you saw, Sir John, we would be obliged to camp out for one,
perhaps two nights, if we tried to row inside the reef, and it would be
dangerous with the enemy about."

"And the steam is up, and we could run round outside the reef, and be
back here in the evening."

"Why not try inside?" said the doctor.

"I was thinking of it," replied the captain. "There is the risk of
coming upon shallow water; but if Sir John likes we'll try. I can have
a couple of men sounding."

"It would be much more interesting than going out to sea," put in Jack.
"It's so much better than having to be always looking through a glass."

"Try inside, Bradleigh," said Sir John.

"It means coals, sir."

"Never mind that," said Sir John, who had just drawn a deep breath full
of satisfaction to see the intense interest his son was taking in
everything now.

"And what about our friends the blacks?" said the doctor.

"Well, sir, we should find out whether they are neighbours or visitors
from some other island. I expect the latter," said the captain, "but I
want to know."

"Wouldn't there be time to try for the sharks first?" said Jack.

"Oh yes, we could give an hour to that," said the captain; "for perhaps
while we are rounding the island our friends of last night will come and
fetch their boat. They are welcome to it, I suppose, Sir John. You
don't want to take it back to England as a specimen?"

"No," said Sir John, smiling, "let them have it; and I hope we shall see
no more of them while we are here."

There was a little excitement among the men as the cutter was lowered
down, and a couple of small harpoons, two lances, and a little tub
containing a hundred yards of fine strong line carefully coiled in rings
were handed down, along with three rifles.

Jack was looking on deeply interested after going with the doctor and
Edward to fetch these and the necessary ammunition from the little
museum-like place set apart for them and the magazine. He was so much
occupied with the preparations and his eagerness to get back that he did
not notice a peculiar cough which was uttered behind him twice.

But when it was delivered again with peculiar emphasis close by, and
followed by a touch on the arm, he turned sharply round to find Edward
looking at him with a most agonised expression of countenance--so bad
did the man seem that Jack was startled.

"Why, Ned," he cried, "what's the matter? Here, doctor! doctor!"

"Hush! don't, sir, pray