fore their officer, who looked them
over searchingly, his eyes resting on theirs in a fierce, penetrating
way that was far from pleasant.

Then, turning from them contemptuously, he signed to Ramsden to come
forward.

"Now," he said sharply, "repeat what you told me just now."

"Yes, sir. I had to go below yes'day evening when, as I was going along
'tween the 'ammocks, I hears the word _desert_ and I was that took
aback, sir, I--"

"Ah! You are the sort of man who would be took aback on hearing such a
word," said the first lieutenant, with a sneer.

"Yes, sir," said Ramsden.

"Let him speak," said the captain, scowling to hide a smile.

"Soon as I heard that word _desert_, I felt stopped short like; and then
I heard voices making plans for going ashore."

"What did they say?"

"Can't rec'lect what they said exactly, sir; only as one talked about a
boat, and the other about a canoe. It was Lavington as asked about the
canoe; and just now, sir, they was watching a canoe that went by, and
they exchanged signals."

"Yes, I saw them watching that canoe," said the captain, fixing his eyes
on Jem.

"Yes, sir; and one of the chiefs waved a paddle to them."

The captain nodded, and Ramsden was going on with his charge, when he
was stopped.

"That will do, my man," said the captain; "I know quite enough. Now
look here," he continued, turning to Don and Jem, "I am compelled to
believe what this man says, for I saw enough to corroborate his
testimony; but I will give you an opportunity for defending yourselves.
Is what he says true?"

Don's lips parted to say it was only about half true; but a feeling of
agonised shame checked his words. There was too much truth in it for
him to make a bold denial, so he remained silent; and Jem, taking his
cue from his companion, was silent too.

"Come," said the captain, "I like that. There is honesty in it, my
lads; and as you are both young, and pressed men, I will not be so
severe as I might for such an offence as yours."

"Didn't commit no offence," said Jem sturdily.

"Silence, sir! Now then, you know, I suppose, that though we are living
a peaceful life out here, these are war times, and the punishment of
deserters is--death."

Jem started, but Don did not stir.

"Now you are both very young, and you have worked so well, and with so
much promise of making yourselves sailors, that I should be sorry for
you--either of you--to be guilty of such a mad trick as d