ntry. No, my
dear boatswain, it is most unlikely this incident will ever reach
unfriendly ears, or ever cross the Pacific. You might meditate upon
your chance to carry the tale."

"Ye may silt all our throats," said the boatswain, "but as long as the
old brig's above water, there's the evidence that'll 'ang ye."

"Ah--not so," answered Ichi. "There are many closed harbors in my
native Yezzo, and the honorable Captain Carew assures me that rigs may
be altered. The honorable captain will have a new schooner, to replace
the _Dawn_, for next year's season--and at slight expense to my
company. A skilful man in his profession--the honorable Carew!"

"Skilful----!" taunted the boatswain. "'E wasn't skilful enough to
save 'is ship!"

"Fate. A night of darkness, and much wind," said Ichi. "Yet Fate
relented--for, after a week of starving in the holes on the quaking
Island, Fate sends you to our rescue. Fate smiles upon our side, my
boatswain--brings us to the Fire Mountain, plays you into the trap,
gives to the honorable Carew his wish, and now, only----"

A heavy voice boomed down through the open hatch and interrupted Ichi's
smirking revelations. Martin directed his gaze beyond the Jap. A man
was leaning over the opening, peering into the aret. The heavy voice
belonged to Carew, Martin knew.

"I say--what is keeping you down there, Ichi?" called Carew. "Do you
need help?"

"All right, captain, directly we come!" answered Ichi.

"Can't you get the young blighter to his feet?" went on Carew. "I will
send a couple of hands down, to heave him out."

"I am of the opinion he can walk," replied Ichi. He turned to Martin.
"My dear Mr. Blake, we muchly desire your presence in the cabin. Can
you travel there without assistance?"

Martin received a sharp, meaning glance from the boatswain.

"Yes--I can make it," he told Ichi.

He promptly scrambled to his feet and stumbled toward the ladder.

The boatswain wailed behind him.

"Ow--swiggle me stiff! 'Ere now, Ichi, you ain't goin' to leave me
down 'ere alone, all ironed up, and with these bleedin' rats runnin'
about!" There was positive fear in the cry.

Ichi chuckled.

"Yes, Mr. Henry, I am convinced that solitude will benefit your
manners. Ah--I had not thought of the rats. But surely the great bull
boatswain of the _Cohasset_ can not fear the little rats! Ah, I am
glad you mentioned them; yes, they shall be companions of your
meditations."

T