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It often seemed to Virginia when she caught her father's eyes upon her that there

was a gleam of dislike in them, as though he would have been glad to have been

rid of her that she might not in any way embarrass or interfere with his work.

The camp was at last completed, and on a Saturday afternoon all the heavier

articles from the ship had been transported to it. On the following Monday the

balance of the goods was to be sent on shore and the party were to transfer their

residence to their new quarters.

Late Sunday afternoon a small native boat was seen rounding the point at the

harbor's southern extremity, and after a few minutes it drew alongside the Ithaca.

There were but three men in it--two Dyaks and a Malay. The latter was a tall,

well built man of middle age, of a sullen and degraded countenance. His

garmenture was that of the ordinary Malay boatman, but there was that in his

mien and his attitude toward his companions which belied his lowly habiliments.

In answer to von Horn's hail the man asked if he might come aboard and trade;

but once on the deck it developed that he had brought nothing wherewith to

trade. He seemed not the slightest disconcerted by this discovery, stating that he

would bring such articles as they wished when he had learned what their

requirements were.

The ubiquitous Sing was on hand during the interview, but from his

expressionless face none might guess what was passing through the tortuous

channels of his Oriental mind. The Malay had been aboard nearly half an hour

talking with von Horn when the mate, Bududreen, came on deck, and it was Sing

alone who noted the quickly concealed flash of recognition which passed between

the two Malays.

The Chinaman also saw the gleam that shot into the visitor's eye as Virginia

emerged from the cabin, but by no word or voluntary outward sign did the man

indicate that he had even noticed her. Shortly afterward he left, promising to

return with provisions the following day. But it was to be months before they

again saw him.

That evening as Sing was serving Virginia's supper he asked her if she had

recognized their visitor of the afternoon.

"Why no, Sing," she replied, "I never saw him before."

"Sh!" admonished the celestial. "No talkee so strong, wallee have ear all same

labbit."

The Monster Men