ing for separation. They can
come together again in Santiago if they choose it; or not, should chance
for good or ill so determine. They are all now amply provided for,
playing an independent part in the drama of life; and with this pleasant
prospect, they may part company without a sigh of regret.

CHAPTER SIXTY SIX.

A TENDER SUBJECT.

The pirates having definitively settled the mode of making their inland
journey, there is a short interregnum; during which most of those ready
for the road stand idling, one or two still occupied in equipping
themselves.

La Crosse has been sent up the ravine, to report how things look
landward.

The four Spaniards have signified their intention to remain a little
longer on the ground; while the three Englishmen have not said when they
will leave. These are together conferring in low voice; but with an
earnestness in their eyes--especially Blew's--which makes it easy to
guess the subject. Only thoughts of woman could kindle these fiery
glances.

Soon all appear ready to depart. Still no one stirs from the spot. For
there is something yet: still another question to be determined; to most
of them a matter of little, though to some of all consequence.

In the latter light, two at least regard it; since with them it has been
the source, the primary motive, the real spur to all their iniquitous
action. In a word, it is the women.

The captives: how are they to be disposed of?

They are still within the grotto, unseen, as the sailcloth curtains it.
Breakfast has been taken to them, which they have scarce touched.

And, now, the time has come for deciding what has to be done with them;
no one openly asks, or says word upon the subject; though it is
uppermost in the thoughts of all. It is a delicate question, and they
are shy of broaching it. For there is a sort of tacit impression there
will be difficulty about the appropriation of this portion of the
spoils--an electricity in the air, that foretells dispute and danger.
All along it had been understood that two men laid claim to them; their
claim, whether just or not, hitherto unquestioned, or, at all events,
uncontested. These, Gomez and Hernandez. As they had been the original
designers of the supposed deed, now done, their confederates, men little
given to love-making, had either not thought about the women, or deemed
their possession of secondary importance. But now, at the eleventh
hour, it has become known t