The Spaniard missed nothing of Courtenay’s solicitude for Elsie’s well-being, nor of her shy confusion. By operation of the occult law which governs static electricity, it was possible that the magnetism flowing between those two communicated itself to a third person. However that might be, Christobal was under no sort of doubt that, unless another “accident” intervened, he had lost all chance of winning this woman’s love. But he swallowed the bitter knowledge and said: “If you undertake to hold the dog, Miss Maxwell, I will bind his paw.” “Oh, my ducky darling little pet! Did I actually forget all about his dear wounded little foot? And he came hopping in so bravely, too, carrying himself with such a grand air. Come, then, Joey dear! Let us see what has happened. Yes, this is the doctor, but he won’t hurt you. He is so good and kind to little dogs; he will wrap up the bleedy part until it is quite nice and comfy.” “Your only patient, doctor,” said the captain, cheerily, when Elsie had done fondling the dog. “Even crediting our poor fireman to the enemy’s score, we have had the best of the first round.” “Is there any likelihood of a second attack?” “I hope not. Indeed, I shall be very much surprised if they show up again.” “Ah, that is excellent. Our young lady here does not thrive on excitement, especially of the murderous variety. She is on the verge of a high fever.” “Then she can calm down now; there will be no more fighting to-day,” said Courtenay, with a smiling glance at Elsie which told her quite plainly that Christobal did not really know what he was talking about. Which goes to prove that even a prudent man may say mistaken things, with both his tongue and his eyes. CHAPTER XIV. THE FIRST WATCH On his way back to the deck, the captain encountered Suarez. The man’s gestures, and the satisfaction which lit up his wrinkled face, would have told the news he wished to convey if Courtenay were not able to catch the words “Indianos” and “van.” In his excitement the Spaniard pulled the Englishman towards one of the peep-holes in the canvas screen. Sure enough, the canoes were making off towards Otter Creek. In the marvelously clear light it was easy to see the threatening arms held out towards the ship by a few men who stood upright. Even their raucous cries were yet audible. Courtenay was glad he had not missed this demonstration of hatred. It argued the necessity of continued watchfulness. The general attitude of the crew was one of real annoyance that the fight had not been carried on at close quarters. They had heard a good deal of noise and yelling, the starboard squad had experienced the thrill of having a man fall dead in their midst, but, with the exception of Tollemache and the Chilean marksman, the main body of the defenders took no part in the fray and saw but little of it. And it is one of human nature’s queer proclivities that it seeks rather than shirks a combat when the loins are girt for the smiting.