To his further annoyance, San Benavides, who depended on his compatriot
for a summary of the latest scheme, asked Iris to accompany De Sylva
and himself to the hut.
"They are stupid creatures, these peasants," he said. "When they see
you they will not be frightened."
There was so much reason in the statement that Iris was a ready
volunteer. Soon all hands were at work, and it was due to the girl's
forethought that strips of linen were procured from Luisa Gomez, and
healing herbs applied to the cuts and bruises of the injured men.
Sylva was all for leaving the two soldiers on the island, but Coke's
sailor-like acumen prevented the commission of that blunder.
"No, that will never do," he said, with irritating offhandness. "These
jokers will be found at daylight, an' they'll be able to say exactly
wot time we quit. The wimmin can make out they was scared stiff an'
darsent stir. It 'ud be different with the sojers. An' we ain't goin'
to have such a 'eart-breakin' start, even if the cruiser clears away
soon after two o'clock."
"Where do you propose to make for?"
"Where d'ye think, mister? Nor'-east by nor', to be sure, until we
sight some homeward-bound ship."
There was a pause. The pair could talk unheard, since they were
standing on the bank, and the men were either loading firewood and
fruit and cassava, or stripping trees and vines to hide the
superstructure of the launch.
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