ellows, sir, and can do just what he likes
with 'em. That's how it is there."

"That makes our position more difficult," said the doctor.

"Well, it do, sir; but if I might make so bold, I should like to propose
something."

"Yes, by all means, Bostock. What is it?"

"You sleep on it, sir, and see how you feel in the morning--both on you,
and I'll take the watch."

"It is impossible to sleep to-night," said the doctor, with a sigh.

"Yes; suppose those blacks were to take it into their heads to come and
finish us."

"Nay, they won't do that, sir. Besides, I shall be on the watch."

"No," said the doctor; "you and Carey will lie down and sleep if you
can. I will take the watch. Do as I tell you at once."

"But it isn't fair, sir," said Carey, protesting.

"I must be obeyed in this time of emergency," said the doctor, sternly.
"Lie down and sleep if you can, and I will try and think out some way of
proceeding. Good-night."

Ten minutes later the doctor was sitting with his back to the door, and
in spite of all that had gone by and the belief that he could not sleep
a wink in the midst of the peril, Carey dropped off fast, and Bostock's
loud breathing told that he had followed suit, while the three blacks
squatted there hour after hour, watching their master and tyrant like so
many faithful hounds.

CHAPTER EIGHTEEN.

Carey opened his eyes just at sunrise, feeling, as a healthy lad should,
light-hearted and happy; for he was perfectly unconscious of all that
had taken place overnight till he turned his head a little and saw
Doctor Kingsmead with his arm resting against the side, gazing out of
the open port.

Then it all came to him, and he felt horribly selfish and miserable.

"Oh, doctor!" he cried.

"Ah, Carey, lad!" said the doctor, starting and turning to him.
"Morning. You've had a capital sleep."

"Yes, and you watching there. Why didn't you rouse me up to take my
turn?"

"I've not been watching all the night. I sat thinking till I felt that
it was of no use to worry any longer, and then I dropped asleep. I've
not been awake now for more than half an hour."

"Ah, that's better," said Carey, raising himself a little to look
towards the door, to see Bostock lying across it, turning himself into a
human bar to prevent any one from entering without waking him up. He
was now on his back, sleeping heavily, with his mouth open.

The doctor looked at him too and then smiled sadly at C