“Of course,” he returned. “It would be foolish for us not to land such a rare treasure when it’s right at hand—hunting for us, so to speak. But what interests me most, Sam, is the Pearl City, with its palaces and temples. That might be worth seeing.” “Nux says the natives number many thousands, and they have decreed death to all strangers. But who knows, Joe? We may see the city after all.” As he was about to reply we heard the far-off crack of rifles—a regular volley—and knew the sound came from the cove. After that there was deep silence. The struggle had begun. CHAPTER VIII THE REEF PATROL Because no sound of any sort now came to our ears we were beginning to worry about the fate of our men when Bry joined us on deck. He said the Faytans did not shout when they fought. They uttered no war cry of any sort, but went into battle silently and if slain died without a murmur. Victory was accepted with the same stoicism, so it was impossible for us to tell how the battle had gone. That Ned Britton’s party had met the natives there was no doubt. The shots told us that. Only time could disclose the result. My father and Uncle Naboth had come on deck and soon young Alfonso joined our anxious group. “I hope your men didn’t provoke a battle with the islanders,” said the latter. “My father and I depend on them for assistance in getting away from here.” “They’ll be glad to assist you to get to glory,” replied Uncle Naboth, “for that’s their best stunt. Haven’t you been told these Faytans, or Pearl People, as our blacks call ’em, decree death to any who land on this island?” “Oh, that’s Nux’s story; but I don’t believe it,” said the boy. “When we tell them who we are they’ll be sure to treat us decently.” “Do you suppose they’ve ever heard of Colombia?” I asked. “Why not?” he retorted. “They must have some intercourse with the outside world. Ships visit every known island, nowadays.” “I doubt if a ship has ever been here before,” said I. “This isn’t a known island; it’s not on any map or chart or other record. There are plenty of such islands in the South Seas, I suppose. Bryonia and Nux happen to know this place, for their own native island is only about a hundred leagues away; but my father and uncle, who have sailed all the traveled paths in the South Pacific, have never heard of Faytan before.” Alfonso became silent at this; but he remained on deck, and it was after midnight before our anxiety was satisfied. Ned’s signal came as a joyful surprise to us, and we hastily threw down the ladders and ropes to assist the fugitives in gaining the deck, in case they were pursued. The mate leaped on board first of all, saying: “Let down the davits; and lively, too, lads! We’ve got the boats; but Lord only knows what else we’ve brought with us.”