begin. I'm going to tell you what's the fault
of the British soldier: it's firing away his ammunition too fast. Now,
in this case, I want you to make every shot tell. Don't be flurried
into shooting without you have a chance, and don't give the enemy
opportunities by exposing yourselves. Lastly, I need not tell you to
stick together. You'll do that."

"Ay, ay, sir."

"That's good, and now recollect you are Englishmen fighting for women as
well as yourselves."

"Ay, ay, sir."

"Mr Gregory lets me command, because I'm used to this sort of thing, so
don't mind me taking the lead."

"No, sir, we won't," chorused the men.

"Very well, then: don't be bloodthirsty, but kill every scoundrel you
can."

There was a hearty laugh at this, for, even in times of peril, your
genuine British seaman has a strong appreciation of fun, and in spite of
their position the major's ways and words had a spice of the droll in
them.

Just at that moment Morgan came up, pistol in hand, his gun having been
given to one of the men.

"Why, my dear Mr Morgan," said the major, "this is not right. You are
in hospital, sir."

"No," said Morgan grimly; "I am better now, and I'm not a bad shot with
a revolver."

"You had better leave it to us, Morgan," said the first-mate. "You and
Mark Strong go and lie down in shelter."

"Oh, Mr Gregory," cried Mark.

"Why, you miserable young cockerel," said the major, "you don't want to
fight?"

"No, sir; but it seems so cowardly to go and hide away when the men are
fighting."

"So it does, my lad, so you shall stop with me, and load for me while
I'm firing. Come along. Now, my lads, steady, and not a Malay pirate
shall get through that bush."

Every man uttered a low cheer, and settled in his place, well hidden
from the occupants of the coming prau, and ready to deliver his fire
when the enemy came near.

It was coming steadily in, the sweeps being worked by the motley crew of
scoundrels on board with a regularity which drew rough compliments from
the men, and made Mr Gregory utter a remark.

"Oh, yes," said the major, "they row well enough, but so did the old
galley-slaves in the convict boats. Now, I won't use my revolver yet,
but I've got four cartridges of BB shot that were meant for cassowaries
or wild swans. Now, Mark, I think I'll give our friends their first
peppering with them."

"They will not kill, will they, sir?" said Mark anxiously.

"No, not at the distance I sha