ky. There's nothing in
it."

"Humph!" grunted the carpenter once more.

"And hark at that! You've set old Chips off snoring with your plot."

"That he aren't!" growled the carpenter. "I've heared every precious
word. It's fine, Mr Poole, sir--fine! There's only one thing wanted
to put it right, and that's them Sallies sitting round the fire. I
wouldn't have Sallies. I'd have guys. I could knock you up
half-a-dozen with crossed bamboos, each on 'em looking like
tatter-doolies looking after crows with a gun. I says the plan would
do."

"And so do I, carpenter," said the skipper, in his quick short tones as
he stepped out from among the trees, making the three start to their
feet.

"And I, my friend," cried Don Ramon excitedly catching the middy by the
hand.

"Poole, my lad," continued the skipper, "get one of the other men and go
cautiously down to the landing-place with every care, and if you reach
it unhindered, whistle up the boat at once. Carpenter, get others to
help you, and start fires as quickly as you can. _Very_ small. The
others can do that, while you contrive your rough effigies.--Now, Don
Ramon, you'll take the covering of our efforts with your men while mine
work. Remember, it is for our lives, and our only chance."

CHAPTER THIRTY ONE.

FITZ SHOWS PEPPER.

"Here, Mr Burnett!" came out of the darkness, and Fitz stopped short.
"Yes, sir."

"Do you know that you are a great nuisance?"

It was invisible, but Fitz flushed and felt, after his fashion, peppery.

"I don't understand you, sir," he said hotly.

"I spoke plainly, my lad. You are always in my way, and you never were
more so than at this minute."

"Then why did you take me prisoner, sir?" said the boy angrily.

"Why, in the name of thunder, did you come and tumble down my hatchway
instead of stopping on the gunboat? I didn't ask you to come. Here,
you are as bad as having a girl on board, or something made of wax, that
mustn't be spoiled. I can't stir without thinking of having to take
care of you."

"Oh," cried Fitz angrily. "This is adding insult to injury, sir."

"Well, yes, it don't sound very pleasant, does it, my boy? But you are
a young nuisance, you know. I mustn't have you hurt. You see, Poole's
my own, and I can do what I like with him; but you--Now then, what were
you going to do?"

"I was going with Poole, sir."

"Of course!" cried the skipper angrily. "Just like a middy. I never
had anyt