They have been out here some time and have got a snug hiding-place somewhere, though I don't think any one on board except the captain knows where." For three weeks the brig cruised among the islands.

They had picked up no prizes in that time, as the captain did not wish to commence operations until he had joined his consorts and obtained information from them as to the British men-of-war on the station.

They had overhauled one or two native craft, purchased fish and fruit, and cautiously asked questions as to the cruisers.

The answers were not satisfactory.

They learned that owing to the numbers of vessels that had been captured by the privateers a very vigilant lookout was being kept; that two or three French craft that had been captured by the cruisers had been bought into the service, and were constantly in search of the headquarters of the privateers.