make sure of our own necks, yet Black Michael's not the

man to forget a favor. Ye saved my life once, and in return

I'm goin' to spare yours, but that's all I can do.

"The men won't stand for any more, and if we don't get ye

landed pretty quick they may even change their minds about

giving ye that much show. I'll put all yer stuff ashore with ye

as well as cookin' utensils an' some old sails for tents, an'

enough grub to last ye until ye can find fruit and game.

"With yer guns for protection, ye ought to be able to live

here easy enough until help comes. When I get safely hid

away I'll see to it that the British gover'ment learns about

where ye be; for the life of me I couldn't tell 'em exactly

where, for I don't know myself. But they'll find ye all right."

After he had left them they went silently below, each

wrapped in gloomy forebodings.

Clayton did not believe that Black Michael had the slightest

intention of notifying the British government of their

whereabouts, nor was he any too sure but that some treachery

was contemplated for the following day when they should

be on shore with the sailors who would have to accompany

them with their belongings.

Once out of Black Michael's sight any of the men might strike

them down, and still leave Black Michael's conscience clear.

And even should they escape that fate was it not but to be

faced with far graver dangers? Alone, he might hope to survive

for years; for he was a strong, athletic man.

But what of Alice, and that other little life so soon to be

launched amidst the hardships and grave dangers of a primeval world?

The man shuddered as he meditated upon the awful gravity,

the fearful helplessness, of their situation. But it was a

merciful Providence which prevented him from foreseeing

the hideous reality which awaited them in the grim depths of

that gloomy wood.

Early next morning their numerous chests and boxes were

hoisted on deck and lowered to waiting small boats for