The Spaniard encouraged her to debate this point--anything was better
than the dumb pain of thought--but their talk ceased abruptly when a
muttered exclamation from Gray sent Walker flying to the charthouse.
Forthwith the trumpet shriek of the siren sent its wild boom across the
silent waters. Elsie needed no explanation of this tumult. Otter
Creek was not so far distant that canoes quitting its shelter could not
be seen with the naked eye. She counted sixteen putting forth in a
cluster, and they all made for the adventurous life-boat.
"That is exactly what our captain expected," Christobal was ready to
assure her. "He was certain he would reach the head of the bay before
the Indians awoke to the meaning of his scheme. By this time, unless
his plan fails, the men on shore should have joined him, no matter what
number of savages may seek to oppose their passage to the boat. The
only doubtful question is-- Will he be able to beat off the rascals
who are now cutting his line of retreat?"
"Huh!" growled Boyle, "the skipper's out of sight now. Gone into a
small creek or something of the sort.
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