“Thanks!” said Hugh; and when Durgan, assuming the word to be a promise of good behavior, unbound the prisoner, Hugh lay down again and feigned sleep.  In his heart he was grateful to Durgan for the kindness, but he was no less resolved to take every opportunity for escaping that might arise.

The men continued to speak in low voices, but he heard enough of their discussion to convince him once more that they were arranging to meet at a spot where some sort of a cargo was to be run, the first night when there would be no moon and an off-shore wind.  As far as he could learn from the snatches of talk which reached his ears, the spot was to be close to this deserted settlement; before them was a little sandy bay where boats could come ashore, even should there be a heavy sea running outside.

It was further decided that Joe Durgan would show a light in a window of one of the smaller cabins if the coast was clear.

In order to draw off the revenue cutter men from the spot, they proposed also to set afire two small hay ricks which stood near.  By so doing, they hoped that the crew of the Petrel would try to extinguish the flames, so as to prevent the fire spreading inland to an extensive grove of valuable cypress trees.  As this was sure to be no easy work, the smugglers calculated to run the cargo and carry the goods into the cellar of the cabin.

“Didn’t know this hang-out had a cellar,” said Branks.   “Why don’t
we-----”

“Shut up!” interrupted the cross-eyed man, holding up a grimy finger which he pointed at Hugh.  “Did you say cigar, Branks?” he added craftily in a louder tone, so that Hugh might hear.

“No, I said cel-----”

“I won’t sell one, but I’ll give you one,” again interposed the other.  “Here, take it!” And he added under his breath with an ugly oath, “You double-dyed fool!”

Hugh lay still, breathing deeply and heartily wishing the men would go away.  He began to fear they would spend the day there in hiding.  Presently, however, they rose from the table and went out, closing and locking the door behind them.  He was a prisoner!  He sprang up and rushed over to the door.

“Let me out!” he cried, beating on it with clenched fists.  “You crooks’ll have to pay for this when you’re caught!”

A loud laugh was the only answer.

CHAPTER VI

THE PLIGHT OF THE “ARROW”

Hours later, when the Arrow was finally clear of the bar, she veered around and made down the coast, passing the little bay where the canoe had landed.  So occupied with the distressing problem of Hugh’s disappearance had her crew been,—–­for not one of the party could believe him drowned,—–­and so busy in trying to keep the sloop from being pounded to pieces by the waves while stranded, that no one aboard had noticed the canoe on its return trip across the strait.