'I grant it,' replied Hawkhurst; 'and so will the others. Will you not, my men?' 'Agreed--agreed upon all sides,' cried the pirates, throwing away their weapons, and mingling with each other as if they had never been opposed. There is an old saying that there is honour amongst thieves; and so it often proves. Every man in the vessel knew that this agreement would be strictly adhered to; and Francisco now walked the deck with as much composure as if nothing had occurred. Hawkhurst, who was aware that he must fulfil his promise, carefully examined the charts when he went down below, came up and altered the course of the schooner two points more to the northward. The next morning he was up at the mast-head nearly half an hour, when he descended and again altered the course. By nine o'clock a low sandy island appeared on the lee bow; when within half a mile of it he ordered the schooner to be hove-to, and lowered down the small boat from the stern. He then turned the hands up. 'My lads, we must keep our promise to put Francisco on shore at the first land which we made. There it is!' And a malicious smile played on the miscreant's features as he pointed out to them the barren sand-bank, which promised nothing but starvation and a lingering death. Several of the crew murmured; but Hawkhurst was supported by his own party, and had, moreover, taken the precaution quietly to remove all the arms, with the exception of those with which his adherents were provided. 'An agreement is an agreement; it is what he requested himself, and we promised to perform. Send for Francisco.' 'I am here, Hawkhurst; and I tell you candidly, that, desolate as is that barren spot, I prefer it to remaining in your company. I will bring my chest up immediately.' 'No--no; that was not a part of the agreement,' cried Hawkhurst. 'Every man here has a right to his own property. I appeal to the whole of the crew.' 'True--true,' replied the pirates; and Hawkhurst found himself again in the minority. 'Be it so.' The chest of Francisco was handed into the boat. 'Is that all?' cried Hawkhurst. 'My lads, am I to have no provisions or water?' inquired Francisco. 'No,' replied Hawkhurst. 'Yes--yes,' cried most of the pirates. Hawkhurst did not dare put it to the vote; he turned sulkily away. The Kroumen brought up two breakers of water, and some pieces of pork. 'Here, massa,' said Pompey, putting into Francisco's hand a fishing-line with hooks. 'Thank you, Pompey; but I had forgot--that book in the cabin--you know which I mean.' Pompey nodded his head, and went below; but it was some time before he returned, during which Hawkhurst became impatient. It was a very small boat which had been lowered down; it had a lug-sail and two pair of sculls in it, and was quite full when Francisco's chest and the other articles had been put in. 'Come! I have no time to wait,' said Hawkhurst; 'in the boat!'