and Panton eagerly took part in the little discussion.

Ever since the attack had ceased careful watch had been kept after the
windows had been made thoroughly secure and no one had left the deck of
the brig. But such a condition of affairs was proving terribly irksome,
besides cutting off the opportunities for obtaining fresh fish and meat.

The idea which found most favour was that the enemy had gone back to
their canoes and paddled away, but this had to be put to the test, and
various were the plans proposed, but none seemed to possess qualities
which commended themselves to the mate.

"No, gentlemen," he said, "I think my last idea will be the best; I'll
start before daylight to-morrow morning and steer for the sea, so as to
make out whether they have a canoe on the shore. If there is not one,
they must have gone."

"And what is to become of us and the brig if you are unable to get
back?" asked Oliver rather indignantly.

"Well," said Mr Rimmer with his eyes twinkling, "that would be rather
awkward for both of us, squire, but we won't look at the worst side of
the case, but at the best. I'll come back if I can."

"But I agree with Mr Lane," said Panton. "I don't want to be selfish,
but there are two things against you, Mr Rimmer, you would be deserting
your ship and crew as captain, and your patients as doctor. No, sir,
you must not go."

"Two things against me, eh?" said the mate. "And what do you say, Mr
Drew?"

"The same as my friends, sir. It is quite impossible for you to go."

"Three against me, eh? What are we to do, then; stay in this wretched
state of uncertainty, unable to stir a yard from the brig?"

"No," said Drew. "I shall go. I'll take Smith and Wriggs. I'm used to
those two men, and they're used to me. I'll start before daylight."

"That's good," cried his friends.

"Yes," said Mr Rimmer, "that's good, and I'll agree that it is the best
thing that can be done. But you'll have to be very careful, sir, and at
the least sign of danger begin to retreat. Look here, take this old
boatswain's whistle, and if you are pressed in any way, blow it as soon
as you are near the brig, and we'll turn out and come to your help."

"Thank you, Mr Rimmer," said Drew, cheerfully, "but I hope I shall not
have to use it."

A good breakfast was ready a couple of hours before daylight, and Mr
Rimmer himself called Drew up, doing everything he could to further his
object, even to taking four men