Anderson, Mendez, throw that carrion overboard--no, bullies, never mind; let them lie where they are, and sink an auger in the sloop's bottom.

That will settle the whole matter.

What is that out yonder, Cochose ?" "A small boat, Senor--a dory, I make it." "Cut the rope, and send it adrift.

Now come along with me." The darker loom of the sloop vanished slowly, as the slight current sweeping about the end of the wharf drifted the released boat to which I clung outward into the Bay.

The faint echo of a voice floated to my ears across the widening expanse of water, and then all was silent as the night closed in darkly between.