well armed and making a long circuit of
the brig, while Drew and his two companions were partaking of a hearty
meal to fit them for their task.

"Can't see any enemy, sir," Mr Rimmer said as he came back and found
Drew waiting impatiently. "That's right, sir, make straight for the
shore, and I'd go first and see whether the boat's safe before hunting
to the south for the niggers' canoe. I'd keep in the cocoa-nut grove
all the way. It will shelter you all, and you'll be able to see well
enough whether there's anyone in the lagoon, for that's where their
canoes are sure to be."

"Then you think there's more than one?" said Oliver.

"Oh, yes, sir, I should say there are two at least. Those big
outriggers that hold forty or fifty men each. There, Mr Drew, off with
you, please, and don't get to fighting except as a last resource--so as
to escape. I won't come with you part of the way, it's better that you
should be off alone. You two lads," he continued as they reached the
deck, and turned to Smith and Wriggs who were standing in the darkness
very proud of the rifles with which they had been armed, "I look to you
to bring Mr Drew back safely."

"Ay, ay, sir, we mean that," said Smith. "Eh, Billy?"

"Ah," came in a deep growl. "That's so."

Mr Rimmer walked to the gangway and took a long steady observation, as
far as the darkness would allow. Then turning to the leader of the
little expedition,--

"Off with you, sir."

_Ha! ha! Ow, ow, ow_! came from a couple of hundred yards away--a
hollow, diabolical kind of mocking laugh which sent a chill through the
listeners.

"Hear that, Tommy?" whispered Wriggs as he caught his companion's arm.

"Ay, mate, I heerd it. They're a laughin' at us, and it's as good as
saying as they'll go and light a fire, and have it ready to cook the
lot."

"Gahn!" growled Wriggs. "I know now, it's one o' them stoopid-looking
Tommy soft sort o' howls, as Mr Oliver Lane shot at one day. You know,
lad, them big, all of a heap sort o' things, all duffie and fluff."

Just then the cry was repeated at a distance, and soon after farther
off.

"Why, it's an owl!" cried Drew.

"I thought it must be a bird," said the mate.

"Yer may well call 'em howls," said Wriggs. "That's just what they do
doos."

"I hope that's what it is," whispered Smith, shaking his head. "I've
heered howls often enough, Billy; but I never heered one as could laugh
like that."

"Whatcher think, then,