, and all flotsam and jetsam as is washed ashore is mine. Do you
hear me?--mine, to do as I likes with. This steamer's come ashore on my
land, and my black lads, as has been out shelling and collecting nuts,
saw it come and tell me, who have come over to see what the sea has
washed me up this time, for I've been getting short o' odds and ends,
and the rum was getting low. There was the steamer, empty and cast
away, and I've took possession, when you come and begin bullying and
pretending you've got a claim on her."

"Claim on her, you scoundrelly pirate!" cried the doctor. "Why, men
have been transported for life for what you are attempting to do."

The man scowled at the word transportation, and his right hand went to
one of the holsters, whose flap he pressed over the stud so as to lay
bare the butt of the pistol within. This he drew out and cocked.

"I just warn you to be civil, my fine fellow," he said. "I've only to
say a word to my black fellows, and, in spite of your kicking, over
you'd go into water that swarms with sharks; but when a man insults me,
Dan Mallam, King o' the Pearl Islands, my temper gets warm, and I show
my boys what a shot I am. Do you hear?"

The pistol clicked, and sent a shudder through Carey, who started at the
ominous sound and looked wildly round for the guns, in the mad idea that
he might be able to catch one up, load it, and fire in defence of the
man towards whom he felt as if he were an elder brother. But the guns
were all in the hands of the blacks, and others had possession of the
satchels containing the cartridges.

Second thoughts convinced him that such an attempt could only result in
the ruffian carrying out one of his threats, for he was beyond the reach
of the law, if he were, as he said, a dweller in some neighbouring
island, ruling probably over a little tribe of blacks.

What was to be done?

Just then the doctor spoke.

"Look here," he said, "I do not wish to insult you, but I am not going
to give up to a man who is acting as you are. I tell you once more, I
hold this vessel in my charge, and I am prepared to defend it on behalf
of the owners."

"How?" said their visitor, with a mocking laugh.

"Never mind how," replied the doctor, more calmly. "I am not to be
frightened by empty threats. We are not so far from civilisation that
you dare injure me and my companions. The news would be carried to
Brisbane, Adelaide, or Sydney, and one of her Majesty's w