he Sea Eagle and demand surrender of his daughter. But he feared,
after the revelation made by Jim, that he would be but placing in
Broome's hands opportunity for further evil.

At four o'clock, therefore, he summoned the innkeeper, who brought from
the corral two horses. One the Senor mounted, and leading the other, he
started for the arranged place of meeting. Jim and his party were at
that moment in hiding, as had been arranged.

The task of loading the Sea Eagle had evidently been completed, and the
ship itself, under the influence of the tide which was then running out,
was moving very slowly toward the ocean end of the harbor.

With a begrimed and patched sail flapping listlessly, the lugger could
be seen riding motionless at anchor.

There was a brief interval of suspense, then there was observed, moving
toward the shore from under the lea of the lugger, a small boat. In it
were three persons, all well known to Jim. The Senorita sat in the
stern, and so was facing them. At the oars was a big fellow with a
bristling red moustache, close-cropped hair, and evil looking black
eyes. An equally big, red haired woman, Big Annie, the captain's sister,
was in the bow. This woman, as Jim knew from sad experience, was as
powerful as a man.

When the boat grounded, Big Annie sprang lightly ashore, and walked
rapidly toward the appointed tree under which stood the Senor, holding
the bridles of his two horses.

The watching party hidden from observation were not close enough to the
Senor to hear what was said by either he or Big Annie when they met.
They saw the former take from his saddle bag a heavy package which he
gave the woman.

"There is the money!" cried Jim, excitedly.

"Shall we stop them?" asked Juarez.

"No," answered Jim, "but I fear that he is making a mistake. He was not
to give up the money till his daughter was on shore."

"But you are not going to let them get away with the money, are you?"
asked Berwick disgustedly.

"It seems we must," returned Jim. "At least we must for the present. But
I mean to get that later."

"Huh!" muttered Tom. "There is no time like now."

"All we can do now," protested Jim, "is to see that the Senorita is
safe. She is still in these villains' hands, and if we show ourselves,
it will be an excuse for them to try to get away with her. That's what I
fear, anyway."

"See!" called Jo, "the Senor is walking with the woman toward the boat."

"And he promised me to stay