Page:Off For Hawaii.djvu/202

184 the one-armed rascal and I'll fix him! Oh, my head, my head! it's on fire!" And Dan fell back again.

Ramon Delverez was dumfounded, and for a moment stared at Dan in amazement. Then he turned to Lola, who was gazing curiously on the scene.

"What's the matter with him?"

"He go out of his head," answered the Kanaka. "Witch-water too strong for him."

The Spaniard looked puzzled for a second, then he smiled wickedly. "I see, I see. If he is crazy for the rest of his life so much the better," he muttered. " 'Tis what he deserves, and so the others!"

"You heartless brute!" I cried. "You would wish him insane for the balance of his life? It would be more humane to kill him."

"Americano, be still!" came with a curse, and Delverez raised his foot as if to kick me in the head, but then drew back. "We will talk of the treasure. Who is this Caleb Merkin?"

"You'll have to find out for yourself."

"Is he a one-armed sailor, and has he a map?"

To this question I remained silent. In a rage Delverez let fly at my head, nearly stunning me. I tried to break my bonds, that I might get at him, but could do nothing. While I was struggling a long, loud whistle was heard outside.