flatboat at Gallipolis were the same. He affected
not to identify her, but kept gloating eyes on Evaleen.

"You needn't feel a bit afraid, young ladies; you are in trusty hands.
Our business is to save property and to rescue folks. We will row you
to a safe place, and then come back and help the men pick up what they
can of their wrecked goods."

Evaleen saw floating barrels and boxes, part of the cargo of the
Buckeye. She also noticed skiffs putting out from shore.

"Them is some of our organization coming to save goods. This here eddy
is a dangerous place for boats."

"Why did you direct our captain to pass this way, if it is a dangerous
place?" asked Lucrece.

"Oh, the island over yonder is a damned sight more dangerous, ain't
it, Abe?"

"You are not rowing direct for the shore. I shall be very grateful to
you, gentlemen, if you land us at the nearest point and assist our
friends who are out on the water in a yawl."

"Be easy, miss; we'll look after your friends by and by. I reckon they
can take care of themselves, though."

"Ladies fust, and gents next," interjected Sheldrake, leering at
Evaleen. "We know how to be perlite to women. Don't we, cap? Specially
to purty women. The young lady is right when she calls me and you
gents, eh, cap?"

"Shut your gab, and mind your oar," answered the chief.

What object had these unknown watermen in conveying their unwilling
passengers away from communication with Captain Winslow and Doctor
Deville? Evaleen could not hide her dismay. Lucrece grew desperate.

"Will you stop the boat, sir? I beg it as a favor. I must go back to
mon pere. He will think us drowned. I must find him."

"Keep cool, miss. We will help you to a place where you will be taken
good care of, by nice folks. You can stay there and rest yourselves,
and get a bite to eat and a glass of cordial, while we go back to look
after the salvage."

Five minutes more and the skiff was brought to rest beside a scow
loaded with damaged merchandise. The abducted women were hustled to
the shore.

"Come along, miss; this way."

Thus speaking, Palafox, going ahead, almost dragged Evaleen by an
obscure path to Cacosotte's Tavern. Lucrece followed perforce,
convoyed by Sheldrake. When they reached the threshold, the chief
outlaw kicked the door, which was soon opened from within. The
frowning face and bold bosom of Mex fronted the captives. With one
hand she flung back the tangled hank of her long black hair,