Harry’s smile showed that he appreciated the idea, so they were soon deep in ways and means; for they could not help entering into the spirit of the attack, now that they were planning a counter-expedition of their own. Very soon there was more than enough excitement, however. Their ships had been discovered, and the pirates seeing the enemy’s guns begin to play upon them, Captain Brodely clearly understood it was useless attempting to enter the river, so the ships bore down on a small port about three miles from Chagres, and when the sun went down they lay at anchor. There was to be no rest for any one that night. All was bustle and confusion, some of the crew declaring they would land, some that they would find it easy to run the gauntlet of the forts; and among all this discord the Captain had more than enough to do to keep the peace, and some show of authority. ’Now, Señor, here’s our time,’ said Harry, with eagerness, for some of his fresh ardour and adventurous spirit was returning now that he could lawfully indulge it. ’We can take a small boat from our masters; or if not, perhaps we can swim to shore from here and walk along the coast, if that is possible in the darkness.’ ’Yes, for the tide is low; but the moon will soon be up, and then trust me for the rest. But how shall we baffle the men?’ ’The men are too busy to notice us. I can let myself down by a rope. Or wait--I will hold the rope for you, and when you are in the boat, which is moored below, I will let myself down. But cut the rope as soon as you are in, for I can swim out to you.’ ’But the sharks--are you not afraid of them?’ asked Carlo, who knew that these dreaded enemies had always to be taken into account. ’They are less likely to be about at this time,’ said Harry, cheerfully; ’but of course I must chance them. "Nothing venture, nothing have," is an English proverb which the buccaneers certainly act upon.’ In truth, Harry’s plan was very cleverly thought out. The pirates, aware that no enemy would dare to come and attack them after dark, had let down their small boats and canoes, and were busily preparing everything for an early start. Carlo now nimbly scrambled down, helped by Harry’s steady hand, and safely descended into a canoe which was tied to the ship, and which was ordinarily used for running up narrow creeks in the islands. Then he crouched down and waited breathlessly for Harry to follow; but, to his horror, he suddenly heard voices above, and distinctly caught Harry’s words, evidently meant for him to hear-- ’I shall stay here as long as I choose: don’t wait for me. Off with you: your business brooks no delay.’ A gruff voice answered: ’Marry! but you’ll come with me too, young Pug-robin; the Captain says there’s a good deal to do in stowing away the provision for to-morrow, and idle hands are not wanted here. Those that won’t work can filch no booty.’