But we know that there are, along this part of the coast, three such deserted sugar mills, each standing on a lagoon.
"Plainly, the Carmodys must be in the house near one of these three mills, but which one it is we cannot even guess.

Admiral Fletcher sent me the news two hours ago, by wireless.

Ever since then we have been in earnest communication upon the subject, and now I have my orders in the matter." "It would be possible, of course, for us to visit each one of these lagoons in turn.

However, if we visited the wrong mill first, these bandits undoubtedly have some means of signaling to comrades.

Our landing party might be observed, and the news of the attempt at rescue would be signaled by fires or otherwise, and the discovery of our designs would undoubtedly result in the Carmody party being butchered at once.
"Acting under the orders of Cosetta, or, I might say, under his threats, Mr.Carmody has sent appeals in every direction he could think of for the funds to pay the hundred thousand dollar ransom demanded for the party.