ha, ha! Potto Jumbo no sleep when his friends in
danger, and their enemies plotting."

He said this in his usual low voice, and leaving me, dived below. By
the next forenoon the sea had almost completely gone down. The reefs
had been shaken out of the sails, and under our usual canvas we were
making good speed across the ocean. Passing near the caboose, Potto
Jumbo popped out his head.

"Tell de first mate to be on de watch. Dey going to do something--
mischief--never fear dat; me know not what dough, dey so quiet; but dey
intend to take away a boat, dat I heard dem say."

Having thus delivered himself, Potto drew his head in within his den.
As soon as I could return aft, I found an opportunity of telling Mr
Thudicumb what Potto had said.

"Not much fear of their getting off," observed the first mate. "It
would be difficult for the serang and his men to lower a boat without
being discovered. We must, however, keep a strict watch over him. He
probably supposes that we are near some land which he hopes to reach.
Still, whatever may be his intentions, we will be even with him."

The sun had set in a glorious glow of red. The passengers were on deck
enjoying the coolness of evening, though the shades of night quickly
came down over the ocean. Suddenly there was a startling cry of "Fire,
fire!" and a thin wreath of dark smoke was seen ascending up the
fore-hatchway.

"Strike the fire-bell!" cried the captain. "No rushing, my men!
Steady! Mr Thudicumb will lead the way below. Be ready with the
buckets.--Mr Martin," to the second officer, "rig a pump overboard!
Mr Tarbox, come aft!"

The captain whispered a few words to him. The men obeyed all the orders
promptly. A line was formed to pass the buckets as they were filled
down the hold. The first officer and several men descended. The
passengers joined the party to pass the buckets. Among the most active
of the people appeared Ali, and two or three of his men. I observed,
however, that the remainder kept together on one side of the ship. The
smoke increased, in spite of the water which was now hove down on the
spot whence it was supposed to proceed. Faster and faster we passed the
buckets. Presently there was a cry, and first one man and then another
was hauled up almost suffocated with smoke. Mr Thudicumb came last: he
could scarcely stand; indeed, he appeared almost senseless. He quickly
recovered, however, and insisted on again going below, t