Suarez had sufficient tact not to make this statement publicly. He
told Christobal, and the doctor passed on the information to the
captain. Both men went to the poop with their glasses, and carefully
examined the coast line.
Courtenay was the first to break an oppressive silence, and his low
pitched voice announced stirring tidings.
"Do you see those canoes yonder?" he said.
"There were three under the trees before Suarez discovered the smoke on
Guanaco. Now I fancy I can make out nearly a dozen. Though they are
not launched, they have been put there for some purpose. Would you
mind going forrard and asking Mr. Boyle to summon all hands on deck?
He knows exactly what to do. Remember that I regard you and Miss
Maxwell as non-combatants, and expect you both to remain in the saloon.
If these painted devils really mean to attack, some of us will get
hurt, and then your services will be of greater value than in the
fighting line. And, if I do not see Miss Maxwell before the trouble
begins, please tell her she need fear no alarm. We shall be able to
beat off our assailants with comparative ease."
When the captain of the Kansas spoke like that there was no
gainsaying him. Even Christobal, whose jealous suspicions were ever
ready to burst into flame, was roused to enthusiasm by his cool
gallantry.
But, ere the Spaniard turned to go, a disturbing thought forced its way
to his lips.
"We have every confidence in you," he said, "and I admit that it should
be a simple matter to prevent the savages from gaining the upper hand.
Yet, accidents happen. Suppose they manage to rush your defense?"
"They will not do that while I and every other man on deck are alive.
If the worst comes to the worst, you have a revolver--"
"Yes," said Christobal.
"It will suffice for two, but not for a hundred." The two men, united
by the very bond which threatened to bring them into antagonism, looked
into each other's eyes.
"Is that your last word?" asked Christobal.
"It is."
"I feel sure that you are right. Good-by!"
They shook hands. They were nearer a real friendship then than either
of them thought possible, and the bond which held them was love for the
same woman.
Courtenay, using his glasses again, saw that a number of Indians were
launching the canoes simultaneously. He counted nine small craft, each
holding five or six men, or men and women--at the distance, nearly
three miles, he could not be certain whether or not they all wore the
distinguishing head-dress of feathers. Against wind and current they
could not possibly reach the ship under half an hour, and the smallness
of the fleet surprised him.
He stooped and patted Joey, who was at peace with the world after a
good dinner.