ven more
fiendish than his own pastimes. So the next reply came promptly.

"If that man is found the blackbeard will pay for him?"

"There are gifts of friendship for Umanuh," Lourenco nodded.

"The Blackbeard leader will pay more than the other Blackbeard?"

Lourenco almost blinked. What other Blackbeard? The Raposa himself? But
the Brazilian repressed his bewilderment.

"Makkay will first see the man to make sure he is the Blackbeard whom
Makkay wants," he dodged. "Then he will pay well."

"Umanuh will see the gifts now."

"The gifts cannot be shown now. They are packed away. When Makkay has
looked on the man Umanuh shall look on the gifts."

Another eye duel between the chief and McKay. As before, the captain's
eye proved the harder.

"Umanuh will think of the matter. Night comes. The man hunted by the
Blackbeard is not here. The Blackbeard and his men may stay to-night
across the water. When the sun rises again Umanuh will talk further."

"It is well. Let Umanuh tell his men to stay on this side of the water,
that we may not mistake them in the night for enemies."

When Umanuh had hissed assent the old man stepped to the doorway and
summoned the hatchet-faced warrior. To him instructions were given. He
turned and carried the commands to the tribesmen.

"Makkay wishes Umanuh peaceful rest," said Lourenco. With which he
flicked his eyes toward the door. McKay, with stiff stride, stalked out.
Lourenco followed. Both felt the snake eyes of the cadaverous chief
dwelling on their backs.

To the waiting Knowlton, Pedro, and Tucu it was briefly explained that
preliminary negotiations had been concluded and that camp now would be
made on the farther side of the creek. Tucu, observing that the Red Bone
mass behind was dividing again to let the visitors pass through, gave
the word to his men. The column began to move out, marching in reverse
order. Pedro muttered swiftly to his partner.

"Lourenco, see that house with the barred door where the clubman stands
guard. Remember where it is."

The other swept the loop in one quick glance, located the house, and
fell into step without a word, the guarded structure fixed on his brain
as clearly as if he had studied it for an hour. Walking down the
malodorous street, he said, quietly, "There will be a small moon
to-night."

"You are becoming a reader of the mind, comrade," Pedro grinned. No more
was said.

Down to the shore of the creek trooped the party, followed