No craft were, however, to be seen.
"They must be in some bay or inlet," the commander said; "they can hardly have left, for it would have taken them half an hour at least to cross the island with their booty and captives, and even if they made straight away after having fired the village, their ship could have gone no great distance, for we must have seen her if she put to sea--unless indeed they were anchored on the east of the island, and have sailed in that direction." "Keep them rowing along steadily," he said to the overseers of the slaves; "but do not press them too hard.

We may have a chase yet, and need all their strength, for most of these pirates are fast craft, and if they should get a start of three or four miles, it will be a long row before we catch them." They made straight for the island, and on nearing it coasted along its southern side.

It was some three miles long, the shore being for the most part steep, but here and there falling gradually to the water's edge.

Two or three little clusters of houses could be seen as they rowed along; one of these was on fire.
"That is good," Sir Louis exclaimed, as, on turning a point, they saw the flames.

"That cannot have been lighted long, and we are pretty certain to come upon the vessels before the marauders have set sail." Several inlets and small bays were passed, but all were empty.