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"We made the island, and after considerable search found the survivors. Each of

'em tried to lay the blame on the others, but finally they all agreed that a man by

the name of Theriere with a seaman called Byrne, had taken you into the interior,

and that they had believed you dead until a few days since they had captured one

of the natives and learned that you had all escaped, and were wandering in some

part of the island unknown to them.

Then we set out with a company of marines to find you. Your father, impatient of

the seeming slowness of the officer in command, pushed ahead with Mr. Mallory,

Mr. Poster, and myself, and two of the men of the Lotus whom he had brought

along with us.

"Three days ago we were attacked and your father and Mr. Mallory taken

prisoners. The rest of us escaped, and endeavored to make our way back to the

marines, but we became confused and have been wandering aimlessly about the

island ever since until we were surprised by these natives a few moments ago.

Both the seamen were killed in this last fight and Mr. Foster and myself taken

prisoners--the rest you know."

Byrne was on his feet now. He found his sword and revolver and replaced them in

his belt.

"You men stay here on the island and take care of Miss Harding," he said. "If I

don't come back the marines will find you sooner or later, or you can make your

way to the coast, and work around toward the cove. Good-bye, Miss Harding."

Where are you going?" cried the girl.

To get your father--and Mr. Mallory," said the mucker.

125

The Mucker