who by
good luck is acquainted with, and can answer for, his credentials.

Nothing of this is needed; nor yet the promise of a money reward. Among
these stalwart men are many who are heroes--true Paladins, despite their
somewhat threadbare habiliments. And amidst their soiled rags shine
pistols and knives, ready to be drawn for the right.

After hearing the young officer's tale, without listening farther,
twenty of them spring forward responsive to his call. Not for the
reward offered, but in the cause of humanity and right. He would enlist
twice or thrice the number, but deeming twenty enough, with these he
returns to the _Condor_.

Then the two vessels part company, the steamer continuing on for Panama;
while the barque, now better manned, and with more sail set, is steered
for the point where the line of Latitude 7 degrees 20 minutes North
intersects that of Longitude 82 degrees 12 minutes West.

CHAPTER SEVENTY FOUR.

A LOTTERY OF LIFE AND DEATH.

While these scenes are passing upon the ocean, others of equally
exciting character occur upon that desert isle, where, by ill-starred
chance for themselves, the pirate crew of the _Condor_ made landing.

They are still there, all their efforts to get off having proved idle.
But how different now from that hour when they brought their boat upon
its beach laden with the spoils of the plundered vessel! Changed not
only in their feelings but looks--scarce recognisable as the same men.
Then in the full plenitude of swaggering strength, mental as bodily,
with tongues given to loud talk; now subdued and silent, stalking about
like spectres, with weak, tottering steps; some sitting listlessly upon
stones, or lying astretch along the earth; not resting, but from sheer
inability to stand erect!

Famine has set its seal upon their faces; hunger can be read in their
hollow eyes, and pale sunken cheeks; while thirst shows upon their
parched and shrivelled lips.

Not strange all this. For nine days they have tasted no food, save
shell-fish and the rank flesh of sea-fowl--both in scant supply. And no
drink, excepting some rain-water caught in the boat-sail during an
occasional slight shower.

All the while have they kept watch with an earnestness such as their
desperate circumstances evoked. A tarpauling they have rigged up by oar
and boat-hook, set upon the more elevated summit of the two--the highest
point on the isle--has failed to attract the eye of any one o