ppeared to be literally on fire with the undulating
ribbons of light, and as Mr Gregory realised this he had to reduce
their speed and caution the rowers to dip their oars with greater care.

They glided on through the darkness, looking vainly for the ship, and
from Mr Gregory's manner it soon became evident that he was doubtful as
to whether they were going in a straight line towards it, for after a
few minutes he made the men cease rowing, and bent down to take counsel
with Morgan, who sat in the bottom of the boat resting his back against
one of the thwarts.

"You ought to be able to see her now," whispered Morgan, "but I fear
that the current has carried her more east."

"That's what I was afraid of," said Gregory softly, "and I'm afraid of
missing her. If she would only show a light!"

Just then there was a low, ominous-sounding growl which made Mark hug
the dog's head to his breast and hold it tightly, while he ordered it to
be silent.

There was occasion for the growl; and it was their temporary saving that
the men had ceased rowing, for the fiery look of the water would have
betrayed their whereabouts as it did that of a vessel coming toward
them, and they were not long in realising that it was one of the praus
being rowed cautiously toward the shore.

The prau came on with the golden snakes undulating away at every dip of
the sweeps, and right and left of the keel as she softly divided the
water. All was silent on board, and nothing visible but what seemed
like a darkening of the horizon; but, as he held Bruff tightly to keep
him silent and stared excitedly at the passing vessel, Mark pictured in
his mind the deck crowded with fierce-looking opal-eyed savage men,
spear and kris armed, and ready to slay if they had the chance.

Those were perilous moments; for as the prau drew near it seemed
impossible for its occupants to pass without seeing the gig lying little
more than a few yards away. And as the English party sat there hardly
daring to breathe, and knowing that a growl from the dog would result in
a shower of spears, it seemed as if the vessel would never pass.

But pass it did, with the wonderful display of golden coruscations
undulating from the spots where the long oars softly dipped still going
on, but gradually growing more faint, and at last invisible.

"Bless that dog!" said Mr Gregory, drawing a long breath. "Now, my
lads, pull softly. We're in the right track. Give way."

The men