s chance. Moto's eyes remained fixed upon him
unwaveringly; Ichi was surrounded by his men. The moment was not yet.

Martin could not help according the little yellow men a certain
admiration. They were frightened, plainly terrified, by this gloomy
cave, and especially by the gruesome sounds that came from the "deep
place." But their native courage, or, perhaps, the iron discipline to
which they were accustomed, caused them to fight down their
superstitious fears. Even Ichi, himself, was visibly unnerved by his
surroundings. "Scientificness" and "Fate" evidently could not stop his
ears, nor quite eradicate inherited fears. But he held his disquiet
firmly under control, and his bearing was sure as he shouted his
orders--only a side glance into the hole, and a momentary shudder,
betrayed his nervousness.

Ichi placed his lantern on the ground, beside the man who was holding
the line, and beckoned to Martin. Then he stepped out upon the ledge,
one steadying hand upon the tackle.

For the fraction of a second, Martin hesitated to follow. "What if
they shove me over?" he thought. His hands were useless, doubled
behind him; if Moto were to give him the slightest shove, over the edge
into that dreadful hole he would go, for he would have no saving grip
upon the lifeline. But the instant's reflection reassured him. They
would not try to get rid of him until the treasure's hiding place were
discovered; and by that time he would have made his opportunity to
strike.

He followed Ichi. Although the comforting touch of the lifeline was
not for him, his nerves were steady, and he did not falter on the
glassy, inclined way. Ichi minced his steps, compelling Martin to
shorten his stride. Martin saw that Ichi was trembling, and gazing
fearfully into the abyss. He had an impulse to throw himself upon
Ichi, and roll with him over the edge. But then, he thought, this blow
would not help his shipmates; indeed, it would harm them, for the rest
would immediately scurry back to the ship. No, he must try to get the
revolver into his hand.

Ichi reached the lantern, and stepped into the cleft in the wall.
Martin followed, and found himself again on a level floor, and in the
entrance to another cave.

This entrance was not large. There was standing room there for but
four of them, the sailor who had strung the line, and who was guarding
the head block, Ichi, Moto, and himself. The other two sailors were
compelled to st