A search had been made for them, and it was discovered that a struggle had taken place.

As there were no marks of blood, it was supposed that they were suddenly pounced upon by a party of hidden marauders, who had been watching them from some hiding place, and had thrown themselves upon the knights before they had had time to draw their swords.

Following the trail by bushes broken down, and plants crushed under foot, it was found to lead to a creek on the other side of the island.

Here there were signs that a craft had been anchored, as there were the ashes of fires, fragments of food, and other matters, scattered about on the shore.

Hours had passed before the knights had been missed, and therefore the craft in which they had been carried off was long out of sight.