fely while we were docking. Yes, she is rather
noted for doing unusual things, I think." The speaker glanced meaningly
at Gordon, who flushed and turned away with glistening eyes.

"Then she did steal Miss Sheldon's picture from my room, hey?"

"Yes, she took it, and I believe she told you why, Captain, although she
did not admit taking it at that time. Among our other necessities was
that you arrive here deeply interested in Miss Sheldon, and that was
considered the easiest way of keeping you piqued at Leyden. It was
necessary that my own presence here remain unknown to Leyden, too, and
right to this minute he doesn't know who is responsible for certain
little mishaps that have befallen him. That was one reason why I shipped
with you." Vandersee paused, gazed out at the silent, swift river, and
said more seriously: "But why not let the event answer all questions,
Barry? In a few hours the whole thing comes to a head, and there is not
a chance on earth now for my plans to fail. Miss Sheldon will tell you
what you want to know when you see her, and tell it far, far better than
I can. If it will aid you to patience, though, I will assure you that
Miss Sheldon is absolutely beyond Leyden's influence; free as the air,
she knows everything now; Mrs. Goring is with her, and they know they
are surrounded by friends too strong for Leyden to combat. Leyden is now
making his way by a roundabout track to the stream where he left his
steam launch, believing he has escaped my line. He intends to overtake
the schooner here, lift the gold dust out of the _Barang_, and board his
own schooner, which cleared direct from Surabaya for Europe."

"Europe!" Barry gasped at the slender margin standing between Natalie's
safety and utter catastrophe. Here was a piece of cunning not expected
even from Leyden. To clear for Europe meant, with Natalie on
board--Barry could not think clearly. He stared at Vandersee like one
fascinated.

"Snatch a little sleep, Captain. You too, Gordon," Vandersee advised.
"We all need fresh heads and cool nerves in the morning. With all his
crimes, Leyden is a clever rascal, and he must be taken alive!"

"Seems to me you'd better shoot him from as far off as your gun will
carry," retorted Barry, still thinking of the extremely tiny slip
necessary for the _Padang_ to pick up her master and sail out into the
vast ocean clear of pursuit. "Suppose he doesn't wait to loot the
_Barang_?" he said. "Maybe he's heard that