lack fellows we saw in the canoe will sneak ashore to
come and do anything to us with their spears?"

"Rodney!" cried the doctor indignantly.

"But they are sure to have spears, uncle, or else they couldn't be
sticking the fish."

"Go to sleep, sir!" said the doctor angrily.

Rodd went at once, and did not stir again, till an extra loud crackling
of burning wood made him start up in wonder and alarm.

But it was only the morning watch, in the persons of Joe Cross and the
appointed cook, making up the fire afresh in view of what Joe called
boiling the billy and to give the cook some good broiling embers, for it
was the break of day once more.

CHAPTER FORTY THREE.

THE STRANGERS.

Rodd's toilet did not take him long, for though the water was clear and
tempting as it rippled on the sand, the recollection of what might
possibly be there in the way of ravenous fish, if even there were no
reptiles, kept him from venturing for a swim, while when he suggested to
the Spaniard the possibility of bathing in safety, the man looked at him
in surprise, and his words were tinged with contempt as he said--

"Bathe! What for?"

Rodd did not answer, but turned his back quickly and hurried away to
where Morny was questioning Joe Cross and the cook about whether the men
they had succeeded in the watch had heard anything in the night.

"Here, catch hold of me, you two," Rodd gasped out, "and help me away
there among the trees."

"Hah! What's the matter?" cried Morny. "Are you taken bad?"

"Horrid. Don't talk to me. Get me out of sight. I am going off."

Morny and Joe each caught him by an arm and hurried him in amongst the
trees.

"Don't be frightened," gasped out Rodd. "Oh, that Spanish chap! He'll
be the death of me!"

"Why, you are laughing!" cried Morny angrily. "How dare you frighten us
like this!"

"I--I--I--I--" gasped out Rodd--"couldn't help it, old fellow. Oh, that
Spaniard!"

Morny was really angry, but Joe Cross's frank face had expanded into a
grim smile.

"What game's he been up to, Mr Rodd, sir?"

"Oh, it was very stupid of me," said Rodd, wiping his eyes; "but I was
afraid of laughing in his face, and the more I tried to look serious the
more it would come; and I didn't want to offend him."

"Just like 'em, sir," said Joe, as Rodd explained himself more fully.
"'Tis their natur' to; and besides, it's what an old woman I used to
know called being codimical. Yes, sir, I've watched 'e