before.
A loud roar of breakers was heard, and the white surf could be seen
breaking wildly over the surrounding reefs.

"We are in a trap, I fear," remarked O'Grady.

They were the first words which had been spoken since they embarked.
There was no danger now of their being heard.

"Let us ascertain what the black thinks," said Devereux.

This was no easy matter in the darkness. He seemed disposed, at all
events, to proceed, for he continued steering towards the sea. The
rocks on either side were tolerably high, with numerous indentations,
miniature bays, and inlets on either side. The boat now began to feel
the seas as they rolled in. It seemed high time to stop unless they
were to attempt passing through the rollers which came roaring in with
increasing rapidity towards them. Suddenly the black touched Devereux's
arm, and made a sign to him to cease rowing. He waited for a few
minutes. They were full of suspense. Then he shook his head, and again
signed for the starboard oars to pull round, and running back a little
way, he took the boat into a small inlet, where she lay quiet, sheltered
by the high rocks. The disappointment was very great. It would clearly
have been suicidal to have attempted passing through the surf. It would
be better to face the anger of the pirates. Poor Charcoal was most to
be pitied. They would hang or shoot him, or beat him to death to a
certainty.

"Could we not land him, and perhaps the pirates would not find out that
he assisted in our attempt to escape?" suggested O'Grady.

"You forget, Mr O'Grady, that he could not have got his crutches
without our help," observed Paul.

"The wind may moderate, and we may yet be away before daylight,"
remarked Devereux. "We could not leave him behind."

The question had not, however, been put to the black; indeed it was
difficult to ascertain his wishes. He kept his seat, and made no sign.
This made them hope that he still expected to get out of the lagoon
before daylight. It was possible that the pirates might take to
drinking again as soon as they awoke; and if so, more time would be
obtained for their escape. These and similar speculations served to
occupy the thoughts of the party as the dark hours of night passed by.
Still the wind blew, and the seas, as they dashed over the coral reefs
and broke on the sandy beach, roared as loud as before. The black made
no sign of moving; indeed they all knew it would be useless. At le