er to
stand in, directing him, should any people be seen on shore, to hoist a
white flag, and land the four Frenchmen.

Scarcely, however, had they parted company for a couple of hours, when a
dead calm came on, and Rayner and Oliver believed that there was no
chance of being able to land the Frenchmen that night.

"I am very sorry for it," remarked Oliver; "for from the experience I
have had of them, I think it more than possible, if they can get the
assistance of the black crew, they will try and play us some scurvy
trick. I have not hitherto pointed out the fellow who tried to take my
life, and who was so nearly dying himself; but I suspect his disposition
has not altered for the better. You'll fancy me somewhat suspicious,
but I cannot help thinking that should he win over the blacks, they will
try and take the schooner from us."

"They'll find that rather a tough job with you and me and our four men
to oppose them," answered Rayner. "However, after your warning, I'll
keep an eye on the gentlemen, and I'll tell Jack Peek to let me know if
he sees anything suspicious in their behaviour. He understands French
almost as well as I do, and he'll soon find out what they are about."

"I do not like to think ill of other people, even though they are
foreigners; but I cannot forget what a villain one of those men is,"
remarked Oliver.

"Forewarned, forearmed," said Rayner. "We need not, after all, be
anxious about the matter; but it will be wise to keep our pistols in our
belts and our swords by our sides, and not to let the Frenchmen and the
black crew mix together more than is necessary." The steward now came
aft, hat in hand, and speaking in a jargon of French and Spanish,
interlarded with a few words of English, of which he was evidently
proud, requested to know what the officers would like for supper.

"We shall not find fault, provided that the cook supplies us with the
best he can," answered Rayner. "One of our men there,"--pointing to
Jack Peek--"will give him the materials, unless he happens to have some
ducks or fowls, or a fine fish, for which we will pay him."

The steward shrugged his shoulders, regretting that the only fish he had
on board were salted; but, notwithstanding, the cook would exercise his
skill upon them, and would produce a dish which even an epicure would
not disdain.

While waiting for the evening meal, the young officers walked the deck,
whistling for a breeze, but there seemed