well."

"Yes, sir," said the native steward respectfully, as he placed a bottle
of brandy and glasses on the skylight; "those men they tell me to-day
that they would make a big fire to-night, because they have liberty.
That is native fashion, sir."

"Ah, I see," said Rawlings carelessly, dropping another pearl into a
cigar-box which was placed between himself and the others.

* * * * * *

As soon as the fire had burnt out, and only the faintly glowing bole of
the pandanus palm remained, Barry, accompanied by Velo and Joe, set out
along the beach towards the chain of islets trending north and
westward. Both Velo and Joe carried bundles on their shoulders, in
addition to their rifles and ammunition, and as they walked they talked
freely with their officer.

"You are sure that Mrs. Tracey would see that ere fire, sir?" inquired
Joe.

"Certain, Joe. The reflection could be seen forty miles away, and
Tebuan is only twenty. The island at which we are to meet is only
fifteen miles from here along the beach and reefs, and if she started
as soon as we did, we should meet her there long before midnight."

The seaman chuckled. "The poor lady will be mighty pleased to see us
again, sir, won't she? I do 'ope, sir, as how it won't be long before
we settles up with them bloody-minded pirates."

"Not until the brig is full of pearl shell, Joe. Then we shall
act--swiftly and suddenly. You have been careful not to let your three
mates know anything, I hope."

"Not I, sir," answered the seaman earnestly; "not a word will I say
until you give me the word to do so. And they will stand to us, sir,
never fear, for they all likes you; and Sam Button and Sharkey want
very bad to be let come in the boats with us."

"We must be careful as yet, Joe," replied Barry. "I have no doubt that
Sam and Sharkey and Peter will help us when the time comes, but I don't
want to raise any suspicion. And we must keep this business dark from
them until the time does come for us to act."

"Aye, aye, sir," assented the sailor; "and even if they sided with the
skipper, we needn't have no cause to fear. The natives is with you to
a man, sir. I can see that easy enough--they just follows you with
their eyes like a dog does its master."

Barry nodded and smiled contentedly. The native crew were, he knew,
devoted to him, and could be relied on to preserve the secrecy so
essential to the fulfilment of the plans h