and thought I recognised one or two of
the figures--Gray's and Pierce's for certain. Holgate evidently was not
with them, for his form would have been unmistakable, nor could I
discern Pye. But why were they there? I could only answer my question
on the assumption that they had found the treasure and were making
merry. Yet it was not like Holgate to give them the reins so completely
unless he had some purpose to serve by his complaisance.

Hurricane Island, as the mutineer had dubbed it, lay under the broad
face of the sun, and the cascade sparkled at my feet on its run to the
sea. Down below the ruffians were engaged in drinking themselves into a
condition of maudlin merriment. Well, so much the better, I reflected,
for I had made up my mind that now, if ever, was the time to inquire
into the fate of Mademoiselle. When Legrand returned, the debauch had
developed, and the boat was clumsily put to sea by two of the hands.
Evidently a fresh supply of rum had been requisitioned, for shortly
afterwards the boat returned and two more kegs were rolled out upon the
beach. This time it also brought Holgate himself, together with a
companion, whom I made out to be Pye. The men lolled in the sun,
smoking and drinking, and now singing snatches of songs. What was
Holgate about, to let them get into this condition?

Well, Holgate probably knew his own affairs. If he had not carefully
calculated every step in this situation, I should have been much
astonished. He himself, as far as I could see, took little part in the
orgie, but the clamour of voices grew louder, and reached us in our
retreat very distinctly. We could even catch the names and some of the
words that flew about. The talk was boisterous, but I doubted if it was
overmerry. Had they been baffled by the treasure after all? I counted
them again, and came to the conclusion that almost the whole of the
decimated company must be ashore. If that were so, it was time for my
excursion. Presently, when the dark came, it might be too late.

My plan, as I explained it to Legrand, was this. I would descend across
the spur of the hill, under cover of the bushes, and climb down the
steeper heights that faced the _Sea Queen_. She lay scarce more than a
hundred yards from the Island, and it would be easy to reach her by
swimming. If Mademoiselle were safe on board as I conjectured, we could
take advantage of a boat to reach the northern beach, and so make our
escape without being seen