Sir Robert and his men hastened to the rock—­the ladder was lowered, and all was on the alert for embarkation—­Lady Barclay and Lilly flew into his arms, while Wilhelmina hung on Ramsay; but they allowed but a short time for endearment—­time was too precious.  The luggage had all been prepared and the chests of specie were lowered, the bundles thrown down, and, in a quarter of an hour, the cave was cleared of all that they could take away with them.

The women then descended, and all hands were employed carrying away the specie and luggage down to the boats.  As soon as one boat was loaded with the boxes of money, Lady Ramsay, Lilly, and Wilhelmina were put in it, and one half of the men went with them on board of the cutter where Coble had already arrived with the wounded seamen.  Ramsay remained with the other boat to embark the women and luggage; when all was in, he called the sergeant, pointed out to him the ladder, and told him that he might find something worth his trouble in the cave.

“Is there a drop of anything to drink, sir? for we who are whole are dying with thirst, and it’s cruel to hear the poor wounded fellows beg for water.”

“You will find both water and spirits in plenty there, sergeant, and you may tell your own story when you arrive at Portsmouth, we shall never contradict you.”

“The list of killed, wounded, and missing, will tell the story fast enough,” replied the sergeant; “but run up there, my lads, and get some water for these poor fellows.  Good-bye, sir, and many thanks.”

“Good-bye to you, Sergeant Tanner,” said one of the women in the boat.

“Nancy Corbett, by all that’s wonderful!” cried the sergeant.

“I told you so, sergeant—­you’ll never lose the name of lady-killer.”

“Pretty lady killing,” muttered the sergeant, turning away in a rage.  Ramsay took the boats on board, and, as soon as they were cleared, they were towed on shore to the cove by some of the Yungfrau’s men.

During this time the ladies, as well as the women, had remained aft on deck, Vanslyperken having locked himself up in his cabin; but Sir Robert now ordered his men to force the cabin door, and take Mr Vanslyperken forward on the lower deck.  When the door was opened, Vanslyperken was found in his bed more dead than alive:  he was pulled out and dragged forward.  The ladies were then handed below, and, as soon as the specie had been put down, and the luggage cleared from the upper deck, the women were ordered to go down on the lower deck, and Mr Vanslyperken ordered to be brought up.

Chapter LII

In which a great deal of loyalty is shown to counterbalance the treason of Vanslyperken.