56 THE BOY CAPTAIN.

“JT don’t fancy there is any danger at all, and yet I am
making preparations in case there should be,” Ben said.
“The steward tells me he has noticed several sampans
hanging around the brig since the sailors deserted, and
now there are a number on the shore evidently ready to
put out. It would not be surprising if the natives should
make an attempt to capture the brig, knowing her defence-
less condition ; but I assure you, Miss Dunham, there is
no possibility of their succeeding. That, positively, is the
only reason why I came for your father’s weapons, and
perhaps I have done wrong in telling you what may simply
be an old darkey’s foolish ideas.”

«You have told me nothing I did not know before,” the
young girl replied, with no show of fear. “TI also have
noticed the native boats evidently bent on reconnoitering,
and have fancied there might be such an attempt as you
speak of, made. Do you think it will be possible for three
of us to prevent the capture of the brig, if the enemy
should come in large numbers, as would probably be the
case?”

“You say ‘three.’ Surely you don’t suppose I shall
allow you to take a hand in such work,” Ben replied, with
some surprise.

“Tt would be difficult to prevent it, sir, if an attack was
made. You will find that I shall be quite as effective a
member of the crew as old Eliphalet, and, perhaps, not
disposed to show the white feather so quickly.”

“J have no doubt of that,” Ben replied; “but at the
same time you must understand I most emphatically for-