; "that serang has a hang-dog look, which
shows that he is capable of attempting any atrocity; but I do not think
he will succeed notwithstanding. I will tell the captain in the
morning, but there is no necessity to do so now. For his own sake, he
will not set the ship on fire, or scuttle her, at this distance from
land; and as to his hope of overpowering us, or the English part of the
crew, the idea is absurd. However, I will warn the other officers. You
go and tell Mr Tarbox I wish to speak to him. Take care the Lascar
fellows do not see you; and then go back to your berth and turn in."

I made my way to the boatswain's cabin, and, rousing him up, told him
that the first officer wished to see him on a matter of importance.

"I need ask no questions, Walter," he observed. "Do you know what it is
about?"

"Mr Thudicumb will tell you all about it," I replied; keeping to my
resolution of not speaking to any one else about the matter.

I then went to my berth, and feeling sure that all would be managed
wisely by the first officer, was in less than a couple of minutes fast
asleep. In my dreams, however, I heard fearful noises. I fancied I saw
the mutineers rushing aft; but instead of ten Lascars, there were fifty
or one hundred dark-skinned fellows, with sharp krisses in their hands,
threatening destruction to all who opposed them.

CHAPTER SIX.

THE SHIP IN DANGER.

I was awoke by the cry of "All hands, shorten sail." Slipping on my
clothes, I sprang on deck. The sea was running high, the ship was
heeling over to a strong breeze. I flew to the rigging, and my station
in the mizzen-top. It was daylight. The crew were swarming up the
rigging, and I could distinguish the Lascars forward among the most
active. Whatever might have been their intentions for evil, they seemed
as eager as any one in taking in the reefs. The serang himself lay out
on the weather yard-arm, and I saw him, earing in hand, working away
actively with the rest. The dream was still vivid on my mind; and I
could not help feeling surprised at seeing him thus engaged, when I had
expected to be struggling in a deadly conflict with him and his
companions. The ship was soon brought under snug sail, and standing on
her course to the eastward. The watch below returned to their bunks to
take the remainder of their short night's rest, and I was quickly
asleep.

Again the same dream came back to me. Once more the Lascars made their
w