"Drop a tear on him," said Ray to Norris. "Think of all the fun and excitement he gave you."
"He was a queer composition," observed Norris. "I've met many queer cusses, but he's the first white cannibal I ever saw."
We soon had down the rope ladder; and when all had mounted to the cliff-top, we pulled up the halliard, for we had no real assurance that that ex-pickpocket, Hawkins, might not take it into his head to climb out and wander off to our betrayal.
When we got to our boat, a pair of us sat ourselves in Duran's canoe, and soon we were out on Crow Bay. It was with some satisfaction that we noted the absence of any sail upon that water. Those black sailors of Duran's had apparently not seen fit to venture in as yet in quest of the treasure in the isle.
We crossed the end of the bay, and in time had joined Julian Lamartine and Rufe, aboard the Pearl.
CHAPTER XXX
THE CACHE ON THE ISLE
Julian was much relieved, but Rufe was overjoyed to see us.
"De Lord o' massy!" he began, "but I's glad to see you-all! Whah you been all dis heah time? I jes' been a-telling Jul'en, boy, dat shu'ah dem voodoo niggahs got ye. I hopes, now, you-all is gwine to gib up dat ol' gold-huntin'."