“How?”

“Here, I have thy sword. Take it, and keep aloof and watch. When thou canst see men carrying the treasure chests out to the white vessel, then will be the time to strike. Join thyself with the men who seem faithful to my mistress. There will be fighting; and the spoils are for the victor.”

Pearse would have stayed her, but she ran from him with a tantalizing laugh and vanished into the women’s quarters.

In the morning, when the men had breakfasted, a hum of activity pervaded the place which was attributable to the octoroon’s subtle influence. As if by prearrangement, men drew apart into little knots, each gathering about a leader and showing indecision until each man ascertained exactly where his fellows were