ept that it reminds me that we little
know what is in store for us. Here are we becalmed--three day's sail
from the coral island, where the niggers were so near converting us into
cooked victuals, and I wouldn't at this minute give twopence in security
for the life of any one on board the _Rover_."

"Why, what mean you?" asked Will, with increasing perplexity. "Some of
the crew are bad enough, no doubt, but many of them are evidently good
men--what is it that you fear?"

"Fear! why, there's everything to fear," said the captain in a
suppressed but excited whisper, drawing still closer to his friend.
"I've often sailed in these seas, and I know that while some of the
traders sailing between these islands and South America and other parts
are decentish enough, others are as great cut-throats as ever deserved
to swing at the yard-arm. But that's not the point. I have overheard,
of late, some of the rascals plotting to murder the officers and take
this ship. But I cannot point 'em out, for though I heard their voices
I couldn't see their faces. I think I know who they are, but could not
swear to 'em, and it would be worse than useless to denounce them till
we have some evidence to go on. I therefore want you to help me with
your advice and assistance, so that we may get up a counterplot to spoil
their fun--for I'm quite certain that if we fail to--hark! what's that?"

Will did not answer, but both listened intently to the sound which had
interrupted Captain Dall's discourse. It was evident that the officer
and men of the watch had also heard it, for they, too, had ceased to
walk to and fro, and their figures could be dimly seen in a listening
attitude at the gangway.

For several minutes they listened without hearing anything--then a
hoarse, guttural shout broke the stillness of the night for a few
seconds and died away. The men looked at each other, and some of the
more superstitious among them grew pale. Again the cry was repeated,
somewhat nearer, and again all was still. Some of the oldest hands in
the watch stood transfixed and powerless with terror. They would have
faced death in any form manfully, but this mysterious sound unnerved
them!

The officer of the watch went down to report it to Captain Blathers, who
immediately came on deck. Just as he appeared, the cry was repeated and
a slight splash was heard.

"Some one in distress," cried Captain Blathers promptly; "a crew for the
starboard quarter