What those plans might be I could merely conjecture, with little enough to guide my guessing.

They might be filibusters, connected with some revolution along the Central American coast, smugglers, or marauders of even less respectability.

Their methods were desperate enough for any deeds of crime.

Without doubt they utilized this comparatively forsaken lagoon as a hidden rendezvous, and the deserted Henley plantation--from which even the negroes had been frightened away--was an ideal spot for them to meet in, plan their raids, or secrete their spoils.

These fellows were doubtless the ghosts which haunted the place, and had given it so uncanny a reputation throughout the neighborhood.