the lady will tell us with much
gladness," spoke up Ichi.

He had been waiting patiently and impassively while Carew underwent his
travail of heart. Now he was again his smirking, leering self.

"You know ju-jitsu," continued Carew. "Moto is an expert--he will pick
your darling to pieces and make him a screaming lunatic, here, before
your eyes, unless you speak. And if you speak, be sure and speak
truth; for Blake goes ashore with the gang, and God help him if you
direct us wrongly! Now decide, please!"

Ruth looked at Martin soberly. Martin smiled at her, but his mind was
busied with fresh information. He was to go ashore with the gang! So
Carew said. Then this yellow band would be divided. If he could hold
them ashore until the boatswain attempted his coup, the odds would not
be so great against the _Cohasset_ lads. If he only knew how the
boatswain was progressing down below; whether he had gained to the
forecastle crowd! Anyway, it was a chance to take.

"Martin, dear, I had better tell them," said Ruth.

"Yes, yes, tell them," urged Martin feverishly. "Why--I know the code
myself, by heart. I'll tell them."

"Ho, ho! See how your brave knight stands the gaff!" guffawed Carew to
Ruth.

Ruth stared searchingly at Martin. Martin writhed in spirit. He
longed to shout to her that he was not craven, that it was policy
dictated his course.

But Ruth was evidently satisfied by what she saw in his face, for she
smiled brightly and said without any trace of disappointment:

"Of course, Martin. It would be foolish to allow them to torture the
words out of either of us. I shall speak."

"Ah--but just a moment!" exclaimed Ichi.

He drew a pencil and note-book from his pocket, and extended them to
Ruth.

"If the young lady will be of a kindness," he said, "she will perhaps
write the directions down on the paper. Then we shall compare it with
dear Mr. Blake's directions. Yes, please?"

Ruth took the proffered articles and, without hesitation, scribbled a
couple of lines. Ichi recovered the book.

"Ah--so!" he exclaimed, after glancing at the writing. "Now, Mr.
Blake, will you be of such a kindness? I make the comparing. Yes,
please?"

Martin spoke, also without hesitation. His memory was exceptional, and
he had read often and attentively John Winters' code writing.

"South end beach--in elephant head--four starboard--windy cave--two
port--aloft--north corner dry cave," Martin rattled