I think that our best plan will be to row on until it is dark, then give the slaves six hours' rest, and after that go on quietly.

If we can make them out, which we may do if they have lights on board, we will stop, and wait until it is the hour to attack them.

If we miss them, we will row on to Sardinia and lie up, as we proposed, until they come along." "I think that will be a very good plan, Gervaise." Before sunset the three pirate ships could be clearly made out from the deck, but the pilot judged them to be fully ten miles away.

Half an hour later the slaves were told to cease rowing.

Gervaise had ordered the cooks to prepare them a good meal, and this was at once served, together with a full ration of wine.