fter all, have reached Wauparmur only a
few hours after the proa, and the wonder was that they did not manage
to slay the fugitives in their beds.

The first thing Fred did in the morning was to slip out and buy a
revolver, and his second act was to load it.

While engaged in hunting a vessel upon which to take passage, he
encountered his own acquaintances continually, and he needed not their
black faces and scowling eyes to tell how they thirsted to kill him
for his treachery. It was only by his bold front and constant
watchfulness that he kept the dusky demons at a distance. Some of them
were seen when the three ventured out, and though the pirates dared
not attack them in open daylight, they were on the verge of doing so
more than once. But their fury was directed principally against
Captain Fred Sanders, and there can be no doubt the youth spoke the
truth when he declared that if he attempted to stay on land until
morning, he would not live till midnight.

Mr. Storms laid in a good supply of clothing, shoes and knick-knacks
for himself and Inez, and with as little delay as possible. When they
reached the wharf and approached the plank leading to the deck of the
schooner, Mr. Storms noticed a small man standing a few feet off, with
a blanket drawn up about his shoulders and neck like an Indian. His
legs, feet and head were bare, but a huge bandage was bound around his
forehead, giving him a grotesque appearance.

His position was like a statue, and he held the blanket so high that
little could be seen except his black, glittering eyes. Some distance
off, on the street close to the shop-houses, was a group of other
natives, who looked as if they were expecting some important event.

So they were, indeed!

CHAPTER XXXVI

HOMEWARD BOUND

"Storms, do you notice that fellow?" asked Fred Sanders, as they
approached the plank.

"Yes; it looks odd to see him standing there so motionless, and yet
with his eyes fixed upon us."

"He's Weroo, the man who led that gang of pirates last night, and he
hates me with such a consuming hate that he sent out his men to kill
me, and in case they fail to do so, he has stationed himself there
with the determination to assassinate me, for he is ready to run any
risk rather than allow me to get away."

"Are you prepared?" asked Storms, with no little anxiety.

"I rather guess so! Walk ahead with Inez and leave him to me."

With some hesitation, Storms did as requested