ton and those who were faithful to him. When within sight of
Luzon--and abreast of Manila--the ship was to be scuttled, and the
mutineers with their plunder in two boats were to make for a part of the
coast where there was a village, well-known to Rivas and Garcia.
Here the money was to be divided, and every man was to shift for
himself--some to go to Manila, others taking passage to that den of
thieves, the Portuguese settlement of Maoao, where they meant to enjoy
themselves after their manner.

When Raymond and the chief returned on deck, they found the ship was
making good progress through the smooth sea, the natives in the boats
singing a melodious chorus as, all in perfect unison, they plunged their
broad-bladed paddles in the water, and the tow line surged and shook off
thousands of phosphorescent drops at every united stroke. The night was
dark, but not quite starless, and presently Frewen, who was talking to
Foster, remarked that some heavy rain would fall in a short time.

"Our natives won't like that," said Raymond to "Captain Ryan"; "like all
Kanakas, they hate being wetted with rain, though they will spend half a
day in the rivers bathing and playing games in the water."

"A few bottles of grog will keep up their courage," said Frewen,
"especially some rum. Have you any to spare, captain?"

"Any amount."

"Then I'll tell Cheyne to let the boats come alongside in turn, and
we'll give all the natives a good rousing nip before the rain comes."

He walked for'ard and stood on the topgallant foc'sle and gave a loud
hail.

"Boat ahoy!"

The singing ceased in an instant, and then Randall's voice answered--

"Hallo! what is it?"

"Come aboard and get a glass of grog. Tell the men in the other boats
they can follow in turn."

"Ay, ay, sir," replied the half-caste in such loud tones that he was
heard distinctly on the after-deck, "they'll be glad enough of it; we'll
get plenty of cold fresh water presently outside, and some rum to put
inside will be just the thing."

Both Raymond and the two Greeks laughed, and then a minute or two later
Cheyne and his boat's crew were alongside, and were given a pint of rum
between them. They drank it off "neat," and after lighting their pipes,
went back to their boat, and let another come alongside. She was manned
by a dozen natives, who were all given a stiff glass of grog. They
remained but a few minutes, and then went off to give place to the third
boat, in which w