DISAGREEABLE VISITORS. 71

stuff, and the work of making them close prisoners was
speedily finished.

Triced up with their backs to the main rigging on the
port side, they would afford the little crew no slight
protection in case there was any attempt made to board
the craft, and this Ben counted on when he placed them
in that position.

«“T only wish we had a few more of them,” he said,
grimly, when the last man was secured beyond all possi-
bility of freeing himself from his bonds, unaided; “for I
reckon those fellows on shore would n’t care about cutting
their way through members of their own gang, and we
should stand a chance of making them come to terms
without much fighting. Uncle, you’d better search those
rascals, and see if they have got any more weapons. Then,
as soon as you can get it ready, we’ll have something to
eat, for I reckon there won’t be much chance to do
cooking later in the afternoon.”

Knowing that the prisoners could work him no harm,
Uncle Eliphalet proceeded to make a minute examination
of their clothing without delay; but his labour was in
vain, so far as finding any weapons was concerned.

The knives which had been taken from them in the
forepeak were all they had, and it was more than likely
they were not able to bring others, owing to the fact of
their having probably swam from the shore to the brig.

While the old darkey was making ready the food which
Ben had ordered to be served on the quarter-deck, Miss
Dunham was busily engaged arranging the ammunition