observed this
action, but they said nothing, and most likely felt no suspicion as
yet of their captain, whose desperation and heartlessness on more than
one previous occasion had won the confidence of the islanders.

It was not long before the change was noticed on board the pursuer,
where, most likely, it was accepted as the proper thing, possibly on
account of the fear from the passengers.

"I have no revolver like you," said Captain Fred, after they had kept
this up for a couple of hours, "but I have a double-barreled pistol
which is loaded to the muzzle. You have your six-chambered weapon, and
you must keep it ready, for, when the two islanders here become
certain of the truth, it is more than probable they will make a savage
attack on us, for two more desperate demons never lived."

"I should hardly think so," said the mate, glancing furtively at
them.

"No; they are as meek looking as lambs, but they were sent with me on
account of their fierce courage. Why, they were ready and eager, when
we visited you upon the island, to make an open attack, where the
chances of their defeat were about even. They would rather fight and
kill any moment than eat, and I had to be pretty sharp to restrain
them."

"I shan't forget your warning."

"It won't do for either of us to sleep to-night, for they are as
treacherous as cobras. They would feign slumber on purpose to put us
off our guard, and then stab us to death in our sleep."

"Will we not reach Wauparmur to-night?"

"It is doubtful, for the change we have made in the course is taking
us away from the true direction and gives the advantage to them, as
they are closer in than we. We have lost some good ground from the
lightness of the wind, and we shall be fortunate if we catch sight of
the place before to-morrow's sunrise."

"After all, Captain Fred, it must be a question of speed between us
and our pursuer. Which, therefore, is the faster, the double canoe
yonder or ourselves?"

A troubled expression came over the face of the young captain, as he
answered:

"I don't know, for there has never been a test. We kept company most
of the way out, but we rattled along without any thought of speed,
sometimes together and sometimes apart; but my opinion is that in
moderate weather like the present there is little difference between
us, or if there is any it is in our favor. In a strong wind, the other
would he apt to outspeed us."

"We are going to have more wind,"