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.
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