Dark clouds had begun to gather and I looked anxiously for the Pearl's boat. At last I saw it come into view.
I gave them the writing, telling them the circumstances of its coming. Captain Marat held the paper while all read as follows:
Do not follow the Orion. We will not be on board of her. We are promised freedom if you go not from the northwest coast, where you are, for three days. Then keep a lookout for us, and we will come to you as soon as we can.
Wayne Scott.
The wind was on us, so we hurried down into the cabin. Directly the rain was pattering on the roof.
"So we must give up the gold for the present," spoke Captain Marat. "Ah, thad was it—just like we suspect: Duran plan thees thing to give us the slip."
"Let me see that," said Robert. And he took the paper in his fingers, studying the writing with intentness, and holding it in varying positions.
"It's Wayne's writing, all right, isn't it?" said the wondering Norris.
"Yes," said Robert, "but I know Wayne."
He dug out from the papers on the table a piece of blotting paper; and he called to Rufe to bring him some water. The wondering Rufe jumped for it. Robert wet the blotting paper; then laying Wayne's writing on the table, he pressed the wet blotter on it. When he uncovered the paper we were astounded to see some of the words standing out in purple letters, the purple reading thus:
Do follow the Orion. We will be on board of her. you go north
coast, Then keep a lookout for us, and we will come to you as soon as we can.
Wayne Scott.