the last few moments he had been ignoring, and looked him up
and down in a supercilious manner which made the blood mount to the
boy's forehead, and set him staring down at the middy's bright shoes,
from whence he slowly raised his eyes as far as the belt which supported
the dirk, and from there higher up to his hat, where he fixed his eyes
upon the officer's cockade and kept them obstinately there, till the
lad's nostrils began to expand, he grew as red in the face as Rodd, and
his menacing eyes seemed to say, You insolent young civilian, how dare
you!

"Rather a strong crew, skipper," said the lieutenant sharply.

"Yes, sir; picked men," replied Captain Chubb.

"And there's a look about them of the able seaman, R.N."

"Perhaps so, sir," replied the skipper, who gazed bluntly back at the
intruder.

"Well-found schooner, skipper, and carries a press of sail."

"Yes, sir. Very smart craft," replied the skipper.

"Long gun amidships and a couple of small brass guns forward," continued
the lieutenant, who seemed to miss nothing. "Very roomy hold below, I
should say."

"Yes, sir. Built for a Mediterranean orange boat."

"And no cargo, I think you said."

"No, sir; only scientific traps, as Dr Robson here calls them."

"Yes," said the doctor, interposing.

"I am not talking to you, sir," said the lieutenant haughtily. "Your
turn will come."

Rodd's uncle bowed, and turned away, frowning.

"Stop, sir!" cried the officer sharply.

"What insolence, uncle!" said Rodd aloud; and he turned away from the
midshipman, to cross to his uncle's side.

"What's that?" shouted the lieutenant, and the middy clapped his hand to
the hilt of his dirk.

"I said what insolence, sir. My uncle is a gentleman."

"And it seems that his nephew is not. Be silent, boy, and recollect in
whose presence you stand. I am a King's officer.--Now, Mr--what is
your name? Robson? Have the goodness to tell me how it is that, with a
light, fast-sailing schooner, well-armed, and with a crew evidently
fighting men, you are found here in the neighbourhood of one of the
notorious slave-supplying rivers? You may just as well speak the truth,
for in all probability your schooner will be a prize to his Majesty's
sloop of war _Diadem_."

"I beg your pardon," said the doctor quietly. "Suspicious appearances
can always be found by those who seek for them. If you will have the
goodness to step below with the captain you can examine the pap