ANTICIPATING TROUBLE. 57

bid your. leaving the. cabin in case there should be any
disturbance on deck.”

«There will be ample opportunity for us to speak of
that,’ the young girl replied, with a smile that went
straight to Ben’s heart, and caused him to fancy, just at
the moment, that in her defence he would be a match for
any twenty natives who might attempt to board the brig.

«Did the steward tell you there was a cannon in the
fore-peak ?”” Miss Dunham asked.

«Yes ; but he spoke of it as something which was worth-
less, and if that is the case it might be as dangerous to us
as the enemy.”

“Tt probably looks worthless because it has been un-
cared for; but father purchased it with the belief that it
was a serviceable weapon, and the ammunition intended
for it is now in the lazaret.”

«T°ll get it on deck, in that case,” and Ben left the
cabin hurriedly, for he was now convinced of the evil
intent of the natives, since Miss Dunham herself had noted
their espionage of the craft.

When he gained the deck once more, old Eliphalet was
standing by the rail, watching intently the movements of
those on the shore, and he asked:

« Anything new, uncle?”

“Deys er gittin’ more ob dem dish-pans ’roun’ de
shore. I’se bin countin’ four des behin’ dat ar’ pint.”

“We'll look after the rascals with a glass, presently.
Just now I want that cannon out. Show me where it is.”

The old darkey led the way to the fore- peak where