fierce and silent strategy of a Red
Indian.

The Argentine squatted on his knees in the bows, Gray placed himself
amidships, and Elsie sat aft, holding the revolver in her right hand
and the dog's collar in her left. The American groped for and found a
paddle, which he plied vigorously.

"Guess you'd better discourse," said he over his shoulder, when the
light craft was well clear of the ship.

"You understand Spanish, I think?"

"Yes."

"Please tell Suarez to cease paddling and listen. Don't move. I can
trust you, but I may have to shoot him."

"Best hand me that pop-gun, Miss Maxwell. The gentleman in front seems
to have a wholesome respect for you already; anything you say goes,
where he is concerned. I am taking your word for it his name is
Suarez, but he looks, and smells, more like an Indian."

"I forced him to dress in his discarded clothes. He may be able now to
scare any of the savages we come across. But why should I give you my
weapon, Mr. Gray?"

"Because I can hit most things I aim at, whereas you are more likely to
bore a hole through me as a preliminary. Moreover, you have the dog
with you, and even the wisest dog may bark at the wrong moment. You
must have both hands at liberty to choke his enthusiasm."

"Do you pledge your word to go on with my scheme?"

"That is what I am here for."

"Take the revolver, then."

"Sure it's loaded?"

"Quite sure. I have fifteen extra cartridges, but, as I have practised
refilling it in the dark, give it to me if you have occasion to empty
it."

"You seem to have thought this thing out pretty fully?"

"I intend to succeed. Now, please, I must explain what I want Suarez
to do."

Speaking in Spanish, slow and clear, while the canoe drifted steadily
up the bay with the rising tide, Elsie unfolded her project. Behind
the guardian cliff of Otter Creek a ridge of rocks created a small
natural harbor. It was the custom of the Alaculofs, when the weather
was calm, and they meant to use their craft at daybreak, to anchor most
of their vessels in this sheltered break-water. At other times the
canoes were drawn ashore, but she reasoned that such a precaution would
not be taken during the present excitement. That was the first part of
her program--to capture the entire fleet, including the life-boat. In
any event, she intended to go next to the hidden cleft at the foot of
Guanaco Hill, trusting to the dog's sagacity to reveal the retreat
where