He found a convenient air port not ten feet from the launch, where he could see unobserved by those on board it.
There were a number of very heavy packages and the small natives on the deck of the launch strained and pulled to find deck space for them all.
HE FOUND A CONVENIENT
AIR PORT
Phil saw a small native fishing-boat, her sail flapping idly in the gentle breeze, move slowly and with deliberation over the tranquil water, edging in toward the launch.
The vice-consul seemed not to observe it, but Phil saw the eagerness on the fisherman’s face. He watched the scene with rising pulse.
The boat drifted foot by foot to within ten feet of the launch.
Juarez busied himself at the strap of a large box in the stern of the launch nearest the fisherman.
Phil saw the fisherman make a swift move with his hand, and saw a white object fall on the launch’s deck at Juarez’s feet. Juarez lifted one foot carelessly and placed it fairly on the object.
The fisherman put his helm over and hauled taut his sheet. The sails quickly filled and the boat glided swiftly toward the harbor’s mouth.