.

De Lara would resist and die; so also Rocas. But the other two are
against it, instinctively holding on to whatever hope of life be left
them.

The craven Calderon cuts short the uncertainty by rising erect,
stretching forth his arms, and crying out in a piteous appeal for mercy.

In an instant after they are surrounded, the boat grasped by the
gunwale, and dragged back to the shore. Crozier with difficulty
restrains the angry gold-diggers from shooting them down on the thwarts.
Well for them the coxswain has not been killed, but only wounded, and
in no danger of losing his life. Were it otherwise, theirs would be
taken on the spot.

Assured of his safety, his rescuers pull the four wretches out of the
boat; then disarming, drag them up to the platform, and bestow them in
the larger cave: for a time to be their prison, though not long. For,
there is a judge present, accustomed to sit upon short trials, and pass
quick sentences, soon succeeded by their execution. He is the
celebrated _Justice Lynch_.

Represented by a stalwart digger--all the others acting as Jury--the
trial is speedily brought to a termination. For the four of Spanish
nationality the verdict is guilty--the sentence, _death_--on the
scaffold.

The others, less criminal, are to be carried on to Panama, and there
delivered over to the Chilian consul; their crime being mutiny, with
robbery, and abandonment of a Chilian vessel.

An exception is made in the case of Striker and Davis. The "Sydney
Ducks" receive conditional pardon, on promise of better behaviour
throughout all future time. This they obtain by the intercession of
Harry Blew, in accordance with the hint he gave them while they were
standing together beside the spread tarpauling.

Of the men sentenced to be hanged, one meets his fate in a different
manner. The gold-dust has been recovered, packed, and put into the
boat. The senoritas are cloaked, and impatient to be taken back to the
barque, yearning to embrace him they have so long believed dead.

The English officers stand beside them; all awaiting the last scene of
the tragedy--the execution of the condemned criminals.

The stake has been set for it; this the level plot of ground in front of
the cavern's month. A rope hangs down with a running noose at one end;
the other, in default of gallow's arm and branch of tree, rigged over
the point of a projecting rock.

All this arranged, De Lara is led out first, a digger o