176 THE BOY CAPTAIN.

«What did you see that attracted your attention to
those yellow fellows?”

“It wasn’t anything really definable, sir. I noticed
they talked with first one of the men and then another
privately, and were so careful to stop the conversation
instantly I came near, that I resolved they would bear
watching.”

* «Do you think they had any part in the disappearance
of the water?”

“T would give them credit for a willingness to do almost
anything ; but can’t understand how they could be bene-
fited by being put on short allowance.”

The crew were taking notice of the fact that the cap-
tain and his mate were indulging in rather a long conver-
sation, and, under the circumstances, it was better there
should be no opportunity for them to suspect the facts
of the case were worse than had been stated, as Ben
suggested.

“J think we had better separate, sir. The crew may
fancy there is something more in the wind than a short
allowance of water, if we talk too earnestly together. In
case there is any mischief on foot, the slightest false move
on our part would complicate matters.”

Mr. Bean acted upon the suggestion at once, and, it
being his watch below, retired to his room, leaving Ben
decidedly more uncomfortable in mind than he had been
since Eliphalet spoke to him.

It was not that the scarcity of water troubled him so
greatly, for the casks could readily be filled at St. Helena ;