the
urgency of the occasion.

"You mind your own business, you young dog," said Tompkins, glad to have
the opportunity of snubbing Tom. "I suppose you would like to command
this ship, but you sha'n't while I'm on board."

"You cad!" muttered Tom under his breath, as he walked away forward to
look at the men more closely. "I wish I had you on land for a quiet
half hour, and I'd soon take the starch out of you!"

"None of your jaw," shouted the second mate as a parting shot. "I hear
you, and if you speak another word I'll have you put in irons for
mutiny," swearing also a fearful oath. So Tom had to put up with the
other's language and nurse his wrath until the skipper came on board.

When Charley joined him presently, they took note of the new additions
to the crew, who were altogether eight in number; but to their surprise
they did not see the Greek among them whom Mohammed had indicated as
being the far-famed corsair; and on their comparing their views they
both agreed that the worthy Turk must have been "slinging the hatchet"
at their expense, or else mistaken about the supposed pirate.

On Captain Harding coming off, however, they thought it their duty to
tell him what they heard; but the skipper, who was a bold bluff English
sailor, laughed the Turk's warning to scorn, and joked the young fellows
for taking any notice of it.

"What! Mohammed told you, the keeper of the khan by the Capuchin
monastery. My dear boys, he was only humbugging you. I saw the old
rascal this very morning hauled up before the cadi, for being drunk and
kicking up a row. He must be able to spin a fine yarn when he has a
mind to. There are no pirates nowadays in the Mediterranean; and if we
do come across any, I believe the _Muscadine_ will be able to give a
good account of them. Pirates! bless my soul, what a tremendous liar
that old Turk must be! Those Greeks I've shipped are honest sailors
enough; for I've examined their papers, and had them before our consul.
Besides, I've told them what sort of discipline I keep on board my ship;
and they are not likely to try and come the old soldier over me--not if
John Harding knows it!"

"But, captain," put in Tom.

The skipper wouldn't hear any more, however. "Now get to your stations,
lads," said he, to show that the private interview was at an end. "Mr
Aldridge, I must make you acting second officer in Mr Tompkins' place,
as I've promoted him to poor Wilson's berth until he can