It soon became evident that the underseas boat’s cargo capacity would take but a fraction of the plunder, so Bill ordered the _Orleans’_ lifeboats to be lowered. One by one, these were loaded. The first boat to receive its quota of goods was secured to the _Flying Fish_ by a tow-line, and the bow of each succeeding lifeboat made fast by a line to the stern of the one ahead. When the last load of crates was being lowered overside, Bill found Osceola at his elbow.