kydiles had been at it, sir," said Small grimly;
"but we found it at last. I've brought Billy Widgeon back safe."

"Of course," said the mate quietly. "Why not?"

"Well, you see, sir, there was one crock took a fancy to him, and we see
another lying on the edge of the pool, smiling at him with his mouth
wide open; but Billy wouldn't stop, and here's the prog."

CHAPTER FIFTEEN.

HOW THE CREW OF THE "BLACK PETREL" WERE IN SORE STRAITS.

The supply of food, supplemented by the bottles of beer, which were
equitably distributed so as to give all the men a tiny cup or two, had a
wonderful effect upon their spirits, so that the rest of the afternoon
was passed waiting patiently for the night, the sailors expressing
themselves as willing to do whatever their leaders bade.

Billy Widgeon was the spokesman, Small occupying a sort of middle
position between officers and men.

"We says, sir," he began, addressing the major--"I mean they says as
we--I mean they ain't fighting men, never having 'llsted or gone in the
ryle navy; but in a case like this they will--no, we will, for of course
I ar'n't going to stand back--have no objection to a bit of a set-to so
as to lick the niggers. For if ever niggers wanted licking it's niggers
as'll take advantage of a ship being in a calm, and part of her officers
and crew away, and--and--here: what was I to say next, lads?"

Billy Widgeon had come to a stand-still, and had to appeal to his
companions.

"That's about all," said one of the men. "I'd stow it now."

"Right, mate; I will," said Billy, who had recovered himself a little
and was beginning to think of a great many more things he would like to
say. "So we're ready, sir, whether it's fisties or pistols, and if Mr
Gregory yonder and Mr Morgan--as we're werry sorry he's wounded--don't
give no orders another way, we'll do as you wants us to, so what's it to
be? Theer, that's all."

"Thank you, my lads, thank you," said the major quietly.

"Not much of a speech, were it?" said Billy to one of his forecastle
mates.

"What, yourn?" said the man.

"Tchah! No! The major's."

"Didn't think much o' yourn anyhow," said the man.

"Why didn't you make one, then?" growled Billy fiercely.

"There, don't get up a quarrel, mate," said the man. "P'r'aps we shall
all be trussed up like larks 'fore to-morrow morning; so let's be
friends."

"Eight," said Billy, slapping his great palm into his companion's; and
Mark smiled