e intruder, "an' it won't worry my
conscience none. What's more, I'll put a bullet through a
claim-jumper, whenever I feel like it."

The self-styled Siberian felt that he was getting the worse of the
argument, and his temper rose.

"Enough talk! I have received information that you are gold-mining on
Eastern Siberian territory. You are hereby notified that the mine is
confiscated. All those in authority will come aboard the cruiser _Mir_
as prisoners. You will be taken to the mainland for trial. Perhaps you
will have the opportunity to prove your observations as to longitude,
there!" he sneered.

"Is the Eastern Siberian Republic at war with the United States?"
queried the "Wizard" with dangerous quietness.

"That does not concern you! Deliver me, at once, the keys and working
maps of the mine."

"No!"

Jim added a western retort that roused the deserter to a livid fury.
He answered viciously,

"We've a six-inch gun aboard that can blow your works to splinters!"

"And then?"

"We'll come ashore and take possession. It won't do you any good to
ask for mercy, then!"

The "Wizard" stepped forward, his giant frame towering above the
intruder.

"This parley is over!" he thundered. "I declare you pirates, and give
you five minutes to get yourselves off this island!

"Jim, get your watch out! If there's one of these scoundrels on shore
at the end of that time, shoot! If any one of them makes a hostile
move, shoot! And shoot to kill!"

He turned to the supposed Siberian.

"As for you, you'd better be the first one in the boat! Every one of
these men is a two-gun man, and I reckon you know what that means!"

The officer stood his ground, and entered upon an argument as to the
rights of the case, but was cut short by Jim's crisp announcement,

"One minute gone!"

For a second or two the filibusterer hesitated, but the odds were
even, twelve against twelve. Well he knew that the Americans could
shoot quicker and straighter than his men, who were an undisciplined
lot. He realized, also, that he would be the first to fall.

Scowling, he gave the order to retreat, amid the open murmurs of his
men, who, under Bolshevist rule, considered themselves the equals of
their officers.

The instant that they were embarked, the "Wizard" turned to Jim.

"We haven't many minutes to lose! That hound will open up with the
gun, as soon as he reports on board.

"Get to the house as quick as you can. Rush Miss Evans and a