But I had no time for much consideration on these points; and indeed did not pause to reflect, but ran down the dunes. As I neared the group a man came out from it and advanced to meet me. He had turned up the wide collar of his pea-jacket, and pulled the brim of his sou'-wester as far as possible over his face, but I recognized him at once. "Good evening, Pinnow," I said. He made no reply. "I am glad to have met you," I went on; "I heard this morning that it was possible you might sail for Uselin this evening, and I wanted to ask you to take me along with you." He still gave no answer. "You will have to take me, whether you like it or not," I proceeded. "I have made every preparation for the trip. Look here," and I threw back my overcoat and drew one of my pistols half out of my belt, "they are both loaded." He still kept silent. "Shall I try them on you to see if they are loaded or not?" I asked, drawing one from my belt and cocking it. "Come on," said Pinnow. I lowered the hammer of the pistol, replaced it in my belt, and then walked on Pinnow's right, keeping a little behind him. Presently I said: "Do not expect to find any protection among the men down there. I will keep close to your side, and upon the first word you let fall, tending to raise them against me, you are a dead man. How many have you already on board?" "Ten men," muttered Pinnow. "But I do not know what you want with me; go with us or stay behind as you please; what the devil do you suppose I care?" "We shall see," I answered, drily. We now joined the group, which consisted of my long friend Jock, the men Karl and Hanne, and the deaf and dumb Jacob who had rowed the yawl over. "He is going with us," said Pinnow, laconically, to his men, as he lent a hand himself to push off the yawl. I thought that I perceived a look of alarmed surprise pass over the brutal features of Jock at seeing us. He looked at his accomplice for an explanation of the mystery, but Pinnow was busy with the yawl. The two others were standing apart; they evidently did not know what to make of it all. "There are only four wanted," said Pinnow. "Very good," I said. "You, Karl and Hanne, go home and keep perfectly quiet, do you hear?" "I can go home too," said Jock, surlily. "One step from the spot," I cried, levelling the pistol at his head, "and you have stood on your long legs for the last time. Get on board!" Jock Swart obeyed. "You next, Pinnow!" Pinnow obeyed. I followed.