howling mob of drunken
desperadoes, ripe and eager for any species of ruffianism which might
suggest itself. Sibylla was at this time busy putting matters to rights
in the hut which Ned had caused to be erected on their previous visit to
the island, and Ned was busy in the same way in his tent when Williams,
happening to pass by, looked in at the latter.

"Hark ye, youngster," he gruffly remarked, "you and the young woman had
better keep well out of sight to-night, for if either of you are seen,
mischief may come of it; and whilst those beasts up there are in their
present condition neither I nor anybody else could help you. The
rascals are mad drunk, and hungry for mischief. They positively
_laughed_ at me just now when I tried to bring them to something like
order! But if I don't make them smart for it to-morrow when we start to
overhaul the rigging, call me a Dutchman."

Coupled with what he had already seen and heard, this warning of
Williams' so seriously impressed Ned that he went to Sibylla's door and
called to her to put on her hat and join him outside. As soon as she
appeared Ned said:

"Look here, Miss Stanhope, Williams has just been here to tell me that
the men up there are mad with drink and--as he phrased it--_hungry_ for
mischief. Judging from the frightful noise and commotion among them I
should say he is right, and I have called you out to tell you that I
think it will be best for you and me to return on board the ship; the
steward is there, you know, and he and I can keep the anchor watch
between us, whilst you take your rest as usual in your own cabin."

Sibylla had long ago come to the conclusion that she could do no better
than follow poor Captain Blyth's advice and unreservedly follow Ned's
instructions, so she at once announced her readiness to do whatever he
thought best. Upon this Ned, believing that no time was to be lost, at
once extinguished the lights and, locking the door, placed the key in
his pocket; after which, taking a somewhat circuitous route in order to
avoid attracting attention, he and Miss Stanhope made their way down to
the spot where they had left the dinghy.

The boat was still there, with her oars and rowlocks in her just as she
had been left, so handing his companion in and instructing her to sit
steady, Ned placed his shoulder against the stem of the boat, and with a
powerful shove sent her stern-foremost off the beach, springing in over
the bows as he did so.