hem," answered Marshall. "But `one thing at a time' is a good maxim in
such a business as ours, my lad; and we will see what Cartagena yields
before we begin to think seriously about any of the other towns. And
now, here comes the dawn at last, for which thanks be; for I am as
hungry as if I had spent all night to the top of Dartymoor, and want my
breakfast."

An hour later the meal had been prepared and eaten; after which Marshall
and Dick, having provided themselves with food and water sufficient to
last them until nightfall, if necessary, and having given the crew of
the longboat most precise instructions as to how to act in the event of
certain contingencies arising, cautiously emerged from their place of
concealment, and, carrying the boat compass with them for the purpose of
enabling them to take such bearings as might be required, set out upon
their way to the top of the hill which dominated the north-east corner
of the island. The going was exceedingly difficult, for the slope was
rough and steep, also it was so thickly overgrown with vegetation that
for a good part of the distance they had literally to cut a way for
themselves; therefore, although the distance which they had to traverse
was little more than a mile it was well on toward noon when at length
they reached the summit. But, when there, they were fain to admit that
their labour had been well spent; for as they topped the last rise the
vegetation suddenly became much thinner, so that they found themselves
able to force a way through it without being obliged to have recourse to
their hangers; and presently they emerged upon the bare hilltop, and
beheld, spread out at their feet, a magnificent panorama embracing a
view of the whole upper bay and inner harbour, with the town of
Cartagena a bare four miles distant. And there, in the midst of a whole
fleet of smaller craft, they also beheld a tall and stately ship, a
single glance at which sufficed to assure them that she could be none
other than the plate ship which was the great object of their quest.

"There she be!" exclaimed Marshall, pointing. "All of seven hundred
ton, or more; and deep in the water, too. She must have pretty nearly,
or quite, finished loading. Seems to me that we're only just in time.
Now, Dick, my lad, this is your opportunity to make the chart that you
were talking about. Come along, and let's get about it; I'll help you.
To-night we must make our way into the city, someh