CHAPTER V.
DISAGREEABLE VISITORS.

“ TT looks as if my plans were being nipped in the bud
before I’ve even had time to make a beginning,” Ben

muttered to himself, as he charged the six - pounder with
as much powder as he fancied was consistent with safety,
and added a generous supply of grape-shot. ‘Instead of
getting a crew from the shore, I am forced to make ready
for defence against the same fellows whom I thought
could be hired, and the question is, how, after this scrim-
mage is over, if one comes, I am to pick up men enough
to handle the brig. However, as the lobster said to the
cook when she popped him into the hot water, we won’t
let that trouble us just yet. If I can train this gun
right, we’ll play hob with some of their sampans, and
make the yellow rascals sick of trying to steal a vessel.”

Eliphalet had watched the loading of the cannon
intently, and, when the task was finally accomplished,
asked :

“Is yer gwine fur to shoot right at em ef dey comes
’roun’, sah?”

“T allow that’s what we’ll do, uncle, I count on
lessening the inhabitants of that island by a good round
dozen, if they try any funny business with us.”

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