After a while they stroll down to the jetty alongside which the tug is lying.
A dozen men have been emptying the merchandise out of the tug and transporting the goods in boats to the other side, where great cellars have been excavated in the rocks and form the storehouses of the band.
The orifice of the tunnel is not visible in the waters of the lagoon, and I remember that when I was brought here I felt the tug sink several feet before it entered.

In this respect therefore Back Cup does not resemble either the grottoes of Staffa or Morgate, entrance to which is always open, even at high tide.

There may be another passage communicating with the coast, either natural or artificial, and this I shall have to make my business to find out.
The island well merits its name of Back Cup.

It is indeed a gigantic cup turned upside down, not only to outward appearance, but inwardly, too, though people are ignorant of the fact.
I have already remarked that the Beehive is situated to the north of the lagoon, that is to say to the left on entering by the tunnel.

On the opposite side are the storerooms filled with provisions of all kinds, bales of merchandise, barrels of wine, beer, and spirits and various packets bearing different marks and labels that show that they came from all parts of the world.