ley. I was surprised that Kydd made no
inquiry when the guns were fired. As I was going aft I saw a figure
come up the companion-hatch. I could make out that he had a number of
packages under his arm. I was sure it was the mate, and my suspicions
were aroused, though I could scarcely tell what he was going to do. I
pointed him out to Stanley, who was standing near the mainmast. "We
will follow him, at all events," he answered. As we got aft we saw him
leaning over the quarter, and evidently engaged in hauling up the boat.

"Mr Kydd, what are you about?" exclaimed Stanley, seizing him by the
arm. "Are you going to leave the brig?"

"I am captain, and who dares question me?" was the answer.

"You shall not deprive us of our only boat, at all events," said
Stanley. "If you leave the vessel, it must be on a raft, or swim for
it."

Kydd made no answer, but continued leaning over the side. We saw that
he was dropping something into the boat. It seemed that he was about at
that instant to throw himself over, when Stanley seized him and dragged
him back. As he did so Kydd let go the painter, and before I could
spring forward and seize it, the boat had drifted away from the vessel I
would have jumped overboard and swam to her--I was on the point of doing
so--when David, who had followed us, stopped me.

"Stay, Andrew!" he exclaimed. "We are surrounded by sharks. I saw
three just before dark. You would be their prey in an instant."

Meantime Kydd was struggling with Stanley, who however quickly
overpowered him.

"I was not going to take the boat," said Kydd, "whatever you may fancy.
I am captain of this vessel, and I have a right to do what I like. It
was through your fault that the boat got away, and you are answerable
for that. Let me go, I say!"

Stanley released Kydd, who slunk away without uttering another word.

"This is not a time for disputes," said my cousin. "We must be ready
for resistance should the blacks come off to us; though I hope that
Timbo is right in supposing that they will not venture from the shore
till daylight."

So short a time did the occurrence I have described take, that the
ladies were scarcely aware of what was happening till it was over.

"What is the matter, Stanley?" asked Kate.

"Nothing to alarm you, my dear sister. I trust all will yet be well.
There is every sign of the calm continuing; and perhaps in the morning,
when the wind comes off the land, we may get t