But the words were taken out of his lips by the doctor, who asked the
questions angrily.

"Eh?" came in a hoarse, raucous voice, as the man rolled forward, with
the lamp, till he was near enough to hold it close to the doctor's face,
and then to those of the others.

"Only three on 'em, then. Don't let 'em go, my sonnies. Now then, you,
what do you say? What am I doing here? What are you doing--what do you
want aboard my ship?"

"Your ship, you bullying, drunken ruffian!" cried the doctor, in a rage.
"You've been down in the cabin helping yourself to the spirits, or you
would not dare to speak to me like this."

"Well! You do talk," cried the man, with a hoarse laugh. "Yes, I've
had a drop I found down there. Thirsty, my lad, thirsty."

"Did you bring these black scoundrels aboard?" cried the doctor, who was
beside himself with rage.

"Sartain I did; they're my crew, and I'm their master, and I've only got
to say the word and over you go to the sharks. Eh, sonny? Sharks, eh?"

"Sharkum, sharkum!" cried the man who seemed to be the leader, and he
caught hold of the doctor, his example being followed by his fellows;
but in an instant he was sent staggering back, and Bostock's assailant
met with similar treatment, while Carey struck out, but with very little
effect, save that he hurt his knuckles against the grinning teeth of the
black who seized him.

"Hold hard, my sonnies; not yet. Let's see how they behave themselves.
Stand back."

It was evident that the great coarse-looking ruffian had perfect command
over the party of black fellows, who shrank back at a word, and waited
with glistening eyes, their faces shining in the lamplight.

"There," said the man, "you see; so don't be sarcy. I let you off this
time, because you didn't know; only if there's any more of it I says the
word, and over the side you go. Now then, who are you?"

"I am the medical officer of this stranded vessel, the _Chusan_, upon
which you have trespassed; and I hold her in charge for the company of
owners until they send a relief expedition to reclaim or salvage her."

"That all?" said the man, with a hoarse laugh. "That for you, then, and
all you say," and he snapped his fingers in the doctor's face. "Now,
look here, my fine fellow, I'm Dan Mallam, Beachcomber [see note], as
they call me, King o' the Pearl Islands, dealer and merchant in copra,
pearl shells, and pearls. These are my reefs and islands. This is my
estate