ed some distance out, steam got up, and with
the screw going at high pressure and men at work at the capstan, every
effort was being made to get the vessel out of her unpleasant position,
but in vain.

Lieutenant Johnson heard the message brought by Gray, and then pointed
to what was being done.

"I am making every effort," he said rather angrily. "Does Captain
Smithers think I want to stay in this disgraceful position? You can
tell him, though, that if I can get free I shall divide my time between
chasing these rascally prahus and lying where he suggests."

The efforts went on, the men hauling and straining on the anchors, and
the steam going furiously, but all in vain; the vessel would not move.

Then another plan was tried; all the ship's company were sent to one
side of the bulwarks, and then run across to the other, to give a
swaying motion to the vessel, so as to loosen the keel in the deep mud;
but though the careening was effected, the steamer could not be moved,
either ahead or astern.

Then the last plan was tried again, with the addition of the guns being
run all over to the port-side, but still there was no change; and
Lieutenant Johnson's brow knit with annoyance as he more fully realised
the fact that they would be lying in that helpless position when the
captain returned.

"The disgrace is enough to kill me, Roberts," he exclaimed.

"Let's set every sail, sir," said the middy; "there's a nice breeze
coming down the river now, and that may send her over nearly upon her
beam-ends."

"Yes!" exclaimed the lieutenant eagerly; and the order being given, the
men ran up aloft, and sail after sail was lowered, Ali standing with
folded arms watching the proceedings, and then turning to lean upon the
bulwark and gaze down the river.

Just then Adam Gray saluted the lieutenant.

"Will you be good enough to have me set ashore now, sir?"

"Set you ashore, my man?" replied Lieutenant Johnson, "Why, you had
better wait till night."

"I ought to get back with your message, sir."

"Wait a little while, and perhaps I can run you round to the other side
of the island."

Gray, now that he had somewhat recovered, was eager to get back, but he
could not quit the ship without the lieutenant's consent, and hence he
waited patiently for the required permission, watching the steamer's
sails drop down one by one, and fill and flap as the breeze rose and
fell.

Now and then a dusky face could be seen amidst the