At last his words and his money began to tell. This man was won over, and when the others were brought under the persuasive ways of the Cuban, the dread of punishment for desertion was mastered by another sovereign or two, and after his last words they gave way. "Take your choice," he had said at last; "a dog's death and your body for the sharks in that pestilent clime, or the money I give you. You can take the night train for London, have your run there, and then get a good vessel afterwards." An additional sovereign to the man he felt most likely to be his tool made him promise to cut the hawser, and then all went well for the infamous design, except that this man repented of part of his bargain, and the crew of stout, able seamen was taken off, and landed a mile or so above where the schooner lay in the tideway. By eight o'clock in the morning Mr Parkley and Dutch came off to announce that they had discovered through 'Pollo that when he saw Tolly and the other diver they were on their way to the station, and had taken tickets for London. "Did you ever have worse news?" said Mr Parkley, bitterly. "It may be months before we can get others who will go, for Layman, my other man, is ill." "Yes," said the captain, quietly. "What do you mean?" exclaimed Mr Parkley, aghast. "Our friend the Cuban has seduced all the men away, and stopped the expedition." "I'll be--No, I won't swear," exclaimed Mr Parkley, turning red with fury. "Stopped the voyage, has he! Got my divers away, and the crew, has he! Look here, Dutch Pugh; look here, Captain Studwick. I'm a man who takes a good deal of moving, but when I do move it takes more to stop me. I'll move heaven and earth to carry this plan out, and I'll spend every sixpence I've got, but what I'll beat that scoundrel." "You will apply to the magistrates about the men?" said the captain; "at least, shall I?" "No," said Mr Parkley, sharply. "Might just as well commence proceedings against that scoundrel. Waste of time. Dutch Pugh, you'll stand by me?" "Indeed I will, Mr Parkley," said Dutch, calmly, as he held out his hand. "And I'm sure I will," exclaimed the captain. "I knew you would," said Mr Parkley, warmly. "I'm determined now, for it's evident that that rascal will try all he can to thwart me. Come down in the cabin, and let's see what's to be done. We'll have a meeting." They were all seated round the cabin table soon after, and the matter was discussed in all its bearings, Captain Studwick saying that he had no fear of being able to get a dozen good men in a day or two, if they were prepared to pay pretty highly. "Then you must pay highly," said Mr Parkley; "but look here, every step you take must be with the knowledge that this Laure is trying to thwart you." "I will not boast," said Captain Studwick, "but if I get a crew on board here again, I think it will take two Laures to trick me."