ep. I say, Mr Johnson, I wish old Bolter was here."

"You do not believe me!" cried Ali passionately. "What am I, that you
treat me so? Is it that I always lie?"

"Lie? No, old boy," said Bob kindly; "but it isn't you talking. Your
head's all in a muddle."

"Head? muddle? Not I!" cried Ali excitedly. "There! Hark! I told you
so!"

As he spoke there was the sharp crack of a rifle, then another, and
another, and a rattling scattered volley.

"Something wrong at the island, sir," reported one of the watch.

"By Jove! he's right!" cried the lieutenant, rushing out of the cabin.
"Quick, Roberts!"

"Yes--clothes--my kris!" cried Ali joyfully. "I'll fight with you."

For answer Bob ran to his own berth, hastily threw the young Malay one
of his spare suits; and then, quickly buckling on his sword, ran on
deck, where the lieutenant was striding up and down, giving his orders.

"That's right, Roberts," he cried. "They're hard at work at the
island."

The next moment Bob was running here and there, seeing that his
superior's orders were executed. The drums had already beat to
quarters, and with the wondrous business-like rapidity with which
matters are done on board a man-of-war every man was at his place, the
ports flew open, the magazine was unfastened, and while the moorings
were cast off astern, and those ahead ready to be dropped at a moment's
notice, the furnaces were roaring furiously, and every effort being made
by the firemen to get up steam.

It was like the turning of a handle. There was no confusion; the whole
machine was ready for action; guns loaded, and marines and sailors armed
ready for any contingency that might befall the steamer.

Directly after, Ali came hurrying from the cabin, and made his way to
where the middy was eagerly looking for his next order.

"Give me arms," he said; "I have lost my kris."

"And a good thing, too," said Bob sharply; "a murderous skewer! May I
give him a sword, sir?"

"Yes, and a revolver, if he means to fight on our side," said Lieutenant
Johnson sharply; and Bob hurriedly ordered the armourer to take the
young Malay and supply what was needed. "They are making no signals at
the island, Roberts," continued the lieutenant, "and I don't know what
to do. I would man a boat and send on--"

"Under me, sir?" said Bob slowly.

"Of course, Mr Roberts; but we are so short-handed, I don't know what
to do for the best. Ah! here is your friend. Now, sir;