Count, "and if it did, though my
brig is still helpless I should have your vessel, with about half your
crew, and my own. So now not another word."

"There," said the doctor, "I am afraid I am beaten."

CHAPTER FORTY ONE.

REPTILIAN.

It was just about the same time as the Spaniard had chosen for his other
visits, after dark, that his boat was again rowed across to the
schooner's anchorage, the man asking for the doctor.

"I'm here," said Uncle Paul, going to the side, from where he had been
talking to the Count. "What's the matter?"

"Matter?" said the Spaniard wonderingly. "Oh, there's nothing the
matter. I thought I'd tell you that those two men of mine you gave the
physic to are quite well again, and don't want any more. That's all.
Go on shooting the crocodiles. Good-night!"

He gave an order to his men, and the boat's head was turned, but as soon
as they had proceeded a little way back the Spaniard gave another order,
and his men checked the boat and kept on gently dipping their oars to
keep her in the same place. "Doctor there?" shouted the Spaniard.
"Yes."

"Haven't thought any more about going up the river, have you?"

There was dead silence for a few moments, and then Uncle Paul said
sharply, as if making an effort--

"Yes; I shall start as soon as the tide turns to-morrow morning."

"Very well," said the man carelessly. "I will come across with my
long-boat and eight of my men. They want a job to keep them awake."

Then he grumbled out some words in Spanish to those who were with him,
while, as if annoyed at what he had heard, Captain Chubb uttered a low
growl.

"No, you needn't do that," cried Uncle Paul. "Our men would like to go
up the river. If you will come across to act as guide I will use my own
boat, and take all provisions that are necessary."

"Very well," said the Spaniard. "Perhaps that will be best. Your
boat's lighter than mine. Take plenty of powder and shot. Like some of
my men to come and help?"

"Oh no; it will not be necessary," replied the captain.

"Bring blankets," shouted the Spaniard. "Dew's heavy. Good-night!"
Then the boat was rowed away.

"You mean to go?" grunted the skipper.

"Yes; I don't like to lose this opportunity, and our friends here would
like us to go."

"Well," grunted the skipper, after a few moments' thought, "he's only
one, and you'll be how many?"

"I was taking eight of the men to row; that is to say, four rowers, and