les to the
northward."

We could not, however, bring ourselves thus suddenly to adopt a
resolution so momentous, and it was at last tacitly decided to continue
for the present, at least, at the islet.

"If we are to remain here," said Arthur, on perceiving that there was no
disposition to act immediately upon any of the suggestions which had
been made, "let us make such preparation as we can, to defend ourselves
if it shall be necessary."

This surprised us all; it seemed worse than useless to think of forcible
resistance to a party as numerous as that of Atollo; coming from Arthur
such a suggestion was to me doubly surprising.

"I see," said he, "that the notion of attempting to defend ourselves, if
discovered, seems to you a desperate one--but I believe it to be our
only course--we can expect no mercy from Atollo."

"Surely," said Morton, "they can have no sufficient motive for murdering
us in cold blood. But, fresh from another conflict with them, we could
not perhaps look for forbearance, if in their power. Against _us_ they
cannot now, it seems to me, cherish any feelings so vindictive as you
imply."

"And suppose it to be so? Suppose that they merely aim at Eiulo's life,
without wishing to molest us?"

"I don't fear that I shall be misunderstood, if I speak plainly,"
answered Morton, after a pause. "It seems, from what you have
intimated, that for some reason they wish to get Eiulo into their hands;
they are his own people, and their leader is his own uncle; have we any
right to refuse him to them?"

"Why, Morton!" interposed Browne, warmly, "what cold-blooded doctrine is
this?"

"Have patience, a minute, and hear me out--I cannot bring myself to
believe that they actually intend him harm; I think there must be some
mistake or misapprehension in regard to this alleged design against his
life, utterly improbable as it is in itself."

"But Arthur understands all that, far better than you or I," interrupted
Browne, once more, "and it is clear that the poor child stands in mortal
dread of this man."

"I was going to add," resumed Morton, "that even if this danger does
exist, it is entirely out of our power to afford him protection against
it: we should merely throw away our lives, in a desperate and
unprofitable attempt. It may seem unfeeling to talk of giving him up;
but will not these people be far more likely to act with cruelty, both
towards him and us, after being excited and enraged by a frui