"You'd better pull your freight, miss," Dextry remarked; "they'll
be here in a minute."

"Yes, yes! Let us go! I must get aboard the Santa Maria. She's
leaving now. Come, come!"

Glenister laughed, as though there were a humorous touch in her
remark, but did not stir.

"I'm gettin' awful old an' stiff to run," said Dextry, removing
his mackinaw, "but I allow I ain't too old for a little diversion
in the way of a rough-house when it comes nosin' around." He moved
lightly, though the girl could see in the half-darkness that his
hair was silvery.

"What do you mean?" she questioned, sharply.

"You hurry along, miss; we'll toy with 'em till you're aboard."
They stepped across to the dockhouse, backing against it. The girl
followed.

Again came the warning blast from the steamer, and the voice of an
officer:

"Clear away that stern line!"

"Oh, we'll be left!" she breathed, and somehow it struck Glenister
that she feared this more than the men whose approaching feet he
heard.