nts, the
rope, and ten spare swords, which may prove useful to you. Here are three
gourds full of water close to your hand, and by reaching over you can fill
them as often as you like. In a week I have no doubt that you will be
strong enough to walk. Is there anything else I can do?"

"There is nothing, senor. May God bless you for your kindness!"

"And may God pardon you!" Stephen said; adding as he turned away, "It may
be that some day a passing ship may carry you off."

Then turning he walked slowly back to the shore. Wretch as this man was,
he felt a pang at leaving him behind. But he was sure that even if he
could overcome his repugnance to him as the murderer of the captain, he
could not take him with him, for he would never be safe for a moment. With
returning health and strength would come afresh the lust for the gold,
which might soon overcome any feeling of gratitude for the treatment that
he had received.

When he reached the shore near the boat, he cast off the stern rope and
then swam on board, hoisted the jib and foresail, pulled up the anchor,
and took his place at the tiller.

The breeze was a very light one, and for a time the cutter moved along but
slowly, but as it got beyond the shelter of the land it felt the wind, and
began to spin fast through the water. Stephen's spirits, which had been
greatly depressed for the last few days, rose as the little craft heeled
to the breeze. Nearly six months had been spent on the island, but at last
he was free. As to his course, he had but the sun by day and the stars by
night to guide him; but he knew that the vessel had been blown almost due
west, and that by heading east he should make the coast either of Chili or
Peru. He found to his satisfaction that the boat would keep her course
very near the wind, that she came about easily and rapidly, and was
certainly swift under her canvas.

She carried no topmast, as they had agreed that, with only three hands, it
would be better to avoid all complications of gear. In the middle of the
day the wind fell a good deal. At the time he was abreast of a large
island, and he presently saw a war canoe shoot out from the shore. Lashing
the tiller, he ran down below, brought up the twenty-three muskets, loaded
them all, and laid them against the bulwark astern. Then he took his place
at the helm again, and looked anxiously across the water in the hope of
seeing a dark line that would tell of the breeze freshening again.