prevent it doing further mischief."

"All very right," observed Hemming; "most people act from more than one
motive, and it's well that both should be good. It's enough for me that
it's my duty to kill the fellows if they don't give in."

It wanted still nearly an hour to daylight. The boat had lost sight of
the frigate for some time. She had made good way to the northward under
sail. At length, when the first faint streaks of sunlight were observed
breaking forth over the land, Hemming ordered the sail to be lowered.
By this they had a better chance of seeing the felucca without being
seen. The lieutenant stood up and slowly moved round, scanning every
part of the horizon. The land breeze had now completely died away, and
there was not a ripple on the water, though the slow moving glassy
undulations which came rolling in and constantly rocking the boat,
showed that they were not floating on an inland lake. Jack and Adair
began to fear that the felucca was not in sight, when Hemming slowly
sank down into his seat again, saying quietly, as he cast eyes on the
boat's compass, "There she is, though; out oars. Starboard the helm a
little, Rogers, west-north-west. That will do. Give way, my lads."

Away glided the boat, urged on by sturdy arms, in the direction
mentioned. After pulling some time the light increased, and the tops of
the felucca's sails appeared above the limited horizon of the rowers.
Once more Hemming stood up. The slaver lay perfectly becalmed. He
ordered all hands to breakfast. The cocoa was quickly heated, and the
meal was soon despatched with good appetite. Then he allowed those who
wished it to smoke for a few minutes, and once more, the oars being got
out, away went the boat in the direction of the slaver.

Before long they themselves must have been seen from her deck; but, to
his surprise, as Hemming looked at her through his glass, he saw that
her sweeps were not got out, nor was any attempt made to escape. There
she lay rocking slowly on the slow undulating water, as if no human
being was on board to rule her course. As they drew closer still, only
one person indeed was to be seen on her deck. He was walking up and
down it with a glass tucked under his arm, apparently scarcely noticing
their approach. Hemming naturally suspected treachery. He well knew
that the slavers were capable of the greatest atrocity. He was,
therefore, prepared for any emergency.

"Why, sir," exclaim