e conditions of life
in Fernando Noronha were yet active. It was not pleasant to be thus
suddenly reminded of pitfalls that might exist in England; meanwhile,
here was the launch thrusting her nose into the mud and shingle of this
malevolent island.

To his further annoyance, San Benavides, who depended on his compatriot
for a summary of the latest scheme, asked Iris to accompany De Sylva
and himself to the hut.

"They are stupid creatures, these peasants," he said. "When they see
you they will not be frightened."

There was so much reason in the statement that Iris was a ready
volunteer. Soon all hands were at work, and it was due to the girl's
forethought that strips of linen were procured from Luisa Gomez, and
healing herbs applied to the cuts and bruises of the injured men.
Sylva was all for leaving the two soldiers on the island, but Coke's
sailor-like acumen prevented the commission of that blunder.

"No, that will never do," he said, with irritating offhandness. "These
jokers will be found at daylight, an' they'll be able to say exactly
wot time we quit. The wimmin can make out they was scared stiff an'
darsent stir. It 'ud be different with the sojers. An' we ain't goin'
to have such a 'eart-breakin' start, even if the cruiser clears away
soon after two o'clock."

"Where do you propose to make for?"

"Where d'ye think, mister? Nor'-east by nor', to be sure, until we
sight some homeward-bound ship."

There was a pause. The pair could talk unheard, since they were
standing on the bank, and the men were either loading firewood and
fruit and cassava, or stripping trees and vines to hide the
superstructure of the launch.

"You mean to abandon everything, then?" said De Sylva. He seemed to be
watching the onward sweep of the search-light as the warship went to
the north. But Coke was shrewd. He felt that there was something
behind the words, and he suspected the ex-President's motives.

"I don't see any 'elp for it," he answered. "Gord's trewth, wot is
there to abandon? I've lost me ship, an' me money, an' me papers, an'
'arf me men. Unless one was lookin' for trouble, this ain't no
treasure island, mister."

"Yet it might be made one."

"As how?"

"Do you not realize how greatly the members of the present Government
fear my return to Brazil? Here, I am their prisoner, practically
friendless, almost alone. They dare not kill me by process of law, yet
they are moving heaven and earth t