enlightening her.

"Something like that," he said. "We can't let you cut in with the rest
of us, missy. That wouldn't be reasonable. But it's best to fix the
business fair an' square. We ain't agoin' to try any other way, not so
long as _I'm_ skipper," and he looked with brutal frankness at De Sylva
and the anxious but uncomprehending San Benavides.

The ex-President knew what he meant; even in his despondency he
resented the implied slur on his good faith.

"You cannot examine the boat until darkness sets in," he said. "Then
you will find out how frail a foundation you are building on. It is
absolutely ridiculous to assume that she can be made seaworthy. Her
occupants would be drowned before they were clear of the islands."

"In any case, I refuse to go," said Iris.

De Sylva smiled gloomily.

"You are courageous, senhora, and, in some respects, you are wise," he
said. "Yet . . . I must admit it . . . I would urge you to select the
boat--in preference . . ."

Marcel, the Brazilian who had come to tell them of the drifting
life-boat, turned away from the mouth of the cavern, and scrambled down
the ravine.

"Wot's 'e after?" demanded Coke, suddenly suspicious.

"He and Domingo are keeping a lookout," said De Sylva. "If the
soldiers intend to visit us we should at least be warned. The boat is
hidden among the rocks on the landward side," he added, not without a
touch of scorn.

"That man has taught us our own duty," cried Iris. "The boat that
brought these men to this rock can bring nineteen men and a woman to
Fernando Noronha. We must land there to-night. With those to guide us
who know the coast, surely that should be possible. We have a right to
struggle for our lives. We, of the _Andromeda_, at least, have done no
wrong to the cruel wretches who sought to kill us without mercy to-day.
Why should we not endeavor to defend ourselves? There is food there,
and guns in plenty. Let us take them. Above all, let us not dream of
any such useless device as this proposal to send three to drown
somewhere in the sea and leave seventeen to perish miserably here. We
are in God's hands. Let us trust to Him, but while doing that fully
and fearlessly, we must seek life, not death."

"Bully for you, miss!" roared a sailor, and a growl of admiration rang
through the cave. Instantly a hubbub of talk showed how intent the
crew had been on the previous discussion, but Coke shouted them into
silence.

"O