A burly individual in sailorly garb came down the beach.
"Morning," he said curtly. "Traders?"
"No, sir. Missionaries in charge."
"Gee-whilikins!"
"Yes, very much so," and Blair pulled out his watch. The man needed no investigation. His character was written all over him. "It is now nine o'clock. I will give you till half-past ten to clear out of here. If your anchor is not up by that time you will take the consequences. Understand?"
"Say, have you bought this island, mister?" gaped the other.
"Yes, from the devil and all his works, so you clear out. It is now two minutes past nine, and you've got eighty-eight minutes left."
"Well, I'm——"
"You will be if you don't stir your stumps."
"And suppos'n I say I'll be hanged if I go."