"Fate. A night of darkness, and much wind," said Ichi. "Yet Fate relented—for, after a week of starving in the holes on the quaking Island, Fate sends you to our rescue. Fate smiles upon our side, my boatswain—brings us to the Fire Mountain, plays you into the trap, gives to the honorable Carew his wish, and now, only——"
A heavy voice boomed down through the open hatch and interrupted Ichi's smirking revelations. Martin directed his gaze beyond the Jap. A man was leaning over the opening, peering into the aret. The heavy voice belonged to Carew, Martin knew.
"I say—what is keeping you down there, Ichi?" called Carew. "Do you need help?"
"All right, captain, directly we come!" answered Ichi.
"Can't you get the young blighter to his feet?" went on Carew. "I will send a couple of hands down, to heave him out."
"I am of the opinion he can walk," replied Ichi. He turned to Martin. "My dear Mr. Blake, we muchly desire your presence in the cabin. Can you travel there without assistance?"
Martin received a sharp, meaning glance from the boatswain.
"Yes—I can make it," he told Ichi.
He promptly scrambled to his feet and stumbled toward the ladder.
The boatswain wailed behind him.