ady. I'm real sorry I can't take you all with
me and shove you ashore somewhere on the quiet; but you see how 'tis;
that feller Ralli--but I ain't got time to talk any more, I swow. Good-
bye. By the time I get back I reckon you'll have the schooner pretty
nigh ready for launching, eh?"

"I hope so," said Lance. "By the bye, have you made any arrangements
for letting us have the arms you promised? That fellow Ralli, as you
have remarked--"

"The arms? Well, now, only to think of that!" exclaimed Johnson with
well-feigned annoyance. "What a dog-goned forgetful cuss I am; blamed
if I ain't forgot all about 'em. I've been that busy, if you'll believe
me, general, I ain't had time to swaller a mouthful of grub this four
days; half-starved to death I am; just look at my waistcoat--fits me
like a sack. But about them arms--I declare I am real sorry I forgot
'em, general; but never mind, I guess you won't want 'em. If you do"--
he button-holed Lance and whispered him confidentially--"just you take
'em--help yourself to 'em; I give you my permission, I swow. And now I
really _must_ say `good-bye.' Take care of yourself, general, and go
ahead with that schooner as fast as ever you can. Get her finished by
the time I come back, and the battery too, and I promise you shall leave
the island as soon as you like arterwards."

They were by this time at the water's edge; and as Johnson uttered the
last words of his farewell he sprang into the boat which was waiting for
him, and flinging himself into the stern-sheets, gave the order to
"shove off."

Ten minutes later the same boat was swinging at the brig's quarter-
davits, and the brig herself, with her anchor-stock just showing above
water, was moving slowly away towards the harbour-entrance under
topsails and jib.

At a little distance from Lance stood Ralli, watching the departure of
the brig.

"Ah!" he muttered, "there you go, you vile American dog, you cowardly
mean-spirited cur; take my parting curses with you; may you meet with
nothing but ill-luck and perplexity; may misfortune follow you; may the
very wind and the sea war against you; may the treachery which I have
planned prevail over you; and may you die at last with the jeers of your
enemies ringing in your ears. Good-bye! good-bye!" he shouted, bringing
the tips of his fingers together at his lips and wafting with them an
ironical salute after Johnson, who at that moment glanced shoreward and
waved hi