been helping, followed him out of the
cabin, smiling and wiping their lips in anticipation of the promised
drink.

They had hardly left the cabin when Ali opened his eyes, and lay gazing
up at the ceiling, then, in a curious, puzzled way, at the light, his
mind struggling to recover itself and master his confusion.

A sigh and a few muttered words took the lieutenant to his side; and on
seeing him Ali started, and said something to him in the Malay tongue.

"Are you better?" said the lieutenant kindly.

"Better?" he said, "better? Where am I? what place is this?"

"You are on board the steamer. We found you drowning in the river."

Ali clasped his forehead with his hands for a few moments, and then all
seemed to come back like a flood.

"Yes," he said hoarsely, "I know now. I was swimming to the island."

"I see; and you were swept away," said the lieutenant kindly. "I think
you had better lie down, and have a good sleep," he continued, as the
young man struggled up.

"No, no!" cried Ali excitedly. "I recollect all now. Quick! call your
men; there is great danger!"

"Come, come," said the lieutenant gently, "calm yourself. Try and
sleep."

He laid his hand firmly on the young man's arm, but Ali caught his
wrist.

"What, do you think," he cried, "that I am speaking no sense?"

"Well," said the lieutenant, smiling, "I think you are excited and ill."

"No, no," cried Ali. "Give me clothes; I will fight for you. There is
danger!"

"Nonsense!" said the lieutenant. "There, lie down; and Roberts, your
friend, you know, shall come and sit with you."

"Oh, listen to me!" cried Ali piteously. "I am not as you think. I
swam off to warn you. Hamet has got half your men away by treachery. I
am sure they are going to attack you. Quick! get ready; there is great,
great danger! Give me clothes, and I'll fight for you!"

As he spoke excitedly, Bob Roberts entered the cabin, and stood
listening.

"Come and speak to him, Roberts," said the lieutenant quietly. "Poor
fellow! he is overdone, and it has flown to his head."

"Ah! You here?" cried Ali joyfully. "He will not believe me, Bob.
Listen; there is going to be an attack made upon you--at the island, and
here. They have got your men and officers away to lead them into a
trap. I escaped to tell you."

"Oh! come, old chap, don't talk like that," cried Bob, taking his hand.
"Don't talk such wild nonsense and bosh. Lie down and have a good
sle