n Darrin's launch there was little talking, and that in whispers.
Dave had made a most careful study of the map, and felt certain
that he could give the course straight into the lagoon on which
the Acunda mill stood.

"Coxswain Schmidt," said Ensign Darrin, in a low voice, when still
some four miles away from the proposed place of landing, "when you
are close enough to shore to signal the engineer, you will do so
by hand signal, not by use of the bell. Seaman Berne will watch
for your signals, and convey them to the engineer."

"Very good, sir," replied both coxswain and seaman.

"Probably it won't be my luck to find the American captives at
the Acunda plantation," murmured Darrin.

None the less, when he at last sighted the lagoon, his heart began
to beat excitedly.

Under reduced speed, now, the launch stole into the lagoon. Less
than a quarter of a mile from shore the sugar mill, deserted since
the rebellion first took acute form, stood out dimly against the
dark sky.

To within a hundred and fifty yards of the mill the launch ran,
then swung in at a nearly ruined old wharf.

Ensign Dave Darrin was first to step ashore, signing to his men
to follow him with all stealth.

"Corporal," Darrin whispered, "unless summoned later, you will stand
by the launch with your men, to prevent it being rushed in case the
bandits are abroad to-night. Coxswain Riley, you will form your men
loosely and follow me, keeping about a hundred yards to the rear,
making no sound as you advance."

Officer and men were all in dark uniforms, which in the blackness
of the night would not be seen at any distance, whereas the white
tropical uniforms would have immediately betrayed the raiders.

About seven hundred feet beyond the sugar mill Darrin had already
located the house. Like the old mill, the residence was in darkness.
Not a light shone, nor was there a sound to be heard.

"This eerie stretch of ground makes one think of a graveyard," thought
Darrin, with a comical little shiver, as his left hand gripped his
sword scabbard tightly to prevent it clanking against his left heel.

He turned to look behind him. Riley and twelve armed seamen were
following him like so many unsubstantial spectres.

Past the mill, and down the road to the house strode Darrin, but
his moving feet made hardly a sound.

A little before the house ran a line of flowering tropical hedge.
Darrin gained this, and was about to pass in through an openin