They are all good Mohammedans down there, or nominally, and so of course
there was no question of a clean bill of health. Islam is not impious
enough to check the spread of any disease which Allah may see good to
send for its chastening.

The pilot wanted to take them in at once. He spoke some English, and
carried an air of confidence. He could guide them through the reefs in
the most complete of safety, and he could guarantee fine openings for
trade, once inside.

"I dare say," grunted Kettle under his breath, "but you're a heap too
uncertificated for my taste. Why, you don't even offer a book of forged
logs to try and work off your humbug with some look of truth. No, I know
the kind of pilot you are. You'd pile up the steamboat on the first
convenient reef, and then be one of the first to come and loot her."--He
turned to Murray: "Now, look here, Mr. Mate. I'll leave you in charge,
and see you keep steam up and don't leave the deck. Don't let any of
these niggers come on board on any pretence whatever, and if they try it
on, steam out to sea. I'll get through Mr. Wenlock's business ashore as
quick as lean, and perhaps pick up a ton or two of cargo for ourselves."

Below, in the dancing boat which ground against the steamer's side, the
pilot clamored that a ladder might be thrown to him so that he might
come on board and take the _Parakeet_ forthwith into the anchorage; and
to him again Kettle turned, and temporized. He must go ashore himself
first, he said, and see what offer there was of trade, before he took
the steamer in. To which the pilot, though visibly disappointed, saw fit
to agree, as no better offer was forthcoming.

"Now, sir," said Kettle to Wenlock, "into the boat with you. The less
time that's wasted, the better I shall be pleased."

"All right," said Wenlock, pointing to a big package on the deck. "Just
tell some of your men to shove that case down into the boat, and
I'm ready."

Kettle eyed the bulky box with disfavor. "What's in it?" he asked.

"A present or a bribe; whichever you care to call it. If you want to
know precisely, it's rifles. I thought they would be most acceptable."

"Rifles are liked hereabouts. Is it for a sort of introductory present?"

"Well, if you must know, Captain, it's occurred to me that Teresa is
probably an occupant of somebody's harem, and that I shall have to buy
her off from her husband. Hence the case of rifles."

A queer look came over Captain Kettle's face.