"
They rowed a hundred yards out, when, beyond the furthermost point
they could see to the east, the sails of the schooner were perceived.
"Take her round," the captain said sharply. "It's too late now, we
have got to fight for it."
They rowed back through the entrance. The schooner slowly towed by her
boats was approaching.
"It is no use," the captain said, "you are too late. The schooner has
rounded the end of the island, and with this breeze will be here in
half an hour. You never can work out in time. Beside, they would see
you come out; and even if you got away, which you couldn't do, they
would come back and capture the depot. We have got to fight for it,
that's evident; and the boats of a fleet could hardly make their way
in here. We had best get the three craft moored with their broadsides
to the entrance. We will blow the boats to tinder if they try to come
in, and then we can load up with all the most valuable goods and slip
out at night-time. That is our only chance."
The captain of the schooner jumped into the boat, and they again rowed
out into the entrance. He saw at once that the other's advice was the
only one to be followed. It would be impossible to beat off the shore
before the schooner came up and while they were talking the frigate
appeared round the other end of the island.
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