THE HOME PORT. 283

“TI cannot believe but that their story is true, and their
agreement with the coolies was only to the effect that we
should be robbed, and the brig abandoned.”

“T fancy there is no question about it. The Manilamen
were the murderers, for I saw them kill Rogers, and am
positive none of the white sailors were near at the time.”

«Then these men will have to suffer for what those
fellows did?”

«“ That is for the court to decide. The worst of it is
that the rest of us will be forced to hang around on shore
until the case comes to trial, which means no slight loss
to a man like me, who depends entirely upon his wages,”
Mr. Bean said, thoughtfully.

“JT wish they could escape before we come to an
anchor,’ Miss Dunham said, half to herself.

Bean looked up quickly, as if about to make some
remark, and evidently thinking better of it, replied care-
lessly :

«So do I; but I suppose it’s our duty to see that noth-
ing of the kind happens.” ,

The first officer remained on deck during the entire
forenoon, and when, by the positive command of the cap-
tain, he finally went below, was feeling so much stronger
that he insisted he should resume duty the following
morning.

«You can at least let me try it, captain,” he said, ‘and
if you find it is likely to do me any serious injury, it won't
take very much time or breath to order me below.”

It was also decided during this conversation that Bart