CHAPTER V.
THE BRITISH CRUISERS.
An hour passed.

During this time the watchers on the hill saw that the brig had been lying alongside the three-masted vessel, and felt sure that the cargo was being transferred, then the merchantman's sails were hoisted, and she slowly sailed away.

For another hour the other two crafts lay motionless, then they hoisted sail and headed for the island.

There was a brisk, steady wind blowing, and they came along fast through the water.
"We shall soon see now whether your frigate has made them out," Jacques said; "but I will not wait any longer but will go and tell the captain what is going on.

In another hour the others will be up here to relieve you, then you can bring down the latest news." Left alone, Ralph watched anxiously the progress of the distant vessels, turning the glass frequently toward the other island, beyond the end of which he momentarily expected to see the white sails of the frigate appear.