eters also turned up and lent the valuable assistance of his great
strength, but he did not utter a word to anyone.

Our occupation continual on the 8th, 9th, and 10th February, and our
task was finished in the afternoon of the 10th. The cargo was safely
stowed in the interior of a large grotto, with access to it by a
narrow opening. We were to inhabit the adjoining grotto, and
Endicott set up his kitchen in the latter, on the advice of the
boatswain. Thus we should profit by the heat of the stove, which was
to cook our food and warm the cavern during the long days, or rather
the long nights of the austral winter.

During the process of housing and storing, I observed nothing to
arouse suspicion in the bearing of Hearne and the Falklands men.
Nevertheless, the half-breed was kept on guard at the boat, which
might easily have been seized upon the beach.

Hurliguerly, who observed his comrades closely, appeared less
anxious.

On that same evening Captain Len Guy, having reassembled his people,
stated that the question should be discussed on the morrow, adding
that, if it were decided in the affirmative, lots should be drawn
immediately. No reply was made.

It was late, and half dark outside, for at this date the sun was on
the edge of the horizon, and would very soon disappear below it.

I had been asleep for some hours when I was awakened by a great
shouting at a short distance. I sprang up instantly and darted out
of lhe cavern, simultaneously with the captain and West, who had
also been suddenly aroused from sleep.

"The boat! the boat!" cried West.

The boat was no longer in its place--that place so jealously
guarded by Dirk Peters.

After they had pushed the boat into the sea, three men had got into
it with bales and casks, while ten others strove to control the
half-breed.

Hearne was there, and Martin Holt also; the latter, it seemed to me,
was not interfering.

These wretches, then, intended to depart before the lots were drawn;
they meant to forsake us. They had succeeded in surprising Dirk
Peters, and they would have killed him, had he not fought hard for
life.

In the face of this mutiny, knowing our inferiority of numbers, and
not knowing whether he might count on all the old crew, Captain Len
Guy re-entered the cavern with West in order to procure arms. Hearne
and his accomplices were armed.

I was about to follow them when the following words arrested my
steps.

The half-breed, overpow