"And that is——?"
"The idol."
Two stout levers were placed under the base of the grinning image, and with a hearty cheer the men bent to their work, and the ponderous mass of painted wood trembled, swayed for a few moments, then pitched headlong on the ground.
My father bent over it to more closely examine the painted and befeathered object. Suddenly he gave an exclamation of surprise.
"Herbert," he called to his brother, "come here and tell us what you think of this."
"Why," replied my uncle, "it's a figure-head."
"It is, or rather was. But it is more than that. See, the pedestal is carved with long staves, each surmounted by a cross."
"Well?"
"A cross-surmounted pole is the symbol of St. Philip the Apostle; consequently, unless I am much mistaken, the idol was at one time the figurehead of the 'San Philipo.' Of course, we cannot take it with us now; but, should an opportunity occur, I mean to have this relic on board the 'Fortuna.' Is everything ready, Mr. Wilkins?"
"Yes, sir."