Jack Tier could take his trick at the helm, in any weather, even in running before the wind, the time when it is most difficult to guide a craft, and Rose might be made to understand the use of the tiller, and taught to govern the motions of a vessel so small and so simply rigged, when on a wind and in smooth water.  On the score of managing the schooner, therefore, Mulford thought there would be little cause for apprehension.  Should the weather continue settled, he had little doubt of safely landing the whole party at Key West, in the course of the next four-and-twenty hours.  Short sail he should be obliged to carry, as well on account of the greater facility of managing it, as on account of the circumstance that the schooner was now in light ballast trim, and would not bear much canvas.  He thought that the sooner they left the islets the better, as it could not be long ere the brig would be seen hovering around the spot.  All these matters were discussed as the party still sat at table; and when they left it, which was a few minutes later, it was to remove the effects they intended to carry away to the boat.  This was soon done, both Jack Tier and Biddy proving very serviceable, while Rose tripped backward and forward, with a step elastic as a gazelle’s, carrying light burdens.  In half an hour the boat was ready.  “Here lies the bag of doubloons still,” said Mulford, smiling.  “Is it to be left, or shall we give it up to the admiralty court at Key West, and put in a claim for salvage?”

“Better leave it for Spike,” said Jack unexpectedly.  “Should he come back, and find the doubloons, he may be satisfied, and not look for the schooner.  On the other hand, when the vessel is missing, he will think that the money is in her.  Better leave it for old Stephen.”

“I do not agree with you, Tier,” said Rose, though she looked as amicably at the steward’s assistant, as she thus opposed his opinion, as if anxious to persuade rather than coerce.  “I do not quite agree with you.  This money belongs to the Spanish merchant; and, as we take away with us his vessel, to give it up to the authorities at Key West, I do not think we have a right to put his gold on the shore and abandon it.”

This disposed of the question.  Mulford took the bag, and carried it to the boat, without waiting to ascertain if Jack had any objection; while the whole party followed.  In a few minutes everybody and everything in the boat were transferred to the deck of the schooner.  As for the tent, the old sails of which it was made, the furniture it contained, and such articles of provisions as were not wanted, they were left on the islet, without regret.  The schooner had several casks of fresh water, which were found in her hold, and she had also a cask or two of salted meats, besides several articles of food more delicate, that had been provided by Senor Montefalderon for his own use, and which had not been damaged by the water.  A keg of Boston crackers were among