“They did. Wildfire Ned rode like a madman in every direction after them. But it was all to no purpose. They escaped, and Death-wing and his crew made their way to the sea-shore, and got safely on board their Phantom ship before Garnet or Wildfire Ned could overtake them.” “Well, and what next?” “Wildfire Ned and Bob Bertram made the best of their way to Garnet’s ship, the ‘Diamond,’ and went on board. The ship set sail immediately in search of the Skeleton Crew, and every man on board swore to be revenged.” “If they fall in with Death-wing, then, we may expect to hear of some stirring news,” said the chief. “If they conquer Death-wing, or he conquer them, it’s all the same to us, you know, Dolphin.” “True,” replied the messenger; “but I would much rather hear they had made short work of the Skeleton Crew, for we _can_ generally manage to escape the revenue-cruisers, but it would puzzle the very devil to get out of the way of these grim and ghastly wretches,” said the Dolphin. “So far we agree,” said the grim Chief. “But now to business. Have you found out anything more about that vessel you wrote to me about?” “What, that ship which we have long expected from the East Indies?” “Yes.” “Of course I have; she is now in the offing; and, if the wind rises, we may expect her abreast of this place by midnight.” “Good. Did you hear how many men she carries?” “Only fifteen.” “That ain’t too many; so far, so good; but about her guns, Dolphin, _that’s_ the question; I heard she had four.” “But I know better; she hasn’t got a single one.” “Not one?” “No; not even a pop-gun on board.” “What’s her name, say you?” “The ‘Sea Spray.’” “Then she will prove an easy prize?” “No doubt of it.” “What’s her cargo?” “Silks, spices, and gold dust.” “Hem,” said Sea-hawk, “then we must prepare for her. Tell the night-watch to have a bright look-out, and get all the boats ready. How is the weather?” “It looks as if we should have a dense fog to-night.” “So much the better, then,” said the Smuggler Chief. “There’s nothing half so nice as a thick fog when one wants to come up to a craft unseen. Get all the boats ready, and let them be moored outside the cave for instant service.” These orders were obeyed. During the day great preparations were made to board and capture the long-expected East Indiaman, and a look-out man was perched high upon the rocks outside, with telescope in hand, watching the distant movements of the “Sea Spray” as she lay becalmed in the far distance, her sails lazily flapping in the foggy atmosphere. As night approached the wind freshened, and all was wild excitement and merriment among the smugglers, who looked forward to the capture of the vessel with impatient joy. Master Tim saw all the warlike preparations going on, and felt very uneasy. The sight of pistols and knives, cutlasses, boarding pikes, and the like, struck terror to his soul.