on of another
attempt to blow it open.

But the minutes glided on, and all grew quiet forward to our great
surprise; but we soon knew why, for a man came along bearing some
biscuit and cold pork in one hand, a bowl of steaming coffee in the
other, and it was evident that he was taking the man at the wheel some
breakfast from the meal of which the crew were partaking.

"A good example, captain," said Mr Frewen. "I can keep on guard here
while you people all have some refreshment. They must need it, for I'm
sure I do."

I offered to take Mr Frewen's place, but he would not hear of it, and
matters were compromised by my taking him his breakfast, when some
provisions had hastily been placed on the saloon-table; and carrying
mine with me, together with a box for our table, dragged down close to
the barricade, and between it and the door, we made a hearty meal.

The ladies had come out of their cabins, and I saw how eager Miss
Denning was to attend upon her brother and Mr Brymer, for whom, in his
wounded state, she seemed to be full of sympathy. Then after attending
upon him, she flitted to the captain's side, while from time to time Mr
Frewen looked on, and appeared to be wishing that he too was wounded so
as to be waited upon like that. At last the captain spoke.

"There, my dear," he cried, "not another mouthful for me if you don't go
to your place by your brother, and have something to eat yourself."

"Oh, but I can have something at any time, Captain Berriman, when you
are all busy protecting us."

"No," cried Captain Berriman, "not another mouthful." And he spoke so
emphatically, that Miss Denning glanced at her brother, and then at a
nod went and sat down.

I noticed that in spite of our position, everybody was making an effort
to treat the trouble coolly; even Mr Frewen smiled at me, after
glancing through the narrow opening.

"Come, Dale, lad, eat away. Don't say you've got no appetite."

"Oh, I'm pretty hungry, sir," I replied; "but all this in the night
isn't the sort of thing to make one want his breakfast."

"Don't despair, my lad, it will come all right. Why, they must have
given us nearly all the powder in those two bags you brought in, and if
they don't mind, you and I will make a contrivance to hoist them with
their own petard. But I don't want to shed blood if I can help it."

"No," I said, with a shudder, "it is too horrid."

Mr Frewen looked at me searchingly.

"Only," he continued