prospect of a sharp fight had not in the least dampened the ardor of
their hopes. With men of their craft it was a dull season, and the
prospect of "cracking a crib" plentifully stored with valuables was
quite a pleasant anticipation.

It was arranged that Maxwell, with the larger portion of the
desperadoes, should land at the lower part of the island, and, if any
defenders appeared, commence hostilities, and draw them away from the
house, while Vernon, with the most experienced of the "cracks-men,"
should assault the house, and effect the purpose of the enterprise. In
the person of one of the chicken-thieves a pilot for the creek was
discovered; and, to make assurance doubly sure, it was decided that
Vernon should approach the cottage by the usual channel.

Maxwell's boat was beached, while that of Vernon proceeded up the river
to the little stream. The skill of his pilot, of whom Vernon had felt
many doubts, soon brought him to the creek. The current, he found, was
quite rapid, and he feared it would carry him into the midst of the
"enemy's camp" before Maxwell should have made his demonstration. As the
boat was whirled along towards the centre of the island, for the oars
could not be used, on account of their noise, his position seemed to
grow desperate. Vernon was on the point of risking the noise, and taking
to the oars, when he discovered an overhanging branch, which he seized
as the boat passed under it. Fortunately for him, a bend in the stream
turned the current from the middle of the creek, or its violence would
have drawn him into the water. By the aid of his companions, he
succeeded in making the boat fast to the branch. He listened; but all
was still. There were no indications of the approach of the other party.

Seating himself in the stern-sheets of the boat, he again considered the
operations in which he was soon to engage; but, as these were
necessarily to be directed by the circumstances of the moment, his
deliberations soon gave way to that impatience which the perpetrator of
crime experiences at an unexpected delay. His eager spirit was, however,
soon gratified by sounds of conflict, which proceeded from the part of
the island where Maxwell had landed. Awhile he listened, and the sounds
grew more and more distinct. Loosing the boat from its aerial moorings,
it was again driven by the current towards the landing in front of the
cottage. Preparations were now made to effect the grand object, and,
lan