ship will not sail at once?" demanded Courtenay.

Suarez laughed hysterically, with the mirth which is akin to tears,
when the query was explained to him. He looked bizarre enough under
ordinary conditions, but laughter converted him into a fair semblance
of one of those blood-curdling demons which a Japanese artist loves to
depict. Evidently, he depended on make-up to supplement his powers as
a conjurer.

"It is as much as a canoe can manage in fine weather to reach the
island out there, which they call Seal Island," he cried, pointing
towards the locality of White Horse Island. "Even the Indians were
astonished to see so big a ship anchored here safely. They have
watched plenty of wrecks outside, and hardly anything comes ashore. At
any rate, they are quite sure you cannot go back."

It would be idle to deny that the Spaniard's words sent a chill of
apprehension down the spine of some of those present; but the captain
said quietly:

"Where a ship is concerned, if she can enter on the flood she can go
out on the ebb. How came you to escape to-night?"

Tears stood again in Suarez's eyes as he replied:

"When I heard their plan, I imagined they would be driven off, provided
a watch were kept. I resolved to risk all in the attempt to reach the
company of civilized men once more. I do not care what the outcome may
be. If I can help you to overcome them I am ready to do so; if not, I
will die by your side. To-night I followed in a canoe unseen. When I
heard the shooting, I leaped overboard and swam to the ship. It was
lucky for me some one seized the canoe which I found there. The men in
her had to swim to other canoes, and two were wounded, I heard them
say; this caused some confusion, and I had something to grasp when I
reached the ship; otherwise I must have been drowned, as the water was
very cold."

"Yet you refused an overcoat a little while ago," interjected
Christobal.

"Ah, yes. For many years I have lived altogether in Indian fashion.
My skin is hard. Wind or rain cannot harm me. But melted ice mixed
with salt water drives even the seals out to sea."

"Can you speak the Alaculof language?"

"Is that what you call them? Their own name for the tribe is 'The
Feathered People,' because all their chief men and heads of families
wear these things," and he touched his head-dress. "Yes, I know nearly
all their words. They don't use a great many. One word may have
several meanings, accordin