216 THE BOY CAPTAIN.

Miss Dunham made no protest at being deprived of an
opportunity to assist in the retaking of the ship; but
obeyed, although believing she could have done better
work at that particular point than either of the men.

“Bob,” Ben said, without moving his eyes as the sailor
entered, “stand behind me, and tell me what you see
directly forward of the foremast.”

The man obeyed, but it was some time before he
distinguished anything.

“Tt seems as if I could get a glint of white now an’
then; but I can’t make out for certain.”

« You are right, there is a glint of white now and then,
and there’s a body there, too. One of the coolies is
laying for a chance to shoot me, and will do so without a
question, if I give him an opportunity to take aim. Now
I want you to stand or sit here in my place, and,
remember, your life depends upon keeping that fellow
well in hand. If you allow him three seconds in which to
peep out from behind his shelter you ’Il never sign articles
again in this world. Here are plenty of cartridges, you
can exchange revolvers with me, and don’t hesitate about
wasting a shot, for it is better to let him know you are on
the alert, than try to save powder and balls. I am going
to trust that whoever is at the wheel is without firearms,
and Sam and I will make a rush up the companionway.”

“It’s a good plan, sir, and I’ll go bail there isn’t
another revolver on the brig except what that yellow skin
has got. With one of our own crowd at the wheel, I ’ll
feel safer about the old hooker, for then we shall know