Alice still stood by the ship's rail in silent contemplation of
their future abode. From the dark shadows of the mighty forest
came the wild calls of savage beasts--the deep roar of the
lion, and, occasionally, the shrill scream of a panther.

The woman shrank closer to the man in terror-stricken
anticipation of the horrors lying in wait for them in the awful
blackness of the nights to come, when they should be alone
upon that wild and lonely shore.

Later in the evening Black Michael joined them long
enough to instruct them to make their preparations for landing
on the morrow. They tried to persuade him to take them
to some more hospitable coast near enough to civilization so
that they might hope to fall into friendly hands. But no pleas,
or threats, or promises of reward could move him.

"I am the only man aboard who would not rather see ye
both safely dead, and, while I know that's the sensible way to
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