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Wot's doin'?" queried the mucker.

We are going to break camp, and occupy the new location before that bunch of

pirates can beat us to it," whispered Theriere in reply; "and," he added, "we're

going to take the salvage and the girl with us."

The mucker grinned.

"Gee!" he said. "Won't dey be a sore bunch in de mornin'?"

The work of awakening the balance of the party required but a few minutes and

when the plan was explained to them, all seemed delighted with the prospect of

discomfiting Skipper Simms and Squint Eye. It was decided that only the eatables

be carried away on the first trip, and that if a second trip was possible before

dawn the clothing, canvas, and cordage that had been taken from the water

might then be purloined.

Miller and Swenson were detailed to bring up the rear with Miss Harding,

assisting her up the steep side of the cliff. Divine was to act as guide to the new

camp, lending a hand wherever necessary in the scaling of the heights with the

loot.

Cautiously the party, with the exception of Divine, Miller, and Swenson, crept

toward the little pile of supplies that were heaped fifty or sixty feet from the

sleeping members of Simms' faction. The three left behind walked in silence to

Barbara Harding's shelter. Here Divine scratched at the piece of sail cloth which

served as a door until he had succeeded in awakening the sleeper within. And

from above Oda Yorimoto watched the activity in the little cove with intent and

unwavering eyes.

The girl, roused from a fitful slumber, came to the doorway of her primitive

abode, alarmed by this nocturnal summons.

"It is I, Larry," whispered the man. "Are you dressed?"

"Yes," replied the girl, stepping out into the moonlight. "What do you want? What

has happened?"

We are going to take you away from Simms--Theriere and I," replied the man,

and establish a safe camp of our own where they cannot molest you. Theriere

and the others have gone for the supplies now and as soon as they return we

shall commence the ascent of the cliffs. If you have any further preparations to

make, Barbara, please make haste, as we must get away from here as quickly as

possible. Should any of Simms' people awaken there is sure to be a fight."

The Mucker