catch hold of his
tail; a second would jump down on his back, but would be off again
before he had time almost to turn his head. Had he chosen, I am sure he
could have caught one or two of the most daring, and would soon with his
powerful jaws have made an end of them; but he disdained to take offence
at their puny efforts to annoy him, and continued to treat them with the
greatest good humour.

The Lascars were below, or asleep in the shade under the
topgallant-forecastle. I made my way to the caboose, where Potto Jumbo
was singing merrily, though the heat was sufficient to cook the dinner,
one would suppose, without the aid of the fire. Macco had been
appointed to attend on him as cook's mate. The arrangement appeared to
please both parties, for Potto was always good-natured, and Macco
obedient, and apparently anxious to learn his duties.

"Dere, Macco, you go get bucket of water, and scrape dem 'tatoes, and
wash dem well," he said, pointing to the shady side of the ship, or
rather what was then the shady side, for as she was continually moving
round, that was as often shifting; indeed, so directly almost over our
heads was the sun, that there was very little shade at all. "I want to
tell you someting, Massa Walter," said Potto; "so I send dat black
fellow away." (Macco was many shades lighter than the cook; still he
always persisted in calling him "dat black fellow.") "I wish de captain
had put Ali and his people on shore at Singapore. Dey again plot
mischief. I hear dem talky, talky, when dey no tink I listen, just as
before. What dey intend to do I do not 'xactly know; but it is
mischief, I know dat. Dey no set de ship on fire again; but perhaps dey
try to cast her away, or to scuttle her, or some oder ting. Massa
Walter, dare are many pirate ships out in dese parts; and de last place
we touch at, I know Ali talky wid some black fellows, and me tink he
told dem to follow de ship, and dat he will help to let dem come on
board and take her."

"But why did you not tell Mr Thudicumb or the captain this?" I said.

"Dey tink I fond of finding mares' nests," he answered. "De captain
believe Ali when he say before dat he took boat to help ladies; and he
no believe dat he set de ship on fire," was the black's answer.

"Well, Potto, I will tell Mr Thudicumb what you say, as before, and I
am very sure he will attend to your advice. I think the captain
believed you before more than you supposed; though, had