ter."

"Let him alone," said Barkins gruffly.

"When I've done with him," said Smith; "you could have had first go at
him if you had liked."

"I don't want to hit the little fellow, I'm not overbearing like you
are. Let him alone, I say."

"I shall let him alone when I choose," retorted Smith fiercely. "I'm
not going to let our junior ride roughshod over me, if you're fool
enough to."

"I shall be fool enough to kick you out of the cabin if you touch him,"
cried Barkins angrily. "I won't have him bullied; and it was a mean
sneaking thing to go telling tales as you did to old Dishy."

"Look here," cried Smith, "if any one is a sneak it's you, for harking
back and taking the miserable little beggar's side."

"Never mind about that; you let him alone."

"Oh, I say, Tanner," I said, "don't quarrel with him about me. What he
said did no harm. Mr Reardon was as friendly as could be."

"That's a cracker," cried Smith sharply.

At that moment a marine came to the door.

"First lieutenant wants to see Mr Herrick directly."

"Yes; where is he?" I said, smiling--purposely, of course.

"With the cap'n, sir, on the quarter-deck."

"All right; I'll be there directly."

The man saluted and marched off, while I followed to the door, where I
turned, thrust in my head, and said banteringly--

"Now be good boys and don't fight while I'm gone."

_Bang_!

A book off the table, flung by Smith, struck the door which I was
holding half open, for I saw the missile coming, and dodged it. Then I
popped my head in again.

"Don't take any notice of him, Tanner," I cried; "he's bilious. Thankye
for sticking up for me. Can I say a word for you to the captain?"

"Here, get up," cried Smith, with a snarl. "Touch your hat to him.
He's promoted; and they'll send poor old Brooke a step lower. All hail,
Lieutenant Skeeter!"

"All right!" I cried, and I hurried away, leaving Barkins looking as if
he could not believe his ears.

The next minute I was facing the captain and Mr Reardon.

CHAPTER THIRTY.

A FRESH START.

"Mr Herrick," said the captain, as I saluted, "I have decided that, as
you know so much about this business, you shall go with Mr Brooke in
one of the boats; but I wish you to observe what I say: the success of
our expedition depends a great deal upon secrecy, so do not chatter
anything about your mission in the hearing of the men."

"No, sir, certainly not," I said, wondering what the mission m