Nicky made a lunge past Tew, to stop Mr. Coleson, but his foot caught on the hose, still connected loosely to the bilge pump, and tore it free. There came the gurgle of the gas still in it, as it flowed over the floor in a trickling, spreading pool.
Nicky missed his catch, and saw Mr. Coleson leap free and plunge overside into the channel.
From the cutter came hails and shots.
On the Senorita Sam and Jack had captured one man, and were firing at the islet.
Nicky felt himself caught by the nape of the neck as he tried to recover his balance. With his face white with rage, Don Ortiga brought Nicky upright and sent him, with the full force of his strong arms, toward the forward cabin. Then, as Nicky sprawled in a heap, Don Ortiga turned on his brother, just arising to face him.
“This is your fault!” he grated. “If you hadn’t come in and left your boat to be discovered——”
“Be still!” cried his brother. “Where is the gold—we must get it away—some of it!”
“It is safe!” growled Don Ortiga.
“Then let’s go away from this spot!”
“I shall go. You shall stay. Here and now we settle an old score,” cried Don Ortiga. Nicky saw him unsheathe a knife, and at the same instant Senor Ortiga, seeing his danger, leaped to grip the arm holding the knife.