e of the preceding few years, and especially of the last
day or two, had given Mr. Storms an astonishing acuteness, which
enabled him often to detect the truth without difficulty. The strong
suspicion he now formed was that Fred Sanders was expecting the
appearance of the craft, and that he was guiding his own proa in
accordance with some prearranged plan. This was an alarming conclusion
to reach, but Storms felt hardly a particle of doubt that he was
right.

"He intends to betray us, and has intended to do so from the first."

The New Englander took another look at the double canoe, and he saw,
even in the few minutes that had passed, that they were closer
together. And now that his suspicions were aroused, he detected
several other little things which only confirmed all that had entered
his mind. The two islanders who composed the crew were continually
glancing off at their brothers, and frequently spoke in low tones, and
showed by the gleam of their swarthy faces that they were on the
tip-toe of expectation.

From one corner of the lateen sail, Storms now noticed that a large
crimson handkerchief was fluttering in the wind.

"It is put there as a signal," was the decision respecting that, "and
doubtless signifies that they have us on board and all is going
right."

Fred Sanders was so occupied with this business that he never once
suspected that he himself was being watched in turn.

"Inez," said the mate, "go to the captain and speak a few words to
him."

"But he is so occupied that he will not wish to be disturbed."

"Never mind about that; I wish you to go and say a few pleasant words
to him. Let them be sympathetic."

"What shall I say?"

"I can give you no further directions."

"I am loth to do so, but if you wish it----"

"I wish it very much."

That was enough, and the girl, with some natural hesitation of manner,
advanced to the young captain, who did not notice her until she was at
his elbow.

"Good-day, Captain Fred," she said; "you have been busy so long that
you must be tired, for you slept none last night."

He looked toward her with a quick, curious expression. There was a
half-smile on his face, while his forehead was wrinkled with
displeasure. Inez noticed this, and would have withdrawn had she not
recalled the strange earnestness with which Storms made the request
for her to utter a few pleasant words to the youth. She therefore
determined to carry out his wishes.

"Can't we re