the many islands that go to make up the Thimble group.
Then, indistinctly, the main land came into view, and at last the schooner came to anchor in the little bay behind No Man's Island.
As the great sails were lowered, a shrill whistle from the shore reached them. The captain answered it promptly; and presently the sound of oars working in rowlocks was heard.
"That's Pete Coffey," whispered Barney. Then, as the boat came into view, "I wonder who he's got with him?"
No one spoke again until the boat was alongside the schooner.
"Here, take the painter," called out Pete, "and make it fast," and he threw the end of the rope on board.
A sailor caught it and fastened it accordingly.
"Clarky," then said Pete to his companion in the boat, "you stay here," and the next moment he himself was on board the schooner.
He seemed astonished to see Barney and Bissell, and looked upon Bunce with some show of suspicion.
"What's up with you fellows?" he asked. "And who is this chap?"