the identity of the coatless man on the hillside. A dozen men recognised
him as the man they were after. Putting his hands to his mouth, Anderson
Crow bellowed in tones that savoured more of fright than command:

"Say!"

There was no response.

"Will you surrender peaceably?" called the captain of the craft.

There was a moment of indecision on the part of the fugitive. He looked
at his companion, and she shook her head--they all saw her do it.

Then he shouted back his reply.

[Illustration: Then he shouted back his reply]




CHAPTER III

The Culprits


"Ship ahoy!" shouted the coatless stranger between his palms.

"Surrender or we'll fill you full of lead!" called Anderson Crow.

"Who are you--pirates?" responded the fugitive with a laugh that chilled