w! By
Heaven, if you sulk, I'll jolly well draw the truth out of you! Here,
Ichi, call up that finger devil of yours and we'll see if a little
gullet-twisting will loosen this cub's tongue! Here--Moto!"

The wooden-faced ju-jitsu man, who had been seated on the divan, got on
his feet and moved toward Martin's chair. His face was absolutely
expressionless, his attitude impersonal, but he was rubbing his hands
together and stroking his fingers as if to make them supple for the
work that lay before them.

Martin observed the maneuver with a suddenly contracted heart. He had
a vivid recollection of the terrific pain that accompanied the former
application of those writhing fingers to his person. He cautiously
worked the handcuffs down upon his hands so that a quick movement would
fling them off.

If he was to be put to torture, he would first fight! He eye-marked a
carving-knife lying on the table within leaping reach.

But Ichi intervened and relieved the tension of the moment. He halted
the businesslike bravo with a word.

"Let us not use Moto just yet," he said to Carew. "Our dear Mr. Blake
does not understand, perhaps. We will explain the matter. I am sure
he will not then be of stubbornness. You know what we decided upon,
captain? We do not want to use Moto just yet."

"One would think you were advocate for the fellow," sneered Wild Bob.
"Oh, all right--have your way. We'll save Moto till we call in the
chit."

Moto resumed his seat at a nod from Ichi. Martin breathed heavily with
relief and relaxed, readjusting his bonds. Ichi turned to him.

"My dear Mr. Blake," commenced the Jap, "let me repeat that I am your
very good friend. It makes me very, very sorrowful to view you in your
present condition of uncomfortableness, and I trust you will reflect
that resentment of Fate is idle. We understand Fate, we gentlemen, and
accept what the gods decree.

"So, I will be of complete frankness in explaining our need, Mr. Blake.
We thought it was ill fate when, seven days ago, our schooner was
wrecked upon the rocks that guard this mountain. Even though we had
searched with diligence for this very spot, we regarded it as fortune
of much badness to be compelled to land on the Fire Mountain from an
open boat, with but half our company, and without provisions. During
days of hunger we cursed Fate. And all the while Fate was preparing
our succor. So--if we are wise we accept Fate, Mr. Blake.

"Ye