I say, I haven't the least idea where we are." "I have," said Vince.
"Well, where ?" "Back at the cavern." "Nonsense." "You'll see." Mike did see, and before long, for half an hour later the captain came down in the cabin, breakfast was eaten, and then the boys were allowed to go on deck, to find themselves in their old berth, with the rocks towering up and shutting them in, while the lugger was safely moored head and stern to the wall-like rock.
Vince involuntarily looked round for the rugged face of old Joe Daygo, and one of the men noticed it.
"Looking for the pilot, youngster ?" "Yes." "Oh, he came and run us in while you two were asleep, and you don't look as if your eyes were unbuttoned yet." "It's of no use, Cinder," said Mike, as they turned away: "Jacques don't want us to see how it's all done; but only wait till we get away, and we'll find out somehow." That was a busy day for every one but the boys; who, quite feeling their helplessness about escaping, quietly settled down to think of their strange position: as the crow flew not above a mile from home, but powerless to make their presence known.
The captain never left the deck, and the boats were going to and fro constantly; but they took nothing ashore, and it was evident that the smuggler meant to clear out the cavern, whose stores were far greater than the boys could have believed.

The boats came back loaded down almost to the gunwale; but they were managed with wonderful dexterity, and as soon as they were made fast alongside, the men sprang aboard and their cargoes were rapidly transferred to the hold, which seemed to swallow up an enormous quantity of the contraband goods.

So well shaped were the packages and so deftly packed below that they fitted into their places like great bricks in a building, so that by night the lugger was well laden, and it seemed evident that they would sail again when the tide suited.
It was just after dark; all the boats were hanging from the davits, and the tired men busy over a meal the cook had prepared, while the captain was walking thoughtfully up and down the deck, his dark eyes watchful over everything, and the boys, as they leaned over the bulwarks, talking softly together about how well the various little currents were made to work for the smugglers, knew that every motion they made was watched.
"It's of no use, Ladle," Vince said cheerily.

"This isn't the place to try and get away.

We've tried it, and we know.