and candour of this confession caused Leo to laugh in
spite of himself, while poor little Oblooria, who thought it no laughing
matter, burst into tears.

Of course the men of Flatland kept their eyes fixed in wide amazement on
Leo, as they paddled along, and this sudden laugh of his impressed them
deeply, being apparently without a cause, coupled as it was with an air
of absolute indifference to his probable fate, and to the presence of so
many foes. Even the ruthless land-hungerer, Grabantak, was solemnised.

In a few minutes the whole party swept round the point of rocks, and
proceeded towards the land over the comparatively quiet waters of a
little bay which lay under the lee of the Sugar-loaf rock.

During the brief period that had been afforded for thought, Leo had been
intently making his plans. He now proceeded to carry them out.

"Hand me the trinket-bundle," he said to Anders.

The interpreter searched in a waterproof pouch in the stern of the boat,
and produced a small bundle of such trinkets as are known to be valued
by savages. It had been placed and was always kept there by Captain
Vane, to be ready for emergencies.

"They will be sure to take everything from us at any rate," remarked
Leo, as he divided the trinkets into two separate bundles, "so I shall
take the wind out of their sails by giving everything up at once with a
good grace."

The Grabantaks, if we may so style them, drew near, as the fleet
approached the shore, with increasing curiosity. When land was reached
they leaped out of their kayaks and crowded round the strangers. It is
probable that they would have seized them and their possessions at this
point, but the tall strapping figure of Leo, and his quiet manner,
overawed them. They held back while the india-rubber boat was being
carried by Leo and Anders to a position of safety.

Poor Oblooria walked beside them with her head bowed down, shrinking as
much as possible out of sight. Everybody was so taken up with the
strange white man that no one took any notice of her.

No sooner was the boat laid down than Leo taking one of the bundles of
trinkets stepped up to Grabantak, whom he easily distinguished by his
air of superiority and the deference paid him by his followers.

Pulling his own nose by way of a friendly token, Leo smiled benignantly
in the chief's face, and opened the bundle before him.

It is needless to say that delight mingled with the surprise that had
hither