His share in the affair at Rio had caused him to be regarded with
respect and admiration by the young men on board, and they felt that if
in his opinion the danger was grave it was not for them to doubt its
reality. A vigilant watch was kept all night, and loaded muskets were
served out to the watch on deck. The guns had been loaded before they
anchored, and the spare muskets were placed so as to be handy for the
watch below should they be suddenly called up. After the moon went down
a light mist rose on the surface of the sea. Several times during the
night faint sounds were heard near the ship, but immediately the officer
of the watch challenged, silence reigned for a considerable time.

"How has the night passed, Ryan?" Mr. Atherton asked the first officer
as soon as he came on deck, just as daylight was breaking.

"There have been some of them near us all night," Mr. Ryan replied. "I
do not think they were in force, but they wanted to see whether we kept
a sharp watch; and I think we have satisfied them as to that, for
everytime the slightest noise was heard we hailed at once. I should like
to have sent a musket-ball in the direction of the sound, but as we must
get a spar, if possible, and shall be all the better for a score or two
casks of fresh water, it won't do to begin to quarrel with them. Once we
get what we want on board the beggars may attack us as soon as they
like. It would do them a world of good to get handsomely thrashed, and
to be taught that vessels are not to be plundered with impunity."

"As you say, it might do them good, but I hope there will be no trouble.
I have no doubt whatever that we should beat them off, but we might lose
some lives in doing it; besides, we have ladies on board."

"I hope so too; and, prepared as we are, I should feel quite safe if it
was not for that mast being gone. They know that we are comparative
cripples, and no doubt looked upon us as lawful booty when they saw us
making in; and I do not think they will let themselves be balked of
their prey without an effort."

"That is just my view of the matter, and I mean to keep a sharp look-out
while we are here. You will all have your hands full, and I will get two
or three of the young fellows to join with me in keeping a sharp watch
over their doings."

"That is a good plan," the mate agreed. "There will, as you say, be
plenty for us to do, and it worries one to have to attend to work and to
keep one's eyes at the bac