any information whatever from any of the inward-bound
ships relative to the piratical brig, for none of them, apparently, had
sighted the craft. Moreover, Jack Keene's enquiries were practically as
unsuccessful as my own; for although he had encountered one or two
doubtful characters frequenting the low taverns near the wharves, who
seemed to have some knowledge of such a vessel, it was all vague
hearsay, and quite valueless. But although we had failed so entirely to
obtain any information, the ship's company had been kept busily at work,
with the result that the schooner was now as perfect in every item and
particular of hull and equipment as human hands could make her. I
therefore wound up my report with the statement that we were ready for
sea, and could sail at literally a moment's notice.

"So much the better," remarked the admiral, "and, since there is nothing
to be gained by further delay, you had better make a start forthwith, so
that you may be able to work your way out through the channel and secure
an offing before nightfall. Now, have you formed any plans for the
conduct of this cruise?"

"Only those of the most general character, sir," replied I. "According
to my reckoning the brig is by this time very nearly, if not quite, at
the rendezvous, where she will refit. I fear, therefore, that there is
not much likelihood of my falling in with her for some time to come--
until she has refitted and is once more at sea, in fact. But, in order
that I may not throw away a possible chance, my idea is to stretch out
toward the middle of the Caribbean, and, having arrived there, to work
to windward over the track that the brig would have to follow if she
were making her way toward the head of the Gulf. Then, if I fail to
fall in with her, it may be worth our while to overhaul the Grenadines--
there must be several small islands among them well adapted as a
rendezvous for a pirate, and there is just a possibility that we may
find her there. Failing that, I do not see that I can do anything else
than work out clear of the islands and haunt the ground where the tracks
of the inward- and outward-bound trade meet, since it seems to me that
that is the spot where we are most likely to find the brig when she
resumes operations."

"Excellent!" exclaimed the old gentleman, approvingly. "You have
thought out the identical scheme that suggested itself to me, and I hope
that by following it you will succeed in laying th