spirit
of Christian helpfulness while praising Mrs. Goring's work for Gordon,
and Barry uneasily realized that his persistence in casting doubts on
Leyden was likely to prove detrimental to himself. The feeling
intensified when the girl added with enthusiasm: "So you see, Captain,
Mrs. Goring is far too busy to be bothered with inquisitive questions
about a gentleman whom she probably has never heard of."

"Oh, yes, she has heard of Leyden, Miss Sheldon," Barry burst out
unguardedly. "Not only heard of him, but knows him better than you do!"

The girl stared at him in amazement. Then slowly the rich color mounted
to her fair cheeks, and her eyes glowed with something as near anger as
such a woman could feel.

"If Mrs. Goring had known, she would certainly have told me," she said.
"She has not said one word to suggest there is any truth in the very
strange story you have tried to impress on me, Captain Barry. I can only
think that you are mistaken."

With which charitable remark, having come to the branch of the Mission
path, Natalie Sheldon held out her hands for the baskets and dismissed
the skipper.

"Thank you. I can manage now," she said, smiling rather pityingly at
him. "I hope you will find your mistake before you offend Mr. Leyden."

"If I do, I'll let you know quickly," he retorted, nettled to discover
how very solid Leyden had made himself. "Meanwhile, I can only offer my
services in any way you may need them, Miss Sheldon, and suggest that
you make a confidante of Mrs. Goring. Good-by."

He left her gazing after him curiously and strode down the path towards
the wharf. And as he entered the last narrow track in the labyrinthine
bush, one of his native crew broke through the canes and told him:

"Masser Rolfe he say come quick, sar! Schooner boats he go up ribber
chop-chop. He got many many men."

CHAPTER NINE

If, in the events already narrated, Barry has showed an unaccountable
indecision, it must be remembered that he was a simple seaman, straight
and clean, unused to subterfuge and trickery. When action was afoot, he
knew what to do; while waiting for action on the part of his adversary,
he was at a disadvantage. But the fact made for increased vigilance, and
with the news that the _Padang's_ people were starting something moving,
he cast everything except his own counter move from his mind.

It was late afternoon when he finally looked over the situation and had
to make a prompt decis