e they
started. The ship then sailed on a cruise to the northward, the
commander promising to return in the course of a fortnight to replenish
their provisions, and take charge of any dhows which might have been
captured. Ned and Charley were in high glee at the thoughts of the work
they were to be engaged in. Old Rhymer had lately been more pleasant
than usual, and they hoped to get along pretty well with him. He was
fond of his ease, and in fine weather was likely to entrust the boat to
them, while he took a "caulk" in the stern sheets; indeed, when away
from his superiors, and in command himself, he was always more amiable
than on board ship.

For some time after the boat had shoved off all on board were employed
in re-stowing the stores, getting her into trim, and placing the
articles most likely to be required uppermost. When everything had been
done according to his satisfaction, he addressed the two midshipmen.

"Now, youngsters," he said, "recollect, I must have implicit obedience,
and all things will go well; if not, look out for squalls. I'll take
one watch, you, Meadows, another, and you, Garth, the third."

The midshipmen made no answer, for, being as well aware as he was of the
importance of maintaining discipline, they thought his remark rather
superfluous.

The weather continued fine, and the old mate appeared to be in unusual
good-humour. He laughed and talked and spun long yarns which amused his
companions, although they had heard most of them twenty times before.
When tired of talking, he stretched himself in the stern sheets to "take
a snooze," as he said, charging them to call him should anything occur.
"You see, youngsters, what confidence I place in you," he observed. "I
could not venture to shut my eyes if I didn't feel sure that you would
keep a bright look-out. It is for your good besides, that you may know
how to act when left in command of a boat."

The midshipmen suspected that Rhymer thought more of his own comfort
than of benefiting them. They passed several small islands. On some
grew a scanty vegetation, while others were mere sand-banks. One of
them was occupied by vast numbers of wild fowl, on which Rhymer looked
with longing eyes.

"We might land, and in a short time kill birds enough to supply
ourselves for a couple of days," he observed; "the delay cannot be of
consequence."

Ned recollected that Rhymer had received orders to proceed without delay
to the southwar