There, as plainly in view as if it had been broad daylight, was a vessel lying at the entrance of the little bay.

The sails were furled, and it was apparently anchored.
For a minute Abner gazed in utter amazement at the sight of this vessel, for no ships, large or small, came to this little lonely bay.

There was a harbor two or three miles farther up the coast to which all trading craft repaired.

What could the strange ship want here?
This unusual visitor to the little bay was a very low and very long, black schooner, with tall masts which raked forward, and with something which looked very much like a black flag fluttering in its rigging.

Now the truth struck into the soul of Abner.