"Oh, we'll make it a tidy place, I dare say. Come down to the cabin, Tera, and see if the baggage is all square."
The sails were set by this time, and the Dayspring was heading to sea. Overhead the sky was cloudless, and the hot sun made the plain of the sea glitter as with myriads of jewels. As the wind bellied the sails, and the boat increased her speed, the foam swirled in creamy flakes from her sharp bow. In her own cabin, Tera was arranging her effects for the voyage. Suddenly she heard loud voices, the scuffle of feet, and then a cry of surprise from Jack. She ran hurriedly into the saloon. There, between two stalwart sailors, stood Brand. He was dusty, dirty, haggard and pale; but his eyes were bright, and his face set firm.
"You scoundrel!" cried Jack, fiercely; "how did you come on board?"
"He's a blooming stowaway, sir," spoke up one of the sailors; "we found him hidden in the hold."
Before Brand could answer, the skipper came down the companion in a fury. "A stowaway aboard my boat?" he snapped out. "How did---- Well, here's a party! It's your Brand."
"Yes," replied Brand, looking from one to another; "when I ran away, I knew you'd put the police on to me, so I came back to Sister Hoppus. She hid me in her cottage, and the police never looked for me there. Last night, as she found out you were leaving for Koiau, I got down to the water, and swam out to the boat, where I concealed myself."
"I'll put you ashore, cuss you," growled Shackel. "I ain't going to have no Jonah this trip, no, sir."
"I am innocent--I never----"
"Here, shut your jaw," said Jack, sharply; "we heard you confess with your own lips that you killed Zara in mistake for my wife."
"Your wife? Are you married?"