NAMPANG ISLAND. 37

It was when they were rounding the point of Chang-
Chuen Island that the owner of the boat was hailed by
some one on the shore, and an instant later a sampan put
out to intercept the travelers.

The islander did not come on board; but, with his craft
alongside the other, held an animated conversation with
Ben’s boatmen, and, by the glances cast toward him from
time to time, the young captain understood he was the
subject of the discussion, but in what manner it was im-
possible to say, since he had no knowledge of the language.

“Tt strikes me those fellows are jabbering away too
excitedly to be strictly innocent of any wrong,” Ben said
to himself, making certain his revolver was where it could
be reached at an instant’s notice. “It looks as if this last
Chinaman was trying to persuade the others to tackle me
for what money might be got ; but it wouldn't be a paying
job, I’ll go bail on that.”

If the newcomer was attempting to urge his acquaint-
ances into anything of the kind, the effort was a failure,
for, after conversing ten minutes or more, the three sepa-
rated, apparently with professions of the most profound
regard and esteem for each other, and the little craft was
pushed forward toward her destination once more.

It never entered Ben’s mind that their conversation
might possibly have reference to the brig he was intend-
ing to take to Hong Kong, and half an hour later had
almost forgotten the circumstance.

As a matter of course he was on the alert against
possible mischief, as he had been from the moment of