of their
loosing his bonds--they were pleased to see him suffer; Carew, because
of jealousy, and Ichi, because of native cruelty. He determined to
bear his lot with stoicism. If they were about to command this yellow
fiend with the deadly fingers to torture him, why, he would stand it.
He would not give them the satisfaction, nor Ruth the pain, of hearing
him squeal. He would keep his arms behind him and his mouth shut
though Moto did his worst.

"It depends upon me? Why, what do you mean?" demanded Ruth, staring
from Carew to Ichi.

"Ah, yes, on you," purred Ichi. "Just a morsel of information, you
could with such easiness give----"

"Tell them nothing!" burst out Martin. "Don't mind me, dear. They
can't hurt----"

The fingers suddenly pressed hard upon a spot on the back of Martin's
neck. His speech was choked. Sharp pain flooded his body. Despite
himself, Martin squirmed.

"Oh, you fiends! Stop! Stop!" cried Ruth.

She sprang to her feet, with the evident intent of flinging herself
upon Moto. Ichi grasped her two wrists. She exclaimed with pain and
sank back into her seat.

"Here--stop that, Ichi!" roared Carew. "None of your ---- tricks with
the girl! Don't dare place a hand on her again! Be still, Ruth! Your
darling is not being murdered! Ease up, Moto! Next time wait for
orders!"

The fingers lifted from Martin's neck. The relief from the shooting
pain was instant, though his misused nerves continued to prick their
protest.

Ruth panted to master her emotion. Then she flung hot words at Carew,
words colored with scorn and loathing.

"Oh, you unspeakable brute!" she cried. "You coward! It is like you
to find pleasure in inflicting pain upon a helpless man, and a
defenseless woman! What is it you wish me to tell you? Come, speak
up. Don't sit cringing in that chair!"

"By Heaven, girl, you'll go too far!" commenced Carew.

"Ah--we wish to know such a little thing," interrupted Ichi, answering
Ruth's demand. "We wish to know the directions that lead to the
ambergris hidden ashore, in the mountain. Ah, yes, you recall you
boasted of your knowledge of the code directions, and dared us to
unlock your memory? But now you will so nicely tell us--yes, please?"

"Yes, that is what we are after, Ruth," added Carew. "And, by Jove,
you should be jolly well thanking me, instead of calling me names. You
know well enough that but for me, Moto would be playing his fingers
upon yo