 Chapter 11 of The Pirate Island, a story of the South Pacific by Harry Collinwood, this LibriVox recording is in the public domain. Johnson hoodwinks a frigate. Left to himself, Lance sauntered aft, glanced first at the Binnacle, then at the sails, and finally assayed a conversation with the helmsman. The man proved at first to be exceedingly surly, suspicious, and taciturn, but Lance Evelyn was a man of consummate tact, and his manner was at once so refined and so genial that there were very few who could for any length of time withstand its fascinating influence. In less than half an hour he had so won upon the man, who was by no means all bad, that everything approaching to reserve had completely vanished, and when Johnson came on deck after working out his sights he found the strangely assorted pair conversing as freely together as though they had been old shipmates. Lance was very careful to confine his conversation to generalities, and religiously abstained from asking any questions whatever. He quite realized that the party to which he belonged were in a position of great difficulty and danger, their escape from which, if indeed they should ever escape at all, would certainly be a work of time, demanding the utmost caution and patience, and his first endeavor therefore was to create a favorable impression, rather than to risk suspicion, by a too early attempt to acquire information. When Johnson saw the two in conversation, he at once edged his way aft with the evident intention of ascertaining what they were talking about. But although Lance at once noted the movement, and made a mental memorandum to the effect that the pirate skipper was clearly a man of suspicious temperament, he gave no outward sign of having observed any such thing, but simply continued the conversation as unrestrainedly as though Johnson had not been there. Lance remained on deck until dinner time, which was one p.m. on board the albatross, when he rejoined his friends below. Well, said he, as he seated himself at the rough deal table which had been knocked together for their accommodation, I have spent a very pleasant, and I hope, a very profitable morning on deck. Have you? remarked Captain Stanton. I am glad to hear that. We were beginning to wonder what had become of you. What have you been doing? Merely ingratiating myself with the skipper and the man whose trick it happened to be at the wheel, answered Lance, and I flattered myself that, for a first attempt, I have managed pretty well. I have been obliged to blow my own trumpet a little, it is true. But by a judicious performance upon that instrument, I have succeeded in showing our friend Johnson very clearly that it is in our power to be of the greatest possible service to him, and I have secured an order to build a new ship for him and to fortify the harbor in which she is to be built. To build a new ship for him, exclaimed Captain Stanton, to fortify his harbor ejaculated wrecks and brook together. Precisely that, gentlemen, continued Lance. I happened accidentally to touch upon rather a sore point with him by disparaging the speed of the brig, which he evidently wished to persuade himself was almost matchless. Then I gently insinuated to him that he would be very awkwardly situated if he happened to find himself in the presence of a frigate in heavy weather. And finally I mentioned to him in a casual way the fact that I had designed and built a yacht of my own which could sail round his brig in any weather. And also that I happened to be, by profession, a military engineer. The results of which are as I have already stated. There is one other result, by the by. I have secured the release of our friend Robert, and also the carpenter. I daresay they will be allowed to join us some time today. Well, remarked Captain Stanton, that is an advantage certainly. Every man we can secure makes us so much the stronger, and perhaps, if we could get one or two more, something might be done in the second night watch. We might possibly be able to take the brig, interrupted Lance with a laugh, not to be thought of for a single moment, my dear sir. Our friend Johnson is far too suspicious a man, and has too much at stake to give us any such opportunity, if watchfulness on his part can prevent it. Why, he has already anticipated the possibility of such an attempt on our part, and was good enough to caution me that we should always find him ready. Ejaculated the skipper meditatively, that is bad news. We have evidently a difficult man to deal with. I have heard it said more than once that the man who can circumvent a Yankee can circumvent the father of Mischief himself. But about this ship-building and fortification business, do I understand that you regard Johnson's plans in that respect as favorable to us? Because if so, I should be very glad if you would explain. I must admit that at present I can scarcely see how we are likely to derive any advantage from it. Well, remarked Lance, you must understand that at present my plans are of the crudest description. They will require a great deal of maturing before they can be put into successful operation, and in this I anticipate that you will all be able to afford me the greatest assistance. Roughly, however, my idea is this. We must choose, if possible, for the ship-building yard a spot, which is not only suitable for the purpose, but which will also admit of being effectually defended by the battery which is to be built. We must secure as assistance as many as possible of our own men, and when the ship is built and launched, we must contrive somehow to seize and make our escape in her. This plan will, I admit, involve many months' detention here, but it is the only feasible way of escape which has, so far, presented itself to my mind. And my conversation with Johnson this morning has convinced me that we have nothing to hope for from him. He is glad to have us, and will possibly be civil to us because of our ability to be of service to him. But I can see that he is an unscrupulous rascal who will freely make promises in order to secure our aid and cooperation, and unhesitatingly break them the moment that his ends are served. They were all busily engaged in the discussion of Lance's projects when a hail was heard from aloft. They did not quite catch the words, but the gruff voice of the brig's chief mate, ordering the crew to make sail, caused them to surmise that a ship had just been sited. The first impulse of the males in the party was to rush on deck, but Captain Staunton immediately resumed his seat again and requested the others to do so likewise, pointing out that too eager a curiosity on their parts respecting the movements of the brig would possibly only provoke suspicion and resentment against them in the breasts of the pirates, and that there would be ample opportunity later on for them to see how matters stood. They accordingly resumed the discussion upon which they had been engaged, but were shortly afterwards interrupted by the appearance of Johnson's steward who descended the hatchway ladder bearing a couple of boxes of cigars and a dozen sticks of excellent tobacco with a captain's compliments. This afforded them an excellent opportunity for going on deck in a thoroughly natural way. Those who smoked accordingly cut up a quantity of the tobacco and filling their pipes adjourned to the deck in a body for the purpose of enjoying their post-prandial smoke. Johnson was standing aft near the man at the wheel with one eye aloft and the other in the binocle. He looked fierce and excited. He took no notice whatever of the party who had just made their appearance on deck, and his features were so forbidding an expression that it was at once patent to everybody that the best plan just then would be to leave him entirely alone. The first thing which they noticed was that the brig had been kept away off her former course and was now running to Leeward with the wind on her quarter. The canvas had been rapidly packed upon her and she was now slipping very fast through the water with top gallant, top mast, and lower studying sails set to windward and all the rest of her canvas for and aft as well as square, tugging at her like cart horses. This, as it afterwards appeared, was her favorite point of sailing. That a sail was in sight was perfectly evident, but nothing could be seen of her from the deck, though the horizon was perfectly clear all round. It was therefore rather difficult at first to ascertain her whereabouts, but it did not long remain so. For in about five minutes, the mate came on deck with his sextant in his hand and suspending the instrument very carefully from his neck by a piece of stout marlin. He at once made his way up the main rigging and finally settled himself comfortably in the cross trees, facing aft and bringing the telescope of the sextant at once to bear upon an object, which seemed to lie about a couple of points on the lee quarter. The craft in sight must therefore be a stern of the brig and the mate's movements clearly indicated that she was in chase and that he was very anxious to ascertain which ship gained upon the other. The instrument, apparently after being carefully adjusted, was removed from the mate's eye and suspended from the cross trees in such a manner that it should not strike against the mast or any of the rigging with the role of the ship. And then the observer drew forth a pipe which he filled and proceeded to smoke with the greatest apparent calmness and contentment. The pipe was at length finished and then the smoker with the same deliberation which had characterized his former movements once more applied the sextant to his eye. Well, shouted Johnson, what news of the stranger aloft there? Getting on us, hand over fist was the reply. That'll do then, you may as well come down, snarled the pirate skipper. Your stain perched up there like an owl in an ivy bush won't help us any. Come down and make yourself useful, do you hear? My eye, answered the mate, I'm coming, boss. And he forthwith proceeded to descend the rigging in a careless, nonchalant manner which evidently drove his superior almost to the verge of frenzy. Half an hour passed and then there appeared far away on the horizon on the brig's lee quarter a tiny white speck which steadily though imperceptibly increased in size until the snowy royals of a large ship stood fully revealed. This was about half past three in the afternoon at which time the wind showed signs of failing. By half past four o'clock the stranger had risen her top-gallant sails above the horizon and it could clearly be seen even with the unaided eye that she had royal as well as top-gallant studying sails set and there could not be a shadow of doubt that she was after the brig. The spirits of our friends rose to such a high pitch of exultation at this agreeable sight that they found it difficult to conceal their delight when Johnson, abandoning his post near the helmsman joined them. Well, strangers, he remarked with a grim smile. There's a chance for you yet, you see. That's one of them cursed frigates you was talking about this morning, Colonel. But she's a tarnation sight smarter and I gave any of them credit for being. I tell you, Captain, if this had been the four noon watch instead of the first dog watch it would have been all up with this brig. But now I don't feel quite so sorter anxious as I did. I reckon that unless the breeze freshens, which it ain't going to do, it will take that craft till midnight to get alongside of us. And if she can do it then why she's welcome to the brig and all aboard of her, curse me if she ain't. See them clouds gathering away there to the Nord? That's a thunderstorm working up, but it won't break for some hours yet, I calculate. And then clouds is gonna do me a good turn before that. I reckon you'll have to make up your minds to go to Albatross Island yet, strangers. And he dived below to his cabin, evidently in an easier state of mind than he had enjoyed an hour before. By six o'clock the frigate's topsoil's had risen more than half their height above the horizon. And when Lance, Captain Stoughton and Bowles returned to the deck after the evening meal the waning light just enabled them to see the stranger's lower yards fairly clear of the water. Before they lost sight of her all together half her courses had ridden into view. The night closed down very dark, there being no moon. And the sky was entirely overspread with heavy black murky looking thunderclouds which completely hid the stars. The wind too had dropped to such an extent that an occasional ominous flap was heard from the canvas aloft. Though the brig still slid through the water at the rate of about four knots in the hour. Johnson was in high spirits again. He sat aft near the tafferelle attentively watching the frigate through his nightglass long after she had disappeared from the naked eye. And when it at last became difficult to make her out even with the aid of the glass he would lay it down, rub his eyes, take half a dozen turns along the deck then pick up the glass again and have another spell at it. Finally he turned to the mate who was standing near him and tendering the glass said, there take a look Ben and tell me if you can pick her out. The mate peered long and attentively through the telescope moving it very slowly about that part of the horizon where he knew the frigate to be but without success. It's no go boss, he said. My eyes are pretty good but they're not good enough to see through such darkness as this. Johnson chuckled. Do you think, said he, it looks any lighter ahead? What are sales show against that cloud bank in the wake of the four mast? Not they answered the mate confidently. Why it's darker if anything ahead than it is a stern. That so agreed Johnson with another chuckle. Now what he continued. What do you think was the last thing the skipper of that frigate did before the darkness closed down? Well, said the mate, if he knew his business, I should say he would take our bearings. And you may take your oath that's exactly what he did, returned Johnson. Now take a look around and tell me what you think of the weather. The weather, repeated the mate, why a child almost could tell what the weather's going to be we're going to have thunder which will bring a northerly breeze along with it while it lasts. Capital exclaimed Johnson, do you think now that the captain of that man who wore a stern is of the same opinion as you and I are about the weather? He's certain to be if he's a seaman, was the reply. Now once more proceeded Johnson, supposing you thought of giving the frigate the slip as we might very easily do in this dark night. What course would you steer? I should steer to the Nord, answered the mate. So as to be windered of the change when it comes. I knew it, exclaimed Johnson, delightedly. I was dead certain of it. Now we're going to give that frigate the slip by steering to the Southerd because her skipper will argue as you do. And when he finds he's lost the run of us, he'll haul up to the Nord directly. Now just pass the word for the carpenter to bring along that water cask I ordered him to rig up this afternoon. The word was passed and in a minute or two, three men came after bearing what appeared to be a water cask where the pole passed down through the bunghole and right out through the other side, about six feet of the pole projecting on each side of the cask. To one end of this pole was lashed a short, light baton. And to the other end, the men now proceeded to secure a small pig of iron ballast. This done, the hole was launched overboard from the taff rail, the cask floating bung up with half the pole and the light baton standing perpendicularly above it like a mast. To the upper end of this baton was lashed an old horn lantern with a lighted candle in it after which the whole apparatus was suffered to go adrift. Now in stuntsles and braced sharp up on the port tack ordered Johnson. This was soon done and the brig now feeling the full strength of what little wind there was seemed to slip along through the water quite as fast as before. Johnson looked away out over the weather quarter to where the beacon lantern glimmered in the intense darkness. There said he, that'll perhaps help to mislead him a bit. They'll take it for our binocle light and it'll keep straight on till they run over it. Then finding we've played him a trick, they'll haul straight up to the Nord thinking we've gone that way too and we shall soon be out of sight of one another. Johnson kept his gaze intently fixed upon the tiny light as long as it remained visible to the naked eye. And when it could no longer be seen in that fashion he deliberately set himself to watch it through his nightglass. More than an hour had elapsed since the cask had been sent a drift before he manifested any signs of emotion. But at length he began to chuckle audibly. Now they're nearing it, he murmured with his eye glued to the tube. I can see the craft clearly now. They've cast loose the guns and opened the ports. I can see the light of the lantern shining through them. She's creeping up to it pretty fast. But I guess we've walked away from it quite a considerable distance too. There, now they run aboard that tarnation old water barrel. They know what tis by this time. And I reckon the skipper of that frigate is ripping and tearing and cussing and going on till the air smells of brimstone for a quarter of a mile all round. Ah, just as I expected. They've hauled up to the Nord. Her sterns toured us for I can see the light shining out of her cabin windows. And now every minute will take us further apart. While I'm glad I thought of laying for them with that old lantern, it'll sort or tell them that we're having a good laugh at a moan at Colonel, turning to our friends and addressing Lance in high good humor. Doubtless you have succeeded in greatly provoking them if that was your object, replied Lance. But if I were in your place, I don't think I should feel quite easy in my mind yet. If that thunderstorm, which has been brewing for so long were to break, as it may do at any moment, the flash of the lightning would be certain to reveal your whereabouts to them. I reckon we'll have to take our chance of that, remarked Johnson, in a more sober tone. But let it keep dark half an hour longer, and I don't care how much it lightens after that. Ah, tarnation, look at that. This last ejaculation was provoked by the sudden illumination of the Northern Heavens by a brilliant flash of sheet lightning, which revealed not only every detail of the vast bank of murky clouds, which lay heaped up, as it were, upon the horizon, but also distinctly showed the frigate on its very verge, still holding steadily northward. Her hull and sails standing out sharply, like a block of ebony against the faint bluish gleam of the electric light. Another flash soon followed, then another and another. The flashes following each other with increasing rapidity to Johnson's manifest discomforture. But though he was evidently unaware of it, the brig was so far perfectly safe from discovery, for the lightning continued to flash up only in the Northern Quarter, leaving the remainder of the horizon veiled in impenetrable darkness, so that though the frigate was distinctly revealed to the brig, the brig was completely hidden from the frigate. The lightning, however, though it had not yet shown the brig's whereabouts, had enabled those on board the frigate to ascertain that she was not ahead of them, as they had supposed. For when the next flash came, the manor war was seen nearly broadside on to the brig, and heading about southwest. Her captain, having evidently come to the conclusion that the Albatross, after setting her lure, had doubled back like a hare upon her former course. Johnson waited until another flash came, revealing the frigate still upon the same course, and then he gave orders for his vessel to be kept away, steering this time to the southward and eastward, or about at right angles to the course of the frigate. 10 minutes later, the latter was hauled down. Now we're safe, ejaculated the pirate skipper delightedly. Clue up and furl everything lads, and be smart about it. For another five minutes, we'll have the lightning flashing all round us, but under bare poles, I guess it'll take sharp eyes to pick us out. Well, Colonel, he remarked to Lance, shortly afterwards. I reckon that was a narrow squeak for us, that was. If I'd been fool enough to go to the Nord, they'd have had us for sure. That's a right smart frigate, that is, and I guess she's a Yankee. You Britishers don't build such smart boats as that. After this, I'm bound more and ever to have that schooner you promised to build for me. For I don't mind owning up, that I began to feel scared a bit when I saw how we was being catched up. Do you think now, Colonel, you could build a schooner that would have walked away from that frigate? Oh dear, yes, answered Lance. I am quite sure I could. Only remember, I must not be interfered with in any way. I cannot have people troubling me with suggestions, or worse still, insisting upon my grafting their ideas onto my own. The ship must be exclusively my own design. And then I can promise you, we will turn out a craft capable, if need be, of running away from the fastest frigate that ever was launched. All right, Colonel, don't you trouble about that, was the reply. Only say what you want, and it shall be done. And if anybody tries to interfere with you, just point them out to me, that's all. Very well, return, Lance. Then I shall consider that a bargain, and now I will wish you good night, as I think there will be rain shortly, and I have no particular fancy for adrenching, unless it comes in the way of duty. The following morning dawned bright and fair. The thunderstorm of the preceding night, having broken and raged furiously for a couple of hours soon after our friends left the deck, and then cleared completely away. When Captain Stoughton went on deck, he found a fine breeze blowing once more from the westward, and the brig dashing along at a slashing pace under top gallant sails, with her nose pointing to the northward. The air was clear and transparent. Not a cloud flecked the deep blue of the sky overhead, and a man who had shined aloft at Johnson's orders as far as the main truck was just in the active reporting that there was nothing anywhere in sight, so that any lingering hopes which Captain Stoughton may have entertained as to the possibility of the frigate rediscovering them were speedily dashed to the ground. The fine weather lasted, and three days afterwards, about two o'clock in the afternoon, the lookout aloft reported, "'Land ho, right ahead!' "'What is it like?' hailed Johnson from his seat on the skylight. "'It's lookout peak, sir. "'I can make out the shape of it quite well.' "'That's all right,' returned Johnson. "'Stay where you are, "'and let me know if you see anything like a signal.' "'In a couple of hours more, "'the land was distinctly visible from the deck, "'the peak spoken of as lookout peak, appearing first, "'and then the land on each side of it, "'rising gradually above the ocean's brim "'until it lay stretched along the horizon "'for a length of some half a dozen miles. "'As they drew in towards the island, "'our friends, all of whom excepting the ladies, were on deck, "'half expected to be sent below "'in order that they might not become acquainted "'with the navigation of the harbor entrance. "'But this idea did not appear "'to have presented itself to Johnson, "'who, on the contrary, joined the group "'and began chatting with them "'in what was evidently meant to be understood "'as an affable manner. "'When they had approached within a mile of the place, "'the pirate skipper turned to Lance "'and asked him what he thought of the harbor, "'and whether he believed he could make it tolerably safe "'with a dozen guns or so.' "'Harbour,' answered Lance, "'I see no harbor, no sign even of one "'on that part of the coast, which we are now approaching. "'I can distinguish nothing but a rocky shore, "'against which the surf is breaking heavily enough "'to dash to pieces the strongest ship "'that was ever built. "'Perhaps the harbor lies somewhere "'beyond that low rocky point, "'which forms the western extremity of the island? "'But if so, why not steer directly for it?' "'The entrance to the harbor is exactly in line "'with our jib boom-end, just now,' "'explained Johnson, in high good humor. "'But I guess you would never know it "'unless you was told, would you, Colonel? "'That indeed I should not,' answered Lance, "'and even now I scarcely know how to believe you.' "'Lance might well say so, for the whole coastline "'in front of them presented an apparently "'unbroken face of rocky cliffs of various heights, "'from about 30 to 200 feet, "'backed by grassy slopes, "'thickly dotted with dense clumps of trees "'of various kinds, many of which glowed "'with the most brilliant tints from the flowers "'with which they were loaded. "'Immediately ahead, where Johnson had said "'the entrance to the harbor lay, "'a great irregular mass of low-jagged rocks, "'projected slightly beyond the general faceline "'of the cliffs, and behind it was a gap "'which had the appearance of being caused "'by the projecting mass of rock, "'having at some remote period broken away "'and slipped into the sea. "'The brig, however, continued to stand on boldly, "'and when she had arrived within about three "'cables lengths of the shore, "'it became apparent that the large mass of rock ahead, "'or rather on the lee-bow by this time, "'the brig having left a trifle, "'was entirely detached from the island, "'leaving a narrow channel of water between it "'and the cliffs behind it. "'But it was not until the brig had actually "'born away to enter this channel "'that the entrance to the harbor revealed itself. "'Then indeed it was seen that the cliff behind, "'instead of preserving an unbroken face, "'curved inwards in the form of a cove, "'the eastern and western arms of which "'consisted of two projecting reefs, "'judding out toward the mass of rock in front of them, "'which in its turn now revealed its true shape, "'which was that of a crescent, "'the horns of which overlapped "'the two projecting reefs, forming the eastern "'and western sides of the harbor entrance, "'and acted as a perfect natural breakwater, "'effectually protecting the harbor itself in all weathers. "'Winding her way through the short narrow channel "'between the rock and the cliffs, "'the brig hauled sharply around the western point "'and shot into the cove or harbor itself, "'which consisted of an irregularly shaped "'expansive water some 200 acres in extent. "'At the entrance the rocks on both sides "'sloped steeply down into the deep blue water. "'But further in they were fringed along their bases "'by a beautiful white sandy beach, "'which widened as it approached the bottom of the bay. "'The land on each side "'sloping more gradually down to the water "'and finally spreading out where the water ceased "'into a broad and lovely valley "'which stretched inland some three miles, "'rising gradually as it receded "'until it became lost among a group of hills "'which formed the background of the picture. "'At anchor in the bay were three hulks, "'no doubt the three prizes spoken of by Johnson "'as destined to be broken up "'for the building of the new craft. "'And on the grassy plateau at the bottom of the bay "'and close to the beach stood two large buildings "'and some half a dozen smaller ones, "'all constructed of wood. "'Behind these, a plot of ground, "'some two acres in extent, "'was fenced in to form a garden "'and a very fruitful one it proved to, "'if one might judge by the luxuriant growth "'apparent in its various products. "'Corn of two or three kinds waved on the eastern slopes, "'half a dozen head of cattle "'and perhaps a couple of dozen sheep "'grazed on the opposite side of the valley. "'Coconut's reared their tall slender stems "'and waved their feathery branches by hundreds. "'And behind them again as the ground sloped "'gently upward, it became more and more densely covered "'with palm, banana, and plantain grows, "'thickly interspersed with various trees, "'some of considerable size and dense foliage, "'among which brilliant orchids and gaudy parasites "'of the gayest hues entwined themselves "'to the very summits. "'A light gig shot alongside the brig "'as her anchor was let go, "'and a tall, swarthy man with the unmistakable "'classic features of a Greek stepped on board. "'He would have been a strikingly handsome man "'but for the expression of cunning and cruelty "'which glittered in his keen black eyes. "'Well, Capitone,' said he to Johnson "'as he joined this pirate skipper, "'so you have returned once more "'and with a full hold, I hope. "'The people began to think you were gone for good, "'you have been away so long time.' "'Yes,' returned Johnson, "'back again, Alec, like a bad penny, "'and we've not brought so very much with us either, "'but the little we have will be useful, I dare say. "'The brig don't seem to sail so well as she used to, "'and we fell in with over half a dozen fine craft "'that we couldn't get near. "'They just walked away from us like we was at anchor. "'We've come in now to give the old hooker an overhaul. "'She wants it badly enough, "'and then I think I shall try my luck further "'to the eastward, "'away onto other side of the Cape altogether. "'But if we haven't brought a whole shipload of plunder, "'I guess we brought what's most of good. "'We picked up boatload of shipwrecked people, "'and among them there's one, "'that tall soldier-looking chap over there "'on the larbored side of the skylight, "'who says he can fortify the place for us "'and build us out of these old hulks, "'a craft that'll beat anything we're likely to meet, "'accepting, perhaps, steamers?' "'Says,' ejaculated the Greek contemptuously. "'I, and he can do it too,' remarked Johnson. "'He's one of them English soldiers "'who does all the battery-building "'and fortifying business. "'And he has a yacht which he designed himself, "'and which sails so fast "'that he didn't think the brig's sailing "'amounted to shucks. "'I tell you, Alec, the way he talked about that yacht "'just set me along and it did. "'Sure as you're there. "'Now, I'm gonna leave him here with you "'when I sail next time. "'They'll fortify the harbor so as it'll be safe "'if any of them sneak in Menawar comes prying about. "'And we was as near took by one of them a few nights ago, "'as near as near, "'and they'll build us a regular flier of a schooner "'on condition that they're properly treated. "'So as long as the work's about, "'I want you to act amiable to them. "'And after we've got all the help out of them "'that we want, I don't care what comes to them. "'They've got some women with them, worse luck, "'and they seem mighty particular about them, "'so I hope you'll see that the gals "'don't come to any harm. "'You see, Alec, my boy, we must be civil to them "'if we want them to do their best for us. "'But after they've done their work, "'you can have your own way with the whole lot.' "'The Greek, whose name, by the way, was Alessandro Raleigh, "'listened to his chief in sullen silence. "'And when Johnson had finished speaking, "'beckoned him to follow him down into the cabin. "'These worthies had been standing "'during this short conversation, "'just at the foot of the main mast, "'and seemed to be either oblivious of "'or indifferent to the fact that his semen "'was just over their heads, stowing the driver, "'and near enough to hear every word that passed. "'The individual referred to had been taking his time, "'a good deal of it, too, over his task, "'but no sooner were the skipper "'and the Greek fairly out of sight "'down the companion than with a few dexterous movements, "'he rapidly it passed the last turns of the lashing "'and slid down on deck. "'It was our old friend Bob.'" End of Chapter 11. Chapter 12 of The Pirate Island, a story of the South Pacific by Harry Collinwood. This LibriVox recording is in the public domain. On Albatross Island. "'On the following morning, "'all hands on board the brig were stirring early, "'and assisted by a strong party from the shore, "'first moved the vessel down to the bottom of the bay "'until she took the ground on a beautiful level-sandy bottom "'and then began to discharge her. "'Her cargo comprised a most extraordinary collection "'of heterogeneous articles, "'including three piano fortes, "'two of which were in packing cases, "'whilst the other had evidently been taken "'from a ship's cabin. "'Several cases of arms, "'a large quantity of powder and lead, "'bales of silk, "'a few kegs of Spanish dollars, "'fifty ingots of gold and as many of silver, "'several cases of machinery, "'a large boiler in sections, "'an immense quantity of provisions of various kinds, "'ten brass nine-pounder guns taken out of a Spanish ship, "'several boxes of clothing, "'and a large quantity of new rope, "'bolts of canvas, sales, "'which from their size had evidently "'never been made for the brig, "'cases of furniture, et cetera, et cetera. "'These articles were all landed in boats "'and conveyed with more or less difficulty "'up to one of the large buildings "'before mentioned and there housed. "'There was great jubilation among the men "'at the sight of so rich a cargo. "'Raleigh, the Greek, "'quite laying aside his former morose-ness of manner "'and exhibiting an almost childish delight "'at the sight of the bullion and the kegs of dollars. "'The men worked hard all day "'and by sunset more than half the brig's cargo "'was on shore. "'It was not difficult, however, "'to detect that among these men "'there were a few, perhaps a dozen, "'who took no interest in their labor, "'manifesting very little curiosity "'as to the nature of the articles which they were handling "'and working solely because they had no other choice. "'These are friends rightly conjectured "'to be prisoners who had not chosen "'to cast in their lot with the pirates. "'Early in the day that portion of the party "'from the Galatea, in which we are more "'immediately interested, had been conveyed on shore "'under Johnson's own protection "'and taken up to one of the smaller buildings "'which stood on the beach, "'with the intimation that they were at liberty to occupy it. "'It was a small two-story building constructed of wood, "'the upper floor being reached through a trap door "'which was led up to by a wooden stepladder. "'This floor, like the one below, "'consisted of a single room "'and was lighted by two windows, one at each end. "'The two longer walls of the room "'being fitted with three tiers of bunks "'similar to those found on board ship. "'The ground floor was fitted up with a fireplace, "'shelves all around the room, "'a rough deal table and two long benches, "'and had evidently been used as a general living room. "'The place was wretchedly dirty, "'and on being inducted into it, "'the first act of the men "'was to procure an abundance of soap and water "'and set vigorously to work "'to give it a thorough cleansing. "'This occupied them all the morning. "'At noon a bell rang, "'which was the signal for all hands to knock off work "'and get their dinner. "'The mess man of each gang going to the galley, "'a small building near the store, "'and drawing from the cook a sufficient quantity of food "'for the party to which he belonged. "'Bob, who with the carpenter "'had been duly liberated according to promise, "'cheerfully took upon himself "'the duties of mess man for the party to which he belonged, "'and presenting himself with the others, "'he obtained without difficulty the wherewithal "'to set before our friends a very respectable meal. "'While they were at dinner, "'Lance tore a leaf out of his pocketbook "'and jotted down the various articles, "'such as bedding, crockery, "'and utensils of various kinds which they required. "'And on the completion of the list, "'he hurried away with it to Johnson, "'who at once wrote at its foot "'in order to the storekeeper "'for the issue of the articles named. "'These were soon conveyed to the hut, "'and by sunset they had the place "'in very tolerable order. "'Now that they were on shore, however, "'they felt the time had arrived "'when a little more privacy could be enjoyed "'by the ladies of the party. "'So a few boards were obtained, "'and with them a partition knocked up, "'dividing the upper room into two equal parts, "'the half which was approached "'through the trapdoor being devoted to the ladies "'while the men obtained access "'to their sleeping apartment "'by means of a ladder and the open window, "'the ladder being drawn up into the room at night. "'At six o'clock the bell rang again, "'upon which all hands knocked off work for the day, "'and after half an hour devoted to cleaning up, et cetera, "'tea, or supper, as most of the men termed it, was served. "'On this particular evening, however, "'there was a slight deviation "'from the usual order of procedure, "'the messmen being detained at the galley "'until all were present, "'instead of being served and dispatched "'in the order of their arrival. "'When Johnson made his appearance on the scene "'and announced that the kegs of dollars landed "'that day from the brig, "'would be distributed in the capstone house "'that evening at eight o'clock, "'and that any of the prisoners, "'not yet belonging to the brotherhood, "'who choose to present themselves there at that hour, "'and would sign the bond of brotherhood, "'would be entitled to an equal share of the spoil. "'Bob Dooley mentioned this item of information "'on his arrival with the vines, "'and it was at once decided that, "'as all the pirates would thus be engaged "'for some time, "'advantage should be taken of so favorable an opportunity "'to give the ladies a little fresh air and exercise. "'They waited until all the pirates appeared "'to have betaken themselves to the capstone house, "'and then sallied out in a body "'upon an exploring expedition up the valley. "'It was a lovely night as light as day, "'the full moon riding high overhead "'in an unclouded sky, "'and so flooding the heavens with her silvery light "'that only a few stars of the first magnitude were visible. "'There was very little wind, "'and a heavy dew was falling, "'but that, after the hardship of exposure in an open boat, "'was a trifle so insignificant "'that it attracted no one's attention. "'The walk was a most enjoyable one to all, "'but it was especially delightful to three couples "'who early paired off together, "'and in a quiet, unustentatious fashion "'dropped into the rear. "'Captain and Mrs. Stanton had naturally much to say "'to each other upon matters, "'interesting only to themselves, "'while as for Violet and Rex, Blanche and Lance. "'This was their first opportunity "'for an exchange of these sweet nothings "'in which lovers delight since the eventful evening "'on which they've been driven out by the flames "'from the unfortunate Gallatea. "'Tempted by the beauty of the night, "'they strayed a long distance, "'and when at length they returned to the hut, "'weary with the unaccustomed exercise, "'but happier than they had been for a long time, "'the settlement was wrapped in the silence of repose. "'On the following morning, immediately after breakfast, "'Johnson presented himself with the request "'that Lance, Captain Stanton and the carpenter "'would accompany him on a visit to the prizes, "'for the purpose of deciding which of them "'should be broken up to build the new schooner. "'Two of these vessels were barks, "'and one a full-rigged ship. "'The ship was teak-built "'and an unmistakable East Indian man. "'While of the barks, one was oak-built "'and copper-fastened, "'and the other a softwood vessel "'put together with iron. "'The oak-built ship was nearly new. "'The copper, which covered her bottom up to the bends, "'had not a wrinkle on its entire surface, "'and her deck-planking showed no signs of wear, "'but she was modeled for carrying rather than for speed. "'It was therefore decided without much hesitation "'that she should be the one to be broken up. "'The next point to be settled "'was the position of the building-yard. "'Lance had given this matter "'a great deal of quiet consideration, "'and had come to the conclusion that for many reasons "'it would be better to have the yard "'as far away as possible from the rest of the settlement. "'One consideration which greatly weighed with him, "'being the possibility that their best chance of escape "'might be in launching the schooner on the quiet "'during the night and taking her from the stocks "'direct to sea. "'Johnson had already made up his mind "'that the best site for the stocks "'would be on the sandy beach "'immediately in front of the Capston house, "'and there was a great deal to be said in favor of this, "'a carpenter shot being already in existence "'close to the spot, "'and all the cordage and tackle of every description "'being stored in the Capston house. "'But this did not at all chime in with Lance's plans, "'so he merely remarked that it would do well enough "'if no better place could be found, "'but that the flatness of the ground "'and the consequent shoal water at that spot "'would prove serious difficulties in the way of launching, "'and that it would be advisable before deciding "'to give the entire shore of the bay "'a very careful examination. "'Some hours were accordingly spent in this work, "'and a site was at last fixed upon "'in a locality thoroughly favorable "'to Lance's secret wishes. "'This was a small indentation in the harbor face "'of the breakwater rock, "'which marked the entrance to the bay. "'This indentation was about an acre and a half "'in extent, "'where the smooth rocky floor "'sloping down into the water "'at an inclination of just the right gradient "'for the launching ways. "'It is true it was a long way away from the settlement, "'but Lance's arguments in favor of adopting it "'were so convincing that Johnson was feigned to give way, "'which he at last did with a very good grace. "'This matter settled, Lance intimated "'that he should like to devote a little more time "'to the examination of the rock, "'as it appeared to him that here was the proper place "'to construct the battery, which was to defend the harbor. "'They accordingly climbed with great difficulty "'to the highest point of the rock, "'which was immediately behind or to seaward "'of the future shipyard, "'and which had an elevation of nearly a hundred feet "'above the sea level. "'The top of the rock was very irregular in shape, "'but Lance soon saw that a few charges of powder "'judiciously placed would give them "'a nearly circular platform of about 60 feet diameter, "'which would be ample space for such a battery "'as he proposed to construct. "'His first idea had been to evade the construction "'of this battery altogether, if possible, "'but a little reflection had shown him "'that a time might come when its existence "'would be of the utmost importance to themselves, "'and he therefore decided to go on with the work. "'He accordingly pointed out to Johnson "'the strength of the position they occupied, "'the complete command over the harbor entrance, "'which a battery would have at that point, "'and the effective defense it would constitute "'to the new shipyard, "'and the pirate was speedily convinced "'of the soundness of Lance's views. "'These points settled, "'the party returned to the bottom of the bay, "'and Johnson then invited Lance to present himself "'at eight o'clock that evening in the Capson House, "'there to submit his plans for the new schooner "'to a committee of the pirates for approval. "'The drawings were in fact scarcely ready, "'but by working hard for the remainder of the day, "'not only were they completed, "'but the carpenter had also prepared "'a half-model of the hull "'by the hour at which the committee was to meet, "'and armed with these, "'Lance, Captain Stanton, and the carpenter "'dually presented themselves at the Capson House "'at eight o'clock. "'They were met at the door by Johnson, "'who conducted them up a step ladder "'into an apartment in the first floor of the building. "'It was a room about 60 feet long by 40 feet broad, "'and was apparently used as a sort of general assembly room, "'being fitted up with rows of benches "'from the door right up to a platform at the further end. "'On this platform there stood, "'upon the present occasion, "'a large table lighted by a pair of handsome lamps, "'and surrounded by a dozen chairs, "'some of which were already occupied "'when Lance and his companions entered. "'Our friends quietly seated themselves, "'Lance on one side of Johnson, "'Captain Stanton on the other, "'with the trusty carpenter next to him. "'Johnson then ordered the bell to be rung "'to summon the Ligards, "'and in a few minutes afterwards, "'the entire committee, some eight men in all, "'had assembled. "'Johnson then rose to address the party. "'He remarked that they were already aware "'of the purpose for which they had been summoned, "'namely to inspect the plans of a new schooner "'which he proposed to have built, "'but he had been led to understand "'that doubts had been expressed in certain quarters. "'Here,' he glanced at Rowley. "'As to the necessity for such a proceeding. "'And he had therefore invited them there "'to meet him in order that he may lay before them "'his views upon the matter "'and answer such questions "'as any of them might wish to put to him. "'He then cited several unsuccessful chases "'in which he had engaged, "'as well as his recent narrow escape from the frigate, "'as evidence in support of his assertion "'that not only their profit, "'but their actual safety depended upon there "'becoming possessed of a much faster vessel "'than the Albatross, as speedily as might be, "'winding up his speech by requesting "'that each man present would give the committee "'the benefit of his views on the matter in hand. "'A somewhat excited debate then ensued, "'Rowley making himself especially conspicuous "'by his opposition to Johnson. "'But in the end the latter succeeded "'in carrying his point, "'and the construction of the vessel "'was definitely decided upon. "'Lance was then called upon to submit his drawings "'for inspection, which he forthwith did, "'explaining at the same time "'the peculiarities of the design. "'The vessel he proposed to build "'was to have a broad shallow hull, "'with a very deep keel, "'and her water lines were simply faultless. "'There was a considerable difference of opinion "'as to the desirability of having a vessel of that type. "'But Lance, who was anxious above all things "'to build a craft which would carry his party safely, "'comfortably, and speedily home, "'provided they should be so fortunate "'as to obtain possession of her, "'abely combatted all adverse criticism "'in which he was ably seconded by Johnson, "'who seemed greatly taken with the design, "'and in the end they had their own way.' "'This important point being settled, the meeting broke up, "'and on the following morning the first step was taken "'toward carrying the work into execution. "'The vessel which had been selected for breaking up "'was unmoored and brought close in "'to the shore, abreast the capstone house, "'where she was anchored. "'A strong party was then told off "'for the purpose of loading her "'under the joint superintendents of Lance, "'Johnson, Captain Staunton, "'and the carpenter of the Gallatea, "'who went by the name of Kit, "'short for Christopher. "'Lance requisitioned the stores of the pirates "'with the utmost freedom, "'taking everything he thought likely to be "'in the least degree useful, "'and in this way three days were consumed. "'On the fourth day the hulk was once more unmoored, "'and with three boats ahead, "'toed to the rock at the mouth of the harbor "'and grounded upon it. "'The work of landing the stores "'and materials then commenced, "'and when these had all been conveyed safely ashore, "'the erection of workshops, et cetera, was begun. "'And it was at this period that Johnson began "'to realize for the first time "'how valuable an acquisition to his band "'he had gained in the persons of Lance, Rex, "'Brook, and Kit. "'The three first were quite in their element "'when it came to the designing and erecting "'of the various buildings and of the battery, "'which was at the same time commenced, "'whilst Kit displayed an amount of intelligence "'in the carrying out of their instructions, "'which was beyond all praise. "'Johnson chuckled with inward satisfaction "'and made certain secret resolves, but he said nothing. "'Meanwhile the albatross had been careened, "'her copper stripped off were necessary "'and replaced after caulking the planking underneath. "'The copper had been scoured all over, "'down to the very keel until it shone like gold. "'The top sides had been caulked, then the deck, "'the hull repainted inside and out, "'and when the buildings at the new dockyard "'were about being begun, "'the spars, sails, and rigging of the brig "'were in process of undergoing a thorough overhaul. "'It looked very much as though the albatross "'would be ready for sea in another fortnight at the outside. "'While Lance estimated that, "'with the strength then at his command, "'it would be at least a month "'before the keel of the schooner could possibly be laid. "'Now Johnson had said his heart "'upon seeing this done before he sailed. "'When therefore he found that it would be quite impossible "'unless he strongly augmented Lance's working party, "'he took half the men working upon the brig "'and turned them over to the dockyard gang, "'with the result that the work on the brig was retarded "'while that at the shipyard was expedited so greatly "'as to ensure the gratification of his wish. "'So eager was he to hasten on the building of the schooner "'that he even proposed the abandonment "'of the old settlement at the bottom of the bay "'and the establishment of a new one on the rock itself. "'This, however, by no means suited Lance's views. "'It would be manifestly impossible to launch "'and make off with the schooner "'if they were to be environed by a gang of men, "'every one of whom would be sure to regard the newcomers "'with more or less of suspicion and distrust. "'So Lance threw out a few mysterious hints "'about secret passages and hidden chambers "'beneath the battery and in the heart of the rocks, "'which for Johnson's own individual's sake, "'it would be wise to keep from the knowledge "'of all but those actually engaged in constructing them. "'And by this means he managed to avert the threatened transfer. "'The thought occurred to him that possibly the Galatea party "'might be more safe if quartered upon the rock "'and thus entirely separated from the pirates. "'But on reconsidering the question "'and talking it over with the others, "'the conclusion arrived at was that the rock "'was an exposed and sterile spot for a habitation, "'in addition to which it possessed other disadvantages, "'and that perhaps, for the present, "'it would be better not to propose it. "'At length the eventful day arrived "'on which the ceremony of laying the keel "'of the new schooner was to be performed, "'the pieces of timber of which it was to be composed, "'some of which had already formed part of the keel "'of the old ship, had all been shaped, "'the blocks laid in position "'in every other preparation fully made, "'and nothing remained but to lay down the keel pieces "'on the blocks placed ready for their reception "'and to bolt them together. "'In the fullness of his delight, "'Johnson resolved that the day should be a regular fet day, "'and accordingly on the morning in question, "'the shipyard was gaily dressed with flags "'of more than one nationality, "'which were hoisted upon poles hastily set up for the purpose, "'and all hands, clean-shaven and dressed in their best, "'prepared to assist in the ceremony. "'The proceedings were inaugurated by Johnson, "'who, attired in the full uniform "'of a captain of the American Navy, "'took up a position on one of the keel blocks, "'and from thence made an animated address to his followers, "'in which he rapidly sketched the history of the band "'from the day on which they had entered upon their present "'career by taking from their officers the Amazon Tea Clipper, "'in which they had sailed from China for England, "'down to the present time. "'He reminded them of the difficulties and misfortunes "'with which they had been obliged to contend, "'how they had unfortunately lost the Amazon upon an island "'some hundreds of miles to the westward "'of their present position, "'how they had been compelled to leave the island in open boats, "'of the sufferings which they subsequently endured, "'and how by a lucky accident they were finally enabled "'to obtain possession of the Albatross. "'He next dwelt upon the good fortune "'which had since attended them, "'the many valuable prizes they had taken, "'the rich store of booty they had accumulated, "'and the steady augmentation of the numbers "'of the brotherhood. "'Then giving free reign to his fancy, "'he enlarged upon his plans for the future. "'What had already been done was,' he said, "'nothing, a simple preliminary effort, "'a mere trial of strength, "'compared with what he would do. "'He would never be satisfied,' he informed them, "'until he could finally lead them all out of that harbor, "'on board a fleet of at least 10 well-armed, "'swift and fully manned ships, "'in which it would be possible for them to ravage "'the entire coast of Spanish South America, "'to spoiling the rich towns "'and laughing at all opposition. "'In this way,' he promised them, "'he would place them in possession "'of such an unheard-of amount of treasure "'that every man among them should be worth his millions. "'After which, by following a plan "'which he would unfold to them at the proper time, "'they could quietly disband and settle down "'for the remainder of their lives, "'each man on that particular spot of earth "'which pleased him best, "'in the peaceful enjoyment of his well-earned gold.' "'And they were assembled there that day,' he added in conclusion, "'to lay the keel of the first of the 10 clippers "'by which this glorious result was to be accomplished.' "'It was an eloquent and masterly speech. "'Johnson was most accurately acquainted "'with the characters of those who surrounded him. "'He was making a great bid for the recovery "'of that popularity, which in some an unexplained way, "'but largely through the machinations of Alec Raleigh, "'he shrewdly suspected, "'had been steadily slipping away from him. "'And he believed that the making of such dazzling promises "'as he had just indulged in "'was the surest way of winning it back. "'And if vociferous and tumultuous cheering "'was to be taken as an indication of success, "'the pirate chief had every cause to be gratified. "'The enthusiasm was intense. "'Cheer after cheer rent the air. "'The men shook hands all round "'and then pressed forward, hustling each other, "'eager to perform the same ceremony with Johnson, "'vowing as they did so, "'the blindest and most unswerving fidelity to him, "'and calling down the most frightful imprecations "'upon all traitors. "'Raleigh stood at some little distance in the background. "'His arms folded across his chest "'and a cynical smile, breathing his lips. "'All right,' he muttered. "'Go on and shout yourselves, horse, you swine. "'Yell, cheer, and swear fidelity "'until you are out of breath, if it pleases you so to do. "'I like to see and hear it. "'For what is it, after all, but froth? "'You are all in a ferment just now, "'and it is best that this noisy gas should have its vent. "'You will soon sober down again, and then we shall see.' "'As for you,' he continued with a furtive scowl "'at Johnson, whose face beamed with gratification. "'You have had your day, and, blind, bad as you are, "'you are beginning to see it just for a moment. "'But this fine speech of yours "'has thrown you off your guard again. "'You doubtless think that, with a few empty boastful words, "'you have recovered your lost position, "'but you are mistaken, my good friend, "'as you will find out when you return "'from your next cruise, if indeed you ever return at all. "'Well, enjoy your own opinion while you can. "'Rejoice in the ease with which you have re-established yourself. "'I shall not attempt to undeceive you, at least just now. "'So I will go and add my plaudits to those of the herd.' "'Pah!' And he spat contemptuously on the ground "'as he moved forward to shake Johnson cordially by the hand. "'Order being at length restored, "'the ceremony of laying the keel was preceded with. "'The several pieces were already on the ground, "'properly shaped, with bolt holes bored, "'the bolts fitted, "'and in short, every preparation made "'for fastening them together. "'And now, at a word from Johnson, "'a hundred eager hands seized the heavy timbers "'and, under Lance's superintendents, "'placed them upon the blocks. "'The joints were next brought closely together, "'the bolts inserted, "'the perfect straightness of the entire length of keel "'accurately tested, "'and finally the bolts were all simultaneously driven home "'and the keel laid, "'amidst the deafening cheers of the pirates "'and the roar of a battery of guns "'which had been placed temporarily in position "'to do due honor to the ceremony. "'The men were then served "'with an extra allowance of grog, "'after which they were dismissed to amuse themselves "'in any way they pleased for the remainder of the day. "'Johnson saw fit to leave the shipyard in the boat, "'which conveyed Lance, Captain Stanton, "'and the rest of the Galatea party "'back to the settlement at the bottom of the bay. "'And it was evident during the passage "'that he was most anxious to make himself agreeable, "'and to leave behind him a favorable impression. "'At last, when the boat was nearing the beach, "'at which the party intended to land, he said to Lance, "'Look here, Colonel, "'I've been thinking about them women folk of Yorn. "'They must find it mighty lonesome here "'with nothing much to do. "'Do you think it pleased them "'if I was to send one of them pianors to your diggings? "'Cause if you do, they shall have one. "'The cussed things ain't no use to us, "'and I don't hardly know what I fetched them along for. "'Thank you very much,' said Lance. "'I have no doubt a little music now and then "'would prove a solace to them. "'Indeed, it would make the evenings "'much more pleasant for us all, "'and if you feel disposed to spare us an instrument, "'we shall remember you all the more gratefully.' "'Then you may consider it done,' Johnson replied, "'as the boats keel, "'graded on the beach, and the party stepped ashore. "'Come up to the capstan house with me, "'and you can choose which you will have, "'and I will send it along at once.' Lance accordingly proceeded to the capstan house with Johnson, while the remainder of the party wended their way straight to the hut, well pleased at what they considered a mark of great consideration on the part of the pirate chief. When Lance found himself alone with his companion, he thought it would be a favorable opportunity to prefer a request, which had been in his mind for several days, but which he had had no previous chance of mentioning. "'I am glad,' he said, "'to have this opportunity of thanking you, captain, "'in the name of our party, "'for all you have done for our comfort, "'under circumstances which I could not fail to perceive "'have been somewhat trying to you. "'I now want to ask you to add one favor more, "'and that is to supply us with a sufficiency of arms "'and ammunition to enable us to defend ourselves "'if need be in your absence. "'While you are on the island, "'we feel ourselves to be safe, "'but I confess I am not altogether without doubts "'as to the treatment which we may receive "'at the hands of your Greek friend, Raleigh, "'after your departure. "'And it would add very greatly "'to our feeling of security in your absence "'if we were provided with the means "'of resisting any attempt at unfair dealing on his part. "'I presume it is unnecessary for me to say "'that we should only use the weapons "'in a case of absolute necessity.' "'While now,' Colonel said Johnson, "'what you ask is fair enough, "'and from my own part, "'I'd be willing enough to let you have all you want, "'but I vow I don't just see exactly how I'm to do it. "'The key of the arm-chest is in the armorer's pocket, "'and I can't issue anything out of that chest "'without his knowledge. "'Now, I know that cuss. "'He's no friend of mine, "'and he'd just go straight away "'and tell Raleigh what I'd done. "'And that had set the Greek dead again, you all, "'for a certainty and make things "'just as uncomfortable for you as could be. "'Besides which, Raleigh, "'just take them all away from you again, "'as soon as my back was turned, "'and then you'd be worse off than ever. "'No, that won't do. "'We'll have to go some other way about it, "'but you leave it to me, General. "'You may bet your pile I'll find out a way "'to do it before I sail. "'Now, which of these boxes of music will you have?' "'They had arrived by this time at the Capson House, "'and were standing near the Piena Fortes, "'all of which had been placed together "'on the floor of the sail loft. "'The packing crates have been ripped off "'and probably used for firewood. "'Lance ran his fingers over the keyboard "'of each instrument in turn, "'striking a few chords and harmonies "'to test the quality of the tone and touch, "'and finally selected a superb grand by Broadwood. "'All right, General, I'll have the darn thing "'taken down to your quarters to unsit. "'But do you mean to say that you know "'how to thump music out of them things "'as well as how to build batteries and ships "'and so forth?' ejaculated Johnson. "'Well, yes,' said Lance, laughingly. "'I believe I must plead guilty "'to being somewhat of a musician, "'though I have not touched an instrument "'for many a day until now. "'Then sit right down there, Colonel, "'and play me something good,' said Johnson, "'rolling a nail-keg as a seat "'up to one of the instruments.' "'Lance, thoroughly amused at the comical incongruity "'of the situation, sat down and rattled off Yankee Doodle, "'an air which he judged would be likely "'to find appreciation with his queer companion. "'Johnson stood for a moment spellbound "'as the well-remembered strains fell upon his ear. "'Then a broad grin of delight overspread his features, "'and finally he began to caper about the sail loft "'in the most extraordinary manner, "'and to utter certain unearthly sounds "'which Lance fancied was Johnson's idea of singing. "'Something else, give me some more,' the pirate captain exclaimed rapturously "'when his entertainer at length raised his fingers "'from the keyboard. "'Whereupon Lance began to play and sing, Hail Columbia, "'Johnson stood still and silent as a statue nail. "'The stirring strange touched an altogether "'different chord of his memory, "'and for an instant something suspiciously "'like a tear glistened in his eye. "'Thank you,' he said very quietly "'when Lance had finished. "'That will do now. "'I would rather not hear any more at present. "'Let me keep the sound of that song in my mind "'as long as I can. "'My little maid at home used to sing that to me. "'But look here,' he added, "'as Lance closed the instrument. "'If you wish to be on good terms with the men "'after I am gone, "'have them all up in the meeting room "'sometimes of an evening, "'and treat them to a little music. "'They will appreciate that, "'and you could do nothing more likely "'to win their regard. "'Why shouldn't you give them? "'Give us all a concert tonight, "'today, being a holiday. "'Lance hesitated for a moment "'before making an answer to this strange "'and unexpected proposal. "'To tell you the truth,' he said at last, "'I am afraid your people will be hardly in a mood tonight "'to appreciate such music as I could give them. "'The grog will have got into their heads, "'and they will be more inclined to sing among themselves "'than to sit quietly, to listen to me.' "'Not at all,' answered Johnson, "'who, now that a serious mood was upon him, "'had entirely dropped his Americanism of speech. "'Not at all. "'I have taken care to give orders "'that they shall not have sufficient to make them noisy. "'You will find them perfectly quiet and orderly, "'and I confess I should like to see the effect "'of a little genuine good music upon them.' "'Very well,' answered Lance, nonchalantly. "'I am sure I have no objection, "'and, now that you have mentioned it, "'I confess I feel curious to see the result "'of so novel an experiment.' "'Then it is settled,' said Johnson, "'and he forthwith summoned a party of men, "'to some of whom he gave orders to remove to the hut "'the Piano Forte Lance had chosen, "'while to others was deputed the task "'of taking one of the other instruments "'into the large room used for purposes of General Assembly "'and placing the room in proper order "'for the Evians' entertainment, "'which was fixed to commence "'at the Orthodox hour of eight o'clock. "'When Lance Evelyn sauntered into the hut, "'he was assailed by a general chorus of questions. "'What ridiculous story is this "'which my husband has been telling us, Mr. Evelyn, "'inquired Mrs. Stuntin? "'About the piano, you know, added Violet. "'Is it actually true, Lance, "'that that absurd creature is really going to let us "'have one, chimed in blanche? "'It would be a good deal more sensible of him "'if he would provide us with more comfortable quarters, "'grumbled Dale. "'I agree with you there, Dale. "'It certainly would,' said Rex Fortescue. "'Of course, I am speaking now of the matter "'as it affects the ladies. "'For ourselves we can rough it well enough, "'but I certainly wish they could be made more comfortable. "'However, the fellow seems to have done his best for us. "'I have seen no better building than this "'in the whole settlement, "'so I suppose we must endeavor to be content "'as long as we are obliged to remain here. "'And as for the piano, "'why, it will enable the ladies to beguile an hour or two, "'but it is a queer present to make under the circumstances, "'and the man who made it is certainly a bit of an eccentric.' "'You are right,' replied Evelyn, "'and this gift is by no means his only eccentricity. "'Guess what is his latest request or command? "'I scarcely know which to call it. "'They all decided that it would be utterly impossible "'for them to guess. "'There was no saying what absurd whim "'might seize upon such a man. "'They would be surprised at nothing, "'which he might ask and so on. "'Well, then I will tell you,' said Lance. "'He wishes me to give the men a concert tonight "'at eight o'clock in the assembly room. "'Oh, Lance, what an extraordinary request,' "'explained Blanche. "'You will, of course, refuse. "'You will never trust yourself alone among all those men?' "'Certainly I shall,' answered her lover. "'Why not? "'There will not be the slightest danger. "'The men are not in an excited state by any means. "'And I have an idea that a little music now and then "'may increase our popularity among them "'and place us on a more secure footing, "'if indeed it does not enable us to reach and awaken "'whatever of good may still exist in their breasts. "'Besides,' he added with a gay laugh. "'I feel curious to see what effect "'I can produce upon them. "'If you go, Lance, I shall go with you,' said Rex. "'Violet Dudley glanced quickly "'and somewhat appealingly at the last speaker, "'but she had too much spirit to say a word "'which would keep her lover away from the side of his friend "'when there was a possibility that that friend "'might stand in need of help. "'I think I may as well go also,' remarked Captain Stanton. "'It seems hardly fair to leave you all the work to do, Evelyn, "'when any of the rest of us can help you. "'I can sing a fairly good song,' I flattered myself, "'if I am not much of a hand at the piano. "'And so when you feel tired, I'll give you a spell. "'All right,' said Lance, "'the more the merrier. "'Wish I'll at least show them that we are no churls. "'Are there any more volunteers?' "'Certainly,' said Bob, "'I'm one, Mr. Evelyn, if you will have me. "'I am something like Captain Stanton. "'I'm no hand at a piano, but I can sing, "'and I know a recitation or two "'which I think may serve to raise a good-humored laugh.' "'I'm no singer,' said Brooke, "'but I know a few rather taking conjuring tricks. "'And I should like to go with you, "'but perhaps it would be hardly prudent "'to leave the ladies without any protection, would it? "'Therefore I think I'll remain tonight "'and go some other evening "'if there's going to be any repetition "'of this sort of thing.' Mr. Dale said nothing. He simply sat moodily plucking at his beard and muttering to himself. By the look of his countenance he was utterly disgusted with the whole proceeding. Thus then it was finally arranged, and at a few minutes before eight o'clock Lance and his party issued from the hut on their way to the assembly room, which they could see was already brilliantly lighted up. End of Chapter 12. Chapter 13 of The Pirate Island, a story of the South Pacific by Harry Collingwood. This LibriVox recording is in the public domain. Raleigh explains himself, so does Lance. On entering the assembly room, our friends found that it was not only as they had seen from the outside well lighted, but that a very successful attempt had been made to decorate it by the draping of flags all round the walls and the arrangement of an elaborate and well-designed flag trophy on the wall at the back of the elevated platform or stage, as it may be called. The long table with its accompaniment of chairs had been pushed back against the wall and the piano forte stood in the center of the platform. The room was quite full and the men appeared for the most part disposed to behave quietly and decorously. There were only some half a dozen young fellows who seemed at all inclined to be noisier boisterous and they occupied seats in the center of the room. Johnson occupied a chair on one side of the platform and Raleigh balanced him on the opposite side. Johnson appeared rather surprised as he four of the Galatea party put in an appearance instead of one only, but he made no remark, merely waving them to accommodate themselves with chairs from those placed against the wall. I am rather better than my word you see, observed Lance to him, as the four friends stepped upon the platform. I promised to do what I could in the way of furnishing your people with a little entertainment tonight and I have brought three volunteers with me which will enable us to infuse into the proceedings a little more variety than I could hope to impart to them alone. So much the better Colonel, returned Johnson. It's real kind of you, I call it and if the lads don't appreciate it, they ought to. That's all I can say. I've told him what you're going to do for him and all that, so as soon as you're ready, I guess you can fire away. Lance turned and opened the piano looking quietly over the audience as he did so. His eye fell upon the half dozen who seemed disposed to interrupt the proceedings and stepping forward to the edge of the platform and he waved his hand for silence and said, your captain informs me that he has already explained to you the reason for his invitation to you to be present here this evening. Today has been a somewhat notable day in the annals of the settlement. You have this morning laid the keel of a new ship and commenced an undertaking which will tax your utmost skill, energy and resource to carry through to a successful issue and Captain Johnson has thought it an event of sufficient importance to be specially marked. Hence he has made it a holiday for all hands and finding that I possessed some little skill as a musician, he invited me to help in the celebration of the day by closing it with the musical performance. This I willingly consented to do in the belief that it might afford you a little pleasure and recreation and I may as well take advantage of the present opportunity to tell you all that my friends and myself will always be found ready to do everything in our power to promote your comfort and welfare. But I must remind you that we are here tonight for your pleasure rather than our own. We will do our best to amuse you and I hope that you in your turn will individually do what you can to maintain quiet in order. We may not perhaps succeed in pleasing you all. If such should be the case, let those who are dissatisfied rise and quietly leave and not disturb others or interfere with their enjoyment by giving noisy expression to their dissatisfaction. I notice one or two who seem inclined to be a little unruly, but I hope they have sense enough to see that such conduct on their part would be in the worst possible taste and that they will think better of it. Loud exclamations of approval greeted this speech, mingled with shouts of, if they don't behave themselves, we'll turn them out, Governor, and such like. There was a good deal of noise and confusion for about five minutes during which Lance calmly seated himself and waited patiently for silence. And when this was at length restored, he went to the piano and sang to his own accompaniment, Didbin's Tom Bolen. Lance possessed a full, deep, rich bass voice of exceptionally fine quality, and as the words of the song peeled through the room, a breathless silence was maintained by his strange audience, the silence of surprise and delight. Many of the men knew the song, had sung it or heard it sung hundreds of times on a ship's foxhole during the dog watch, but not one of them had probably ever heard it sung before by a man of refined feeling, capable of expressing the full sentiment of the words, and it now came upon them almost like a revelation. Sailors of the class are proverbially fond of music, but very few of them ever have, or perhaps it would be more true to say, give themselves the opportunity to hear anything of better quality than the trash sung in music halls, and most, if not all, of Lance's audience, now therefore experienced for the first time the refining power of really good music. Their enthusiastic applause at the conclusion of the song was perfectly deafening. Captain Stoughton then stepped forward and sang in true semen-like style the Bay of Biscay, the chorus of which was given with great unction and enjoyment by the whole audience. Rex Fortescue followed with The Death of Nelson, and then Bob gave in excellent style a laughable recitation which convulsed his audience, even to the tickling of the cell and rally into a grim smile. Then Lance sang again, and so the entertainment proceeded for a couple of hours to the unbounded gratification of all hands. When the pirates dispersed in a perfectly quiet and orderly manner after giving at Johnson's call, three cheers for their entertainers. Thank you, Colonel. Thank you, hardly all of you, said that individual as our friends parted from him outside the Capstone House. You've given us a real treat tonight, and I guess all hands will feel ever so much more friendly to you for it. Give him another dose or two of the same sort of thing now and again, and I reckon they'll take care you don't get ill-treated while I'm away. What about the arms and ammunition, which I ask for today, said Lance. You leave that to me, General, replied Johnson. I guess I'll find a way to let you have them before I sail. I won't forget it, you trust me. Good night. Good night, was the reply, and our friends turned away in the direction of the hut. Would you mind walking a little way up the valley, gentlemen, before we go inside, said Bob? I want to tell you something I ought perhaps to have told you long ago, but we have been so busy I could never find an opportunity without speaking before the ladies who, I think, ought not to know anything about it. Certainly, Robert, said Captain Staunton. Let us hear what it is by all means. It is doubtless something of importance or you would not speak so earnestly. Well, sir, said Bob, I wanted chiefly to warn you all not to trust Johnson too much. He seems friendly enough, but I doubt very much whether he is sincere. The day that we arrived in Port, when the hands went aloft to stow the canvas, I jumped aloft with them, just to keep my hand in, as it were, and stowed the driver. While I was passing the gaskets, that fellow rally came on board and entered into conversation with Johnson, who spoke to him about us, and more particularly about you, Mr. Evelyn. He said that you were going to design a very fast vessel for him, and that we were to assist in the building of her, and in the fortification of the harbor, and that as long as we could be of use, we were to be treated civilly, but that when we had done everything required of us, he wouldn't care how we were treated or what became of us. The false treacherous scoundrel exclaimed Captain Staunton indignantly. Was that all he said, Robert? All that I heard, said Bob. After that, they both went into the cabin. I wasn't eavesdropping it, you know, sir, but I was just overhead, so that I couldn't help hearing every word they said, and as they were talking about us, I thought I was justified in keeping my ears open. Quite right, Robert, so you were, answered the skipper. We are surrounded by, and at the mercy of a band of men who have outraged every law, both divine and human, it therefore behoves us for our own sakes and even more for the sake of the helpless women dependent upon us, to take every possible precaution, and to ascertain by every possible means what are their actual intentions regarding us. They are detaining us here against our will. They have imposed upon us tasks which they have not a shadow of right to lay upon us. And if they meditate treachery, which from what you say seems only too probable, we are justified in resorting to craft, if necessary, to protect ourselves. Is not that your opinion, gentlemen? Turning to Lance and Rex. Unquestionably answered Lance promptly. The men are one and all, accepting, of course, the few who have refused to join the brotherhood, as they call it, outlaws. And as such, they have no claim whatever to be treated in the straightforward fashion with which one deals with a lawful enemy, such as one meets with an ordinary warfare. Your information, Robert, is valuable, not altogether on account of its novelty, but rather as being confirmatory of what has hitherto amounted merely to conjecture on our part. I have long suspected that our friend Johnson is not quite so straightforward as he would have us believe. Well, forewarned is forearmed. We are evidently in a very critical position here, a position demanding all the coolness, self-possession, and foresight we have at our command to enable us to successfully extricate ourselves, and I think we should give the matter our immediate consideration. Now, tonight, I mean, we shall perhaps never have a better opportunity, and endeavor to decide upon some definite plan of future action. Very well, said Captain Stanton. Let us continue our walk and talk matters over. It is perfectly evident, as you say, Mr. Evelyn, that we are in a very critical and difficult position, and the question is, what steps ought we to take in order to extricate ourselves? I think it is pretty clear that this man, Johnson, has no intention of releasing us of his own free will. We can be much too useful to him for him ever to do that. If, therefore, we are ever to get away from this place, it will have to be done in spite of him. And as we are too weak to escape by force, we must do so by craft. I can see no other way for it, can you? Well, said Lance slowly, blowing a long thin cloud of cigar smoke meditatively up into the warm, still night air. I fancy we shall have to try a combination of both. I cannot conceive any practicable course which will allow of our escaping without coming to blows with the pirates. I wish I could. Of course, I do not care in my own account, although notwithstanding my former profession, I am not particularly fond of fighting if it can be done without. But there are the ladies in poor little May. It is of them I always think when the idea of strife and bloodshed suggests itself. Then there is their comfort as well as their safety to be thought of. Were it not for them, I believe there would not be very much difficulty in seizing a stock of provisions and water, together with a boat, and slipping quietly out to sea some dark night, trusting to good fortune or providence, rather, to be eventually picked up by a passing ship. But I should certainly be slow to recommend so desperate a course under present circumstances, save in the very last extremity. The hardships those poor creatures pass through in their last boat voyage I have not yet forgotten. It is not necessary to repeat every word of the discussion which followed. Suffice it to say that it was of so protracted a character that the three individuals engaged in it did not enter their hut until the first faint flush of dawn was brightening the eastern sky. Bob had been dismissed within an hour of the termination of the concert, with a message to the effect that Captain Stanton and his two companions felt more disposed for a walk than for sleep, and that the rest of the party had therefore better retire when they felt so inclined, as the hour at which the three gentlemen would return was quite uncertain. The time thus spent had not, however, been thrown away, for after a very earnest discussion of the situation, the conclusion arrived at was that they could not do better than adhere to their original plan of endeavoring to make off with the new schooner, and that her construction should therefore be pushed for with all possible expedition. But that as there was only too much reason to dread a change from the present Pacific and friendly disposition manifested toward them by the pirates, an attempt should also be made to win over as many as possible of the prisoners, not only with the object of effecting these poor creatures' deliverance from a cruel bondage, but also in order that the fighting strength of the Gallatea party, as they came to term themselves, might be so far increased as to give them a slightly better chance of success than they now had in the by no means improbable event of a brush with the enemy. Now that the keel of the new schooner was actually laid, operations were resumed with even more than their former alacrity on board the Albatross, and on the evening of the fourth day, after the events related in the last chapter, she was reported as once more ready for sea. During these four days, Captain Staunton and the rest of his party, accepting Dale, who positively refused to do any work whatever, had, in accordance with their resolution, been extremely busy at the new shipyard, getting out and fixing in position the stem and stern posts, and it was only by the merest accident that they heard on the evening in question that the brig was to sail on the following day. As Lance had heard no more about the promised arms and ammunition, he at once determined to see Johnson once more respecting them. He accordingly set out in search of the pirate captain, but to his chagrin was quite unable to find him or to learn his whereabouts. He searched for him in vain the whole evening, venturing even on board the brig, and it was not until after 11 o'clock that night that he gave up the search in disgust with a strong impression that Johnson had been purposely avoiding him. On the following morning, however, he was more successful, having risen before daylight in order that he might catch his bird on his first appearance in the open air. At six o'clock the bell rang as usual for the hands to turn, too, and a few minutes afterwards, the whole place was a stirrer. Lance walked down to the landing place with Captain Staunton and the others, and saw them embark in the boats detailed to convey the working party to the new shipyard. He then whispered a word or two of explanation to his friends and allowed the boats to go away without him. They had been gone about 10 minutes or a quarter of an hour when Lance saw the man he sought emerge from the Capson house and walk hurriedly down toward the beach where a boat, fully manned, appeared to be awaiting him. A few steps and Lance was by his side. Good morning, Captain Johnson, he said with inward amusement as he noted the confusion of the pirate at the unexpected and evidently unwished-for meeting. Good morning, General, was Johnson's response, given with a heartiness which was visibly assumed. This is a real fine morning, I call it. Nice little breeze, too, off the land. I guess we shall make short miles of it today. I am downright glad you missed the boats this morning, over-select yourself, I suppose. I wanted to say goodbye to you and your chums, and I declared a goodness I was only just thinking when you come up to me that I'd be obliged to heave the brig too off the rock and run ashore in a boat just to shake flippers with you. Well, I guess I must be off. There's the foretop sail just let fall, and I'm bound they've passed the messenger already. I'm real sorry I can't take you all with me and shove you ashore somewhere on the quiet, but you see how it is, that fellow rally, but I ain't got time to talk anymore, I swow. Goodbye, by the time I get back, I reckon you'll have the schooner pretty nigh ready for launching, eh? I hope so, said Lance. By the by, have you made any arrangements for letting us have the arms you promised? That fellow rally, as you have remarked. The arms? Well, now, only to think of that, exclaimed Johnson with well-famed annoyance. What a doggone forgetful cuss I am, blamed if I ain't forgot all about him. I've been that busy, if you'll believe me, general. I ain't had time to swallow a mouthful of grub this four days, half-starved to death I am. Just look at my waistcoat, fits me like a sack. But about them arms, I declare I am real sorry I forgot them, general, but never mind, I guess you won't want them. If you do, he button-hold Lance and whispered him confidentially. Just you take them, help yourself to them. I give you my permission, I swow. And now I really must say goodbye. Take care of yourself, general, and go ahead with that schooner as fast as ever you can. Get her finished by the time I come back and the battery too, and I promise you shall leave the island as soon as you like our words. They were by this time at the water's edge, and as Johnson uttered the last words of his farewell, he sprang into the boat, which was waiting for him, and flinging himself into the stern sheets gave the order to shove off. Ten minutes later, the same boat was swinging at the brig's quarter-davits, and the brig herself, with her anchor stock just showing above water, was moving slowly away towards the harbor entrance under topsoil's and jib. At a little distance from Lance to Raleigh, watching the departure of the brig, ah, he muttered, there you go, you vile American dog, you cowardly mean-spirited cur, take my parting curses with you, may you meet with nothing but ill luck and perplexity, may misfortune follow you, may the very wind in the sea war against you, may the treachery which I have planned prevail over you, and may you die at last with the jeers of your enemies ringing in your ears. Goodbye, goodbye, he shouted, bringing the tips of his fingers together at his lips, and wafting with them an ironical salute after Johnson, who at that moment glanced shorward and waved his cap. Goodbye, and the devil himself go with you, aha, my Yankee friend, you little know that you are taking your last look at this scene. You little dream that the brig carries a dagger whose blade is thirsty for your heart's blood, and whose point I have directed at your breast. I do, miserable coward, forever. I hope Antonia will not forget to tell you as he drives home his blade, that it was I who ordered the blow. My revenge will else be robbed of half its sweetness. You thought, doubtless, that because it suited me to receive your insults in silence, that I should soon forget them. Bah, you should have known better, my very quietness, the repression of my resentment should have warned you. But you are a poor, blind fool without any discernment, or you would have known that a Greek never forgets a wrong. Goodbye once more, and for the last time, goodbye. I wish you all speed on your road to perdition. And he waved his hat smilingly at the fast receding brig as he saw Johnson raise a telescope to his eye and level it in his direction. When the albatross had at length finally disappeared beyond the harbor's mouth, Raleigh turned for the first time and caught sight of Lance. Stalking up to him, he said scoffingly, so, Mr. Soldier, you have lost your friend at last. Yes, said Lance very quietly, if as I imagine you refer to your captain, but I must protest against your styling him, my friend, he is nothing of the kind. Ah, yes, sneered Raleigh. Now that he is gone and can no longer protect you, you disown him, but that will not do. You and he were friends, whatever you may say. He is my enemy, and his friends are therefore my enemies also, and they will be treated as such. Do you understand me? Not in the least, said Lance, I have not the faintest notion of your meaning. Then listen to me and I will explain, said Raleigh, his eyes gleaming vindictively. Do you know that your friend Yonder has faded never to return? What is the meaning of this, thought Lance? Some treachery or other on the part of this rascally Greek I'll wager, but it will never do to allow him to suppose that he is master of the situation, so I believe, he said carelessly, there is some sort of arrangement to that effect, is there not? The Greek gazed at him in unaffected alarm. Aha, he ejaculated, how came you to know that? Lance smiled at him compassionately. Did you really flatter yourself, he said, that your plans were so astutely devised, so cunningly concealed that none but you and your partisans could possibly know anything about them? Really, Mr. Raleigh, I fear you are greatly overrating your own sagacity. But we appear to be wandering away from the point. You were about to explain the meaning of an obscure remark you made a minute or two ago. Lance had never removed his glance for a single instant from Raleigh's face since the commencement of the conversation, and he was physiognomist enough to detect the signs of fear almost approaching to panic in the countenance of the Greek. He knew, therefore, that his bold guess had not been very far from the truth. And he continued to puff his cigar with all his wanted in so sense, as he waited calmly for the reply to his interrogation. Yes, said Raleigh, recovering his self-possession with evident effort, I was about to explain two things. First, I wish you to understand that Johnson is not my captain, nor is he the captain of anyone now on this island. We have thrown off our, what do you term it? Our allegiance, blandly suggested, Lance. Our allegiance, yes, that word will do. It explains my meaning, though it is not the word I intended to use, answered Raleigh. We have thrown off our allegiance. We are tired of him, this man Johnson, and we will have no more of him. He will never return here, and now I am captain. You understand? Lance nodded. Good, the next thing I was about to explain is that his friends are our enemies, you and your people especially. Is that plain? Perfectly, answered Lance, still outwardly calm and unconcerned as ever, though inwardly much perturbed. And I presume you intend us to accept these remarks of yours in the light of a threat of some kind? Raleigh looked hard at his interrogator before replying. He could not in the least understand this man who received with such perfect sign Freud the intelligence that he and his friends were to be regarded and treated as the enemies of a company of ruthless outlaws such as he must know Raleigh and his associates to be. Yes, he said at last, slowly and almost doubtingly, you may take what I say as a threat. I mean to pay to you and your friends all the great debt of vengeance which that other friend of yours, Johnson, has allowed to accumulate against him. I will be doubly avenged. I will be avenged upon him and upon you as well. Lance laughed gaily as he lightly knocked off with his little finger the ash from his cigar end. This was a serious, a direful business, but he had no intention to let the Greeks see that his words had any alarming or disturbing effect upon him. So he said with a smile. Excuse me for laughing at you, but under the circumstances I really could not help it. Your ignorance of the true state of affairs strikes me as so positively ludicrous. You forget my good sir that I am behind the scenes in your secret, you know. He added seeing a look of bewilderment at the other expression. Why, man, you and all your people are absolutely at our mercy. You look surprised, but I assure you such as the fact. I really do not know whether I ought to explain myself to you. I scarcely think you deserve it after your recent threats. No, I will keep my own counsel. You shall remain in your ignorance. Then he turned to walk away. Stop, Gasperalli. What is it you mean? I must know. Lance paused for a full minute as though he resolute. At last, he said, well, perhaps it would be better for all parties that there should be, after all, a clear understanding. You and your people outnumber our party many times, and it is indisputable that you have it in your power in consequence to make us very uncomfortable. But for all that, you are absolutely at our mercy, and therefore it will be greatly to your advantage to treat us well. You will perhaps understand this better if I inform you that your plot against Johnson has been betrayed. He did not think it necessary to explain that as far as he knew, the only betrayal of it had been in the incautious words uttered by the Greek himself at the opening of their present conversation. And that if he does not return, neither will the brig. And then how will you be situated? You could possibly contrive to exist for a year upon the provisions left on the island. You might even, aided by the productions of the island itself, find sustenance for many years. But would the spending of the rest of your lives on this island be in accordance with your plans and wishes? And do you not think it possible that Johnson, in revenge for your plot against him, may find means to direct some cruiser to your hiding place? Your imagination, I take it, is vivid enough to picture the consequences of any such step on his part. We shall have the battery and the schooner, muttered Raleigh. Yes, said Lance, if we build them for you, not otherwise, there is not a man on this island outside our own party who could complete the schooner, much less build the battery. Now do you begin to understand that I was only speaking the truth when I spoke of your being at our mercy? Raleigh was silent. He stood with knitted brows, intently cogitating for some minutes. Then suddenly looking up into Lance's face with a smile, he said, Ah, bah, what obtuse people you English are. How impossible for you to understand a little joke. Well, I will joke no more since you cannot understand it. We will be good friends all round, the best of friends. You shall have no cause to complain of bad treatment, and you will work hard to finish the schooner and the battery early, please. I like not what you said just now about Johnson and the frigate, but that too was all a joke, I know. You are mistaken, said Lance. I confess I was dense enough not to understand that you were joking, so I spoke in earnest. But I think we clearly understand each other now, so I hope we shall hear no more about threats, revenge, and nonsense of that kind. And flinging his cigar end into the water, Lance turned on his heel and walked away. Knowing, or at least shrewdly guessing, that Raleigh was watching him, he sauntered away in his usual careless and easy fashion toward the hut, which they had laughingly dubbed Stoughton Cottage and entered it. The ladies were busy in themselves about various domestic tasks, and Little May was amusing herself with an uncouth wooden doll which Bob had constructed for her. Lance was a prime favorite with May, so the moment that he entered, the doll was flung into a corner, and the child came bounding up to him joyously exclaiming, oh, you funny, Mr. Evelyn, how is it that you have not gone with my papa? Did you stay at home on purpose to play with me? Well, not exactly Little One, answered Lance, catching her in his arms and tossing her high in the air to her infinite delight. Not exactly, although a man might be worse employed than in amusing you, you mischievous little fairy. No, I am going to papa presently, and would you like to come with me, May, in a nice little boat? I don't know, answered the child doubtfully. How far is it? I don't think I like boats. No, you poor little mite, I expect not. It would be wonderful if you did after what you have suffered in them, remarked Lance, holding the child now in his arms, while she played with his long beard. But we shall not have very far to go, Pet, only over to that big rock pointing out the window, and I will take great care of you. And shall I see my papa, inquired May? Oh, yes, was the reply. You will be with him all day, and Robert is over there too, you know, and I dare say he will play with you if you ask him prettily. Then I'll go, she decided promptly, and forthwith, one away to her mother, with the request that her hat and jacket might be put on, because I was going with Mr. Evelyn to see papa, as she explained. I dare say you are somewhat surprised to see me here, remarked Lance, as he replaced his tiny playfellow on the floor. The fact is that I have been watching the departure of the brig, and the idea has occurred to me that now she is gone, and so many of the remaining men are away at the shipyard all day. You ladies may with, I believe, perfect safety, indulge in the unwanted luxury of a daylight walk. You all stand greatly in need of fresh air and exercise, and I really think there is now no cause to fear any molestation, otherwise I should not, of course, suggest such a thing. It will never do, you know, for you to remain cooped up here day after day. You will get low-spirited and out of health, and I am inclined to believe it will be rather a good idea than otherwise to accustom these fellows to the sight of you moving freely and fearlessly about. The ladies were quite unanimous in their cordial welcome to this suggestion, blanche only venturing to add in a whisper and with a pleading look. Can you not come with us, Lance? We should feel quite safe then. I really could not, darling, he answered gently. It would not be fair to the others, you know, besides which I am urgently wanted at the yard today, and we must not let pleasure, however tempting, interfere with the progress of the schooner. I should like it immensely, of course, and if I thought there was the least particle of danger in your expedition, I would go. But I believe there is none. At the same time, you will, of course, keep your eyes open, dear, and be on the watch for any suspicious circumstance. And if you really must have an escort, there is Dale, shall I ask him? Oh, Dale, ejaculated blanche, was such a contemptuous toss over a pretty little head that Lance said no more. It was sufficiently evident that the ladies would be badly in want of an escort, indeed, before they would accept Dale. The three ladies were soon ready, and as they took their way up the valley, Lance stood at the door with May on his shoulder, watching them. And when at last they passed out of sight, he made his way down to the landing place, seated the child carefully in the stern of a small dinghy, which he found moored there, cast off the painter, stepped in himself, and, shipping the short paddles, drove the tiny boat with long, easy, leisurely strokes down toward the rock, chatting gaily with his tiny companion in the wild, and causing her childish laughter to peel musically and incessantly across the placid surface of the landlocked water. End of chapter 13.