The missionary looked round. He saw no gleam of mercy on the faces before him. He reflected that if he was only put ashore away from Grimleigh, he might contrive to escape. It would not be difficult to catch a ship bound for America; then he could make for 'Frisco, and pick up a schooner for Koiau. Once on the island, and Niga, for his own sake, would protect him. "I have health and money," he reflected, rapidly; "it really does not matter if I confess, as I shall be far beyond reach when the statement is placed in the hands of the police. I shall----" "Come now, sonny," interrupted Shackel, sharply; "what's your game?" "Oh, I'll write the confession you wish," said Brand, gloomily; "but I must state that I killed Zara in mistake for Tera. If by her death I could secure the advantage of Koiau being Christianized at once, I contend that I was right to remove her. The blood of martyrs is the seed of----" "Stop that," cried Jack, roughly. "I'm not going to listen to any excuses for your infernal wickedness. Sit down and write, I tell you. Then you shall go ashore with Pharaoh, and I hope he'll knife you as you deserve." "You misunderstand my motives, Mr. Fin----" "I understand one thing, that you are a foul murderer. All your religion won't get you over that." Brand said no more. The man was a fanatic, and really thought he was acting rightly when he decided to kill Tera. Her death meant the conversion of Koiau to the Christian faith, the spread of the gospel, the saving of many souls. But such arguments could not avail with the irreligious lot around him. With a sigh Brand sat down, and in half an hour had written out a full account of how he had murdered Zara. Moreover, he gave his reasons. This document he signed in the presence of Tera, Jack, and Shackel. When Mayne's safety was thus secured, Finland turned on the missionary. "Go on deck, you hound," he said, leading him to the door, "and if you really believe in the stuff you preach, sling yourself overboard." "If I am a sinner," cried Brand, his eyes flashing, "I repent of many things. I repent of Zara's death; but if I had killed Tera I should rejoice. I----" Jack's arm shot out from his shoulder, but before the blow could get home Brand had scrambled up the stairs. Tera held back her husband. "Let me go, Tera," panted Jack, "I want to kick the beast." "Leave him alone, dear. Pharaoh will settle him." There was a loud cry on deck. "By gad, I believe Pharaoh is settling him," cried Finland, rushing up, followed by Tera. It was as he said. Pharaoh had come out for a stroll on deck, after being confined below so long. When he saw Brand emerge from the cabin he first stared at him in amazement, then furiously launched himself at him with a knife. "I'll kill you--I'll kill you!" cried Pharaoh, closing with the missionary. "You killed my poor Zara--you shall die!"