ent: "Yes, of a
fever."

"I am very sorry for it," said I. "But as he sold the island to me
before he died, I don't see what the lady, with all respect to her,
has got to do with it. Nor do I know what this rabble is doing about
the door. Send them away."

This attempt at hauteur was most decidedly thrown away. Vlacho seemed
not to hear what I said. He pointed with his finger toward the harbor.

"There lies your boat. Demetri and Spiro cannot go with you, but you
will be able to manage her yourselves. Listen, now! Till six in the
morning you are free to go. If you are found in Neopalia one minute
after, you will never go. Think and be wise." And he and all the rest
of them, as though one spring moved them, wheeled round, and marched
off up the hill again, breaking out into the old chant when they had
gone about a hundred yards; and we were left alone in the doorway of
the inn, looking, I must admit, rather blank.

Up-stairs again we went, and I sat down by the window and looked
out on the night. It was very dark, and seemed darker now that the
gleaming torches were gone. Not a soul was to be seen. The islanders,
having put matters on a clear footing, were gone to bed. I sat
thinking. Presently Denny came to me, and put his hand on my shoulder.

"Going to cave in, Charlie?" he asked.

"My dear Denny," said I, "I wish you were at home with your mother."

He smiled and repeated, "Going to cave in, old chap?"

"No, by Jove, I'm not!" cried I, leaping up. "They've had my money,
and I'm going to have the island."

"Take the yacht, my lord," counselled Hogvardt, "and come back with
enough force from Rhodes."

Well, that was sense; my impulse was nonsense. We four could not
conquer the island. I swallowed my pride.

"So be it," said I. "But, look here; it's only just twelve. We might
have a look round before we go. I want to see the place, you know."
For I was very sorely vexed at being turned out of my island.

Hogvardt grumbled a little at this, but here I overruled him. We took
our revolvers again, left the inn, and struck straight up the road.
For nearly a mile we mounted, the way becoming steeper with every
step. Then there was a sudden turn off the main road.

"That will lead to the house," said Hogvardt, who had studied the map
of Neopalia very carefully.

"Then we'll have a look at the house. Show us a light, Hogvardt. It's
precious dark."

Hogvardt opened his lantern, and cast its light in the way. B