anchor in this little bight in two and a quarter fathoms of
water. And when our preparations are complete we can go out to sea
again by way of the Boca de Maravillas, thus avoiding the observation of
the people who tend the light on Hicacal Cay, who will be sure to notice
us as we go in. By the way, I picked up a rather useful little item of
information while I was ashore this afternoon. I fell in with the
harbour-master, who seems quite a decent sort of chap, as Spaniards go;
he and I have gradually grown to be rather chummy since we have been in
harbour here, and upon the strength of the fact that I was clearing for
sea I took him into that place on the quay yonder and cracked a farewell
bottle of wine with him. As we emptied the bottle we yarned together
upon various topics; and by and by he made some casual mention of the
_Maranon_, to which I replied by saying that she had the appearance of
being rather a fast vessel, and that I thought it a pity that her
skipper did not take a little more pride in her appearance and smarten
her up a bit by giving her a lick of paint occasionally. He shrugged
his shoulders and asked: What would I? The ship was a convict ship, and
her appearance was a matter of no consequence. As to her speed, she
could steam twelve knots, but her most economical speed was eight, and
he opined that eight knots would therefore be her pace on the trip to
Fernando Po, for which reason he rather pitied the unfortunate convicts
who were doomed to travel in her, for she had the reputation of being a
most uneasy ship in a seaway. I also ascertained from him that she is
timed to sail at two o'clock on Sunday afternoon, which should bring her
off our hiding-place about--let me see--yes, about seven o'clock on
Monday morning. Now, if her skipper should chance to keep the coast
pretty close aboard, as he possibly may, we ought to catch a glimpse of
her from our masthead as she goes past: but if, on the other hand, he
should push her off into mid-channel, to get the full benefit of the
current, I think our best plan will be to allow her, say, four hours for
delay in starting, and then follow until we sight her, when our further
actions can be governed by circumstances. So I have instructed Perkins
to pass the word round among the deck hands for everybody to take a good
look at her, so that they may know her again when they see her."

"Good!" exclaimed Jack. "That is excellent; the news is well worth a