t, Brazzier, the best
plan is for us to be good boys, and go on to the island and help take
up the pearls; for then we shall be sure of the right spot, and there
shall be no mistake; whereas, if we should take possession now, we
might miss the place, even with the help of the chart."

"I don't know but what you're right, Redvig, though it galls me to
wait. You know a lot of us took charge of the _Spitfire_, and set the
captain and first-mate adrift, off Valparaiso. You were in favor of
waiting, and it was well if we had done so, for we came nearer
running our necks into the halter that time than we ever did since,
and there wasn't anything aboard the old hulk that was worth the
saving."

"But what about Pomp?" asked Redvig, in a half-whisper, and with an
accent which showed that he considered the question of the highest
importance. "Is he all right?"

"You needn't have any fear about him. I had a long talk with him last
night, and we shook hands on the question."

The negro was an important factor in this business, for, a giant in
stature and strength, whichever side he precipitated himself and his
prowess upon was sure to win--judging from the ordinary human
standpoint.

Pomp, as we have hinted further back, was not an African with a
perfectly clear record. The rumors about his belonging to a gang of
river pirates in San Francisco were correct, and he had been engaged
in some deeds which were of a character that the law puts the severest
ban upon. He was known to be daring, and possessed such prodigious
power, united to activity, that, beyond a doubt, if he were placed
upon an even footing, he could have conquered the captain, mate and
the two sailors, without any special effort upon his own part.

The importance of his declaring himself can therefore be understood.
He was a far better man than either of the two Caucasians, who
hesitated about approaching him. As it had to be done, however, the
matter was skilfully broached, after they had left San Francisco and
were sailing southward.

It was agreed by the two mutineers that, if the negro held off, he was
to be gotten rid of by some treachery, though it was such a serious
matter that they hesitated long as to how it could be safely
accomplished. To their surprise and delight, however, Pomp listened
eagerly to the project and expressed his willingness to go into it,
though he insisted there should be no murdering done, as he was not
base enough at heart to wi