barrier to their storming the rock. And with John Pearse up there among the defenders, Tomlin and Venner found themselves wondering just what their own position was. They, unblinded by the rage of the pirates, saw the futility of storming that rocky wall with steel, and in the momentary hush and indecision they withdrew from the mob and stood apart, thinking over what was to come.

To Dolores, the hesitation of her foes was something she could not brook, for her great hope now was to set her rascals at each other’s throats to their ultimate annihilation. She whispered into Milo’s ear.

“Get thy blow-pipe again. Send a dart into Hanglip’s black throat, and let every man see how ‘tis done.”

The giant obeyed.