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86 The Mollie lay ready for shoving off, so we could leave at the first sign of danger. As we ate we discussed the situation and what the future was likely to bring forth.

"I shall demand that the Spanish government give me protection to take the Dart into a proper harbor," said Captain Kenny, who was now, perforce, perfectly sober. "Those Tagals have no legal claim to the wreck."

"But they must have some claim," I answered.

"No claim whatever—and I can prove it," returned the captain, as he glared at me.

"How can you prove that, captain?" asked Tom Dawson. "Every man of us left her—there is no gainsaying that."

"Never mind; I can prove they have no claim upon her," was the captain's answer, but further than that he would not say.

Our supper was scarcely concluded when the moon came up over the rim of the sea, as white as new silver. We began our preparations to embark without further delay. As we worked I saw Captain Kenny eye me in a strange manner that gave me a cold chill, and I resolved to be more than ever on my guard against him.

Our provisions and ourselves made as much of a load as the Mollie could safely carry, and at the last moment some cocoanuts had to be left