The Brazilian ceased speaking. There was another uneasy pause. Hozier felt that the question was addressed to him, but he was tongue-tied, almost shame-faced. Coke, however, did not shirk the task of enlightening her.
"Something like that," he said. "We can't let you cut in with the rest of us, missy. That wouldn't be reasonable. But it's best to fix the business fair an' square. We ain't agoin' to try any other way, not so long as I'm skipper," and he looked with brutal frankness at De Sylva and the anxious but uncomprehending San Benavides.
The ex-President knew what he meant; even in his despondency he resented the implied slur on his good faith.
"You cannot examine the boat until darkness sets in," he said. "Then you will find out how frail a foundation you are building on. It is absolutely ridiculous to assume that she can be made seaworthy. Her occupants would be drowned before they were clear of the islands."
"In any case, I refuse to go," said Iris.
De Sylva smiled gloomily.
"You are courageous, senhora, and, in some respects, you are wise," he said. "Yet … I must admit it … I would urge you to select the boat—in preference …"
Marcel, the Brazilian who had come to tell them of the drifting life-boat, turned away from the mouth of the cavern, and scrambled down the ravine.
"Wot's 'e after?" demanded Coke, suddenly suspicious.
"He and Domingo are keeping a lookout," said De Sylva. "If the soldiers intend to visit us we should at least be warned. The boat is hidden among the rocks on the landward side," he added, not without a touch of scorn.