“They have found the boat,” thought Jenks.  “Well, they are welcome to all the information it affords.”

The pair soon returned.  Another Dyak advanced to exhibit one of Jenks’s spring-gun attachments.  The savages had a sense of humor.  Several laughed heartily when the cause of their overnight alarms was revealed.  The chief alone preserved a gloomy and saturnine expression.

He gave some order at which they all hung back sheepishly.  Cursing them in choice Malay, the chief seized a thick faggot and strode in the direction of the cave.  Goaded into activity by his truculent demeanor, some followed him, and Jenks—­unable to see, but listening anxiously—­knew that they were tearing the cheval de frise from its supports.  Nevertheless none of the working party entered the excavation.  They feared the parched bones that shone by night.

“Poor J.S.!” murmured the sailor.  “If his spirit still lingers near the scene of his murder he will thank me for dragging him into the fray.  He fought them living and he can scare them dead.”

As he had not been able to complete the communicating shaft it was not now of vital importance should the Dyaks penetrate to the interior.  Yet he thanked the good luck that had showered such a heap of rubbish over the spot containing his chief stores and covering the vein of gold.  Wild as these fellows were, they well knew the value of the precious metal, and if by chance they lighted upon such a well-defined lode they might not quit the island for weeks.

At last, on a command from the chief, the Dyaks scattered in various directions.  Some turned towards Europa Point, but the majority went to the east along Turtle Beach or by way of the lagoon.  Prospect Park was deserted.  They were scouring both sections of the island in full force.

The quiet watcher on the ledge took no needless risks.  Though it was impossible to believe any stratagem had been planned for his special benefit an accident might betray him.  With the utmost circumspection he rose on all fours and with comprehensive glance examined trees, plateau, and both strips of beach for signs of a lurking foe.  He need have no fear.  Of all places in the island the Dyaks least imagined that their quarry had lain all night within earshot of their encampment.

At this hour, when the day had finally conquered the night, and the placid sea offered a turquoise path to the infinite, the scene was restful, gently bewitching.  He knew that, away there to the north, P. and O. steamers, Messageries Maritimes, and North German Lloyd liners were steadily churning the blue depths en route to Japan or the Straits Settlements.  They carried hundreds of European passengers, men and women, even little children, who were far removed from the knowledge that tragedies such as this Dyak horror lay almost in their path.  People in London were just going to the theater.  He recalled the familiar jingle