he
placing of the oars in the boat, and the adjusting of the Jacob's
ladder.

And they in the cave watched not only this task. Events were
proceeding forward. It was evidently very near the noon hour, for Yip
was preparing to serve the dinner to the crew. Even before Carew left
the deck, the Chinaman banged a pan, at the galley door, announcing his
purpose to the world. And now, three new figures were visible on the
deck, coming up from the foc'sle.

Martin stared closely. The newcomers did not appear to carry their
arms with them; the sunlight gleamed on but three rifles, the one
carried by the fore-hatch guard, and the two weapons in the possession
of the men lounging abaft the house, amidships. All of the Japs, save
only the guard at the fore hatch, lounged over to the rail and watched
their compatriots aft prepare the dingey. They were evidently more
interested in this work, and in the aspect of the beach, than in the
meal that Yip was now spreading for them on the deck abaft the house.

Presently, Carew was visible again--on the main deck, this time, at the
rail. And--Martin's heart leaped into his throat--Ruth was with him.
Ruth, cloaked and bowed, stood submissively by Carew's side.

Carew noticed his men lounging forward, gaping at him. He evidently
disliked the sight, or perhaps, some word of theirs' about the girl
reached his ears--he flung an order to Asoki, and the latter chattered
angrily at the loafers. They left the rail precipitantly, and
clustered about the mess kits Yip had just finished placing on the
deck. The Chinaman, Martin noticed, retreated immediately into the
galley; and, a second later, reappeared on the other side of the deck.
He peeked around the side of the house at the diners; then he strolled
forward.

Carew was already in the dingey, and Ruth was being helped to the rail
by the Jap mate. The sailor was in the dingey, too, seated at oars,
ready to give way. Martin had the thought: "There is now no guard in
the cabin, and if Captain Dabney really has his sight--" But he did
not pursue the speculation. He was thinking of Ruth, watching her
descend the Jacob's ladder into Carew's waiting arms. He forgot to
watch Yip. He forgot everything save Ruth, and the hated hands that
fastened upon her waist and lifted her into the boat.

Grim-faced, savage-eyed, Martin stared down at the little boat; watched
Carew seat Ruth beside him in the sternsheets; watched the sailor bend