Grattan laughed.
"You will have your trouble for your pains," said he. "After you are landed, the Iris and those aboard her will vanish as completely as though they had gone to the bottom. I have planned for this. Do what you please, and as soon as you please. Philo Grattan and his friends will never be captured."
"Ten thousand demons of misfortune pester a man who has anything to do with the Eye of Buddha," snarled McGlory, stamping into his shoes. "My pard and I know that. Sufferin' hoodoos! Haven't we been tangled up with all sorts of backsets since we met Tsan Ti? If it ain't one thing, it's two. You never know what minute's going to be the next."
"I'll risk the ten thousand demons," smiled Grattan.
"Something'll hit you," declared McGlory. "You take that from me, and spread your blankets on it."
"You forget that I have carried the ruby for a good many thousands of miles."
"I'm gloomed up more to think we ever saw that Eye of Buddha," scowled McGlory, getting up from the seat and jamming on his hat, "than to know that we lost it."
"Are you ready?" asked Grattan.
"I've been ready to leave this boat ever since we came aboard! You're a fine bunch of outlaws, the lot of you, and you'll all get hung, one of these days. I'd like to be around when it happens."