ted to the other
what he himself has been thinking; the thoughts of both being hitherto
vague, though every moment becoming more defined. And the appearance of
the red men upon the ratlines--strange to the sailors--seems to have
made things more intelligible to them. Judging by the expression upon
their faces, they comprehend what is puzzling their companions. And
with a sense of anxiety more than fear--more of doubt than dismay.

The lieutenant speaks first, shouting in command:

"Give way! Quick! Pull in! Head on for the forechains!"

He acts in an excited manner, appearing nervously impatient. And, as if
mechanically, the midshipman repeats the order, imitating the mien of
his superior. The men execute it, but slowly, and with seeming
reluctance. They know their officers to be daring fellows, both. But
now they deem them rash, even to recklessness. For they cannot
comprehend the motives urging them to action. Still they obey; and the
prow of the boat strikes the barque abeam.

"Grapple on!" commands the senior officer soon as touching.

A boat-hook takes grip in the chains; and the cutter, swinging round,
lies at rest alongside.

The lieutenant has already risen to his feet, as also the mid. Ordering
only the coxswain to follow, they spring to the chains, lay hold, and
lift themselves aloft.

Obedient to orders, the men remain in the boat, still keeping seat on
the thwarts, in wonder at the bold bearing of their officers--at the
same time admiring it.

CHAPTER FIVE.

A FEAST UNFINISHED.

Having gained the bulwarks, the two officers, balancing themselves on
the rail, look down over the decks of the polacca. Their glances sweep
these forward, aft, and amidships--ranging from stem to stern, and back
again.

Nothing seen there to explain the strangeness of affairs; nothing heard.
No sailor on the fore-deck, nor officer on the quarter! Only the two
queer creatures that had shown themselves on the shrouds. These are
still visible, one of them standing by the mainmast, the other crouching
near the caboose. Both again give out their jabbering speech,
accompanying it with gestures of menace.

Disregarding this, the lieutenant leaps down upon the deck, and makes
towards them; the mid and coxswain keeping close after.

At their approach, the hirsute monsters retreat; not scared-like, but
with a show of defiance, as if disposed to contest possession of the
place. They give back, however, bi