So he held himself in check, biting his lips over his enforced impotence. But Carew's final threat wrung speech from him, for he saw speculation in Ruth's eyes, as she measured her tormentor. The dreadful thought occurred to Martin, "Ruth will barter herself to save the rest of us!"
"No, no, Ruth!" he cried out. "Pay no attention!"
"Shut up!" roared Carew, wheeling furiously upon him. "If you speak again, I'll have Moto put a clapper on your tongue!" He turned to Ruth again. "And now, my girl, you will do the begging! We'll listen to you beg for this pretty boy! Are you going to tell us how to reach the ambergris or shall I order Moto to commence his work?"
"The information—ah, but I am certain the lady will tell us with much gladness," spoke up Ichi.
He had been waiting patiently and impassively while Carew underwent his travail of heart. Now he was again his smirking, leering self.
"You know ju-jitsu," continued Carew. "Moto is an expert—he will pick your darling to pieces and make him a screaming lunatic, here, before your eyes, unless you speak. And if you speak, be sure and speak truth; for Blake goes ashore with the gang, and God help him if you direct us wrongly! Now decide, please!"
Ruth looked at Martin soberly. Martin smiled at her, but his mind was busied with fresh information. He was to go ashore with the gang! So Carew said. Then this yellow band would be divided. If he could hold them ashore until the boatswain attempted his coup, the odds would not be so great against the Cohasset lads. If he only knew how the boatswain was progressing down below; whether he had gained to the forecastle crowd! Anyway, it was a chance to take.
"Martin, dear, I had better tell them," said Ruth.
"Yes, yes, tell them," urged Martin feverishly. "Why—I know the code myself, by heart. I'll tell them."
"Ho, ho! See how your brave knight stands the gaff!" guffawed Carew to Ruth.