He was enabled to discover, by means of those organs, that the boat transferred one or more of its living freight (but he could not tell how many) to the _Fairy_: then a brief conversation was carried on in low whispers, but not a distinct word of which reached the gipsy. At length the boat pushed off, and rowed away up the river. Morcar stood upon the deck of the _Blossom_ for a few minutes, attentively listening to catch a sound of any thing that might be passing on board the pirate lighter: but all continued silent in that quarter. Then Morcar descended to the cabin, where Richard and the policeman were waiting. To them he communicated the few particulars just narrated. "It is clear that the pirates have returned from their expedition, whatever it might be," said our hero; "and most probably Tidkins and his friend have just been put on board their lighter. We must contrive to watch their motions; and should they keep their appointment with you, Benstead, to-morrow night, our enterprise will speedily be brought to a conclusion." "I will keep my watch now on deck till three o'clock," said the policeman; "and Morcar may turn in." This was done; Richard also retired to rest; and the night passed away without any further adventure. But at day-break Morcar, who had again resumed the watch, observed some activity on board the _Fairy_. The Buffer and his wife were in fact making evident preparations for departure. They raised the mast by means of the windlass; they shook out the sail; fixed the tiller in the rudder, and performed the various preliminaries in a most business-like manner. Morcar speedily communicated these circumstances to Benstead and Markham; and these three held a rapid consultation in the after-cabin of the _Blossom_. "You are certain you saw no one but that man who first spoke to Benstead, and the woman?" asked Markham. "Not a soul," answered Morcar. "But that is no reason why Tidkins should not be below." "Certainly not. He has numerous reasons to conceal himself." "But what is to be done?" said Morcar. "Benstead must go and speak to the man," observed Richard, after a pause. The policeman immediately left the cabin. He crossed the barges and approached the _Fairy_, which was just ready to put off. "Holloa! my friend," cried Benstead: "you seem busy this morning?" "Yes—we're going up above bridge a short way," answered the Buffer: "the tide is just turning in our favour now, and we haven't a moment to spare." "And the appointment with me?" "Oh! that must stand over for a day or two. How long do you mean to remain here?" "Till I get a couple of good hands to help me in the matter I alluded to the night before last," answered Benstead. "Well, I don't like to disappoint a good feller—and _that_ you seem to be," said the Buffer, "but I really can't say whether I shall be able to do any thing with you, or not. I've something else on hand now—and I think I shall leave the river altogether."