174 THE BOY CAPTAIN.

and there, as the opportunity offered, some evidently
treating the matter as a not uncommon episode on ship-
board, while others appeared highly dissatisfied.

The Manilamen were particularly talkative at this time,
and Miss Dunham, observing their movements, said, in a
half whisper :

“T always think of snakes whenever I see any of that
race of people, and am beginning to feel afraid more will
come of this thing than simply inconvenience.”

“Now, don’t fret your little head about them,” Ben
said, half seriously. “There won’t be any attempt at
playing mutiny, unless, perhaps, those yellow scoundrels
should try to influence some of the others; but I’ll
answer for the white members of this crew.”

Miss Dunham did not appear convinced that there was
no danger to be apprehended; but she forbore making
any remarks on the subject, and, a few moments later,
went into the cabin.

As she disappeared, Mr. Bean approached the captain.

“T was waiting for her to go, sir,” he said, “because
she has had trouble enough in her short life, without our
causing her anxiety which may be needless.”

«What do you mean?”

“Does it strike you that the men are acting rather
oddly in regard to the matter of putting them on short
allowance ?”’

“JT hadn’t noticed anything, except it might be in
regard to the Manilamen. They are dancing around like
peas in a popper.”