I believe that upward of twenty ships have reported being boarded and stripped by them." "But if they came what could they do ?" Captain Wilson asked.

"You see we consider it is not worth the risk of throwing away two ships two force this passage, still less would it be to risk four." "That is so, no doubt," Captain Chambers agreed.

"I should suggest that however many of us there may be we should all draw off and keep a watch at a distance.

Of course it would be necessary to approach at night, and to lie behind the island somewhere in the daytime just as we did yesterday, for from the top of that hill they can see any distance round." "Yes, and as soon as it is dusk they will have two or three hours to get away before we can come round here.

Beside, with their night-glasses from the top of the cliffs they will be sure to be able to make us out.