basin. The shore at that point was sloping and practically clear of
undergrowth.

It was while Percival was waiting to take his place in the boat that
Olga Obosky hurried up to him.

"I have brought my luck piece for you," she said, and revealed in her
open palm a small gold coin, worn smooth with age and handling.
"Carry it, my friend. Nothing will happen to you while it is in your
possession. It was given me by the son of a Grand Duke. It was his lucky
piece. It brought me luck, for he was killed zat very same day, and so I
was saved from him. Keep it in your pocket till you come safely back and
then--then you shall return it to me, because I would not be without my
luck, no." She slipped her hand deep into his trousers pocket. "There is
no hole. That is good. I have place it there. It is safe. Au revoir! You
will have good luck, my friend."

Withdrawing her warm hand from his pocket she turned and walked swiftly
away.

The throng on board the Doraine watched the party land; hats and
handkerchiefs were waved as the adventurers turned for a last look
behind, before they disappeared into the forest.

Hours passed,--long interminable hours for those who were not engaged
in the active preparations for the landing of people and stores. Captain
Trigger was making ready to transfer the passengers from the ship at the
earliest possible moment. He was far from certain that the Doraine would
maintain its rather precarious balance on the rocks. With safety not
much more than a stone's throw away, he was determined to take no
further risk.

At last a shout went up from some one on the forecastle deck. It was
taken up by eager voices. Out upon the bald crest of the mountain
straggled the first of the explorers to reach the goal. They were
plainly visible. One after another the rest of the party appeared. The
illusion was startling. It was as if they had actually emerged from the
tree-tops. With straining eyes the observers below watched the group of
figures outlined against the sky. They spoke in subdued tones. As time
went on and the flag was not unfurled, they took hope; eyes brightened,
the hushed tones increased to a cheerful, excited clatter, the tenseness
that had held them rigid for so long gave way before the growing
conviction that another flag already fluttered somewhere beyond the
screening hills.

And then, when hope was highest, the Stars and Stripes went up!

Captain Trigger assembled the ship's company o