off.

"Ah! So, it is of a correctness!" sang out Ichi with more feeling than
Martin had yet seen him exhibit. He waved the book at Carew. "They
speak the same. And observe, captain, here is our error so great. It
says 'aloft.' We searched with much diligence all about, and beneath.
But we did not search overhead--so missed the cave of dryness. But
now, ah!"

The little wretch almost danced for happiness.

Carew accepted the intelligence with calmness. It was apparent to
Martin that Carew had spoken true words to Ruth--the man was more
interested in the girl than in the treasure.

"Well, you had better go ashore after the stuff," he said to Ichi.
"Take a full boat's crew, and Blake, here--yes, be sure and take Blake
with you. I'll remain aboard--snatch forty winks, if I can, for I'll
get no rest tonight if we pull out of this hole. You may return to
your grandfather, Ruth!"

Ruth stood up. She half turned, as if to step for the door of Captain
Dabney's room, then, swift as a flash, she darted to Martin's side and
threw her arms about him. Her cool cheek pressed against his for an
instant, and she breathed swift words in his ear.

"Courage, dear. There is a plan----"

Carew, with a snarled oath, placed his hand upon her shoulder, and drew
her away with some violence, though he lifted his hand immediately.

"Nothing like that!" he admonished her. "By Heaven! I'll not stand by
and watch you cuddling that cub! Get back to your room--go!"

Ruth threw a beaming, hope-filled glance to Martin. Then Captain
Dabney's door closed behind her.

CHAPTER XVIII

THROUGH THE ELEPHANT'S HEAD

The Japanese gentleman might ramble at length in his speech, but he
proved himself to be direct and speedy enough in action. Martin found
that Dr. Ichi was disposed to hurry. No sooner had Ruth disappeared
within the captain's room than he commenced to act upon Carew's orders.

A volley of staccato Japanese relieved the grim Moto of his sinister
attendance upon Martin and sent him scurrying forward to the deck, to
Martin's vast satisfaction.

Next, he held a low-voiced consultation with Carew, who had stretched
himself out upon the divan at the after end of the room. This talk was
inaudible to Martin, but at its conclusion Carew said:

"Very well. If you find you need assistance, signal off and I'll send
another boat. And if you are going to take Moto with you, have Asoki
send a hand aft to stand guard