urtenay could not have accepted his offer, nor was it likely
that the men in the boat would follow any other leader than the
captain. He even smarted a little at the knowledge. A super-sensitive
honor led him to fear that his successful rival might suspect him of
vaingloriousness. Herein Christobal did himself an injustice, and
Courtenay a greater one, as he was fated soon to learn.

When Elsie heard of the duplicity practised by Suarez it was good to
see the hot indignation which reddened her brow. She realized that the
man was unscrupulous enough to remain silent concerning the captured
sailors, whose unhappy fate had contributed, in no small degree, to the
chance which brought him to safety. She instantly fastened on to the
theory that the Indians paid their first nocturnal visit to the ship in
the belief that the vessel would prove as easy a prey as the castaways,
whereas Suarez must have fallen beneath their stones and rude hatchets
if he had attempted to board the _Kansas_ in broad daylight. With all
a woman's single-mindedness, she regarded the Argentine miner as being
directly responsible for Courtenay's hazard, nor would she listen to
Christobal's mild protest that nothing could have been done earlier, no
matter how outspoken Suarez chose to be.

The Spaniard encouraged her to debate this point--anything was better
than the dumb pain of thought--but their talk ceased abruptly when a
muttered exclamation from Gray sent Walker flying to the charthouse.
Forthwith the trumpet shriek of the siren sent its wild boom across the
silent waters. Elsie needed no explanation of this tumult. Otter
Creek was not so far distant that canoes quitting its shelter could not
be seen with the naked eye. She counted sixteen putting forth in a
cluster, and they all made for the adventurous life-boat.

"That is exactly what our captain expected," Christobal was ready to
assure her. "He was certain he would reach the head of the bay before
the Indians awoke to the meaning of his scheme. By this time, unless
his plan fails, the men on shore should have joined him, no matter what
number of savages may seek to oppose their passage to the boat. The
only doubtful question is-- Will he be able to beat off the rascals
who are now cutting his line of retreat?"

"Huh!" growled Boyle, "the skipper's out of sight now. Gone into a
small creek or something of the sort. Hope he heard the horn. Let her
rip!" he added in a loud shou