ed
to crawl on all-fours; and the reason of Drake's silence became apparent
in the bronze shapes of several of the savages themselves, either
lounging against the walls of the huts, or seated on low stools before
the doors. All of them, without exception, were nursing evil-looking,
long-hafted, broad-bladed spears, and carried, belted to their waists,
long-bladed knives, with wavy blades, somewhat similar to the Malay
_parong_, or kris; and these they were evidently very ready and willing
to use on the least provocation.

The natives had all the appearance of people who were waiting
impatiently for some pleasurable happening to take place; and Frobisher
realised how very much it was to the advantage of all of them to feign
unconsciousness as long as possible. The "exhibition", in which the
prisoners were undoubtedly to become the principal actors, could hardly
take place while the prisoners were still insensible, and therefore not
in a fit condition to furnish "sport"; but there was no doubt that,
directly any of them showed signs of being in a condition to feel pain,
the savage revels would begin. What form these would take Frobisher did
not, of course, know; but he could shrewdly guess, by what he remembered
to have been told about these folk, that it would be something very
horrible, and he shuddered involuntarily.

At this moment there thrilled through the still night air that same
deep, throbbing note that he believed he had heard at the moment when he
had been struck down. His sub-consciousness had then attributed the
sound to the result of the blow, and he had since thought no more of it;
but now that he heard it again he had no doubt as to what it really was.
It was the deep-toned vibration of a steamer's syren, not so very far
away; and he cast a quick glance in Drake's direction. If there were a
steamer so close at hand, there might yet be a chance of being rescued
if communication could possibly be established with her people.

The lieutenant had also heard it; and directly his chief's eyes met his,
his lips slowly but very distinctly formed one silent word: "Japanese."

It was quite possible at that short distance, and in that strong light,
to read from one another's lips, provided the motions were slow and very
distinct, and the two men at once entered into a silent conversation
relating to the situation in which they found themselves. Drake all the
time kept a wary eye on the guards, and feigned u