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again and call up the other men below--he thought he would give Charley Onslow a hail in the meantime, to come up and keep him company until then. Not that he was a bit alarmed at the approach of the felucca, as he said to himself, or that he was anyway at all frightened at being alone on deck with the Greek sailors when so many more of their comrades might be so close at hand. But it was always best to be on the safe side, and there was nothing like a man in authority, as he was, taking due precaution against any possible danger, no matter how remote. Thus trying to cheat his own conscience, Mr Tompkins sang out for Charley down the companion, awaking him from the soundest sleep he had had for weeks with the echoes of his melodious voice. "Just like the braying of a jackass afflicted with bronchitis," as Charley said afterwards ruefully, to his chum. Much to the first mate's annoyance, he not only awoke Charley, but Tom also; both the lads coming on deck together. "I didn't call you, Mr Aldridge," he said angrily. "My watch is not over yet." "I'm quite aware of that," said Tom. "But no fellow could go to sleep after such a hideous row as you made. And besides"--looking at his watch--"I'm due in another twenty minutes, so I thought I had better come up with Charley, since I was woke up. Hullo! what is that?" he added, glancing astern at the felucca, which was now almost within speaking distance, and coming on as if she were going to sheer alongside. "What the deuce is that piratical-looking craft running us aboard like that for? If I were you, Mr Tompkins, I would signal them to stand off, and call up the captain and the other watch." "I will thank you to mind your own business, Mr Aldridge," replied the chief mate, not at all pleased with the suggestion. "If you are so terribly alarmed at the sight of a common Levantine coaster, you had better go below again." And he turned on his heel, leaving Tom burning with indignation at having his courage questioned and being taunted of being frightened, especially by such a person as Mr Tompkins. The felucca was barely a cable's length off now, and in another minute she passed underneath the _Muscadine's_ stern so closely that they could have chucked a biscuit on board her. "Schooner ahoy!" hailed Mr Tompkins. "What's the matter? Do you want anything?" But no reply was made directly, although the felucca luffed up a bit, and ran for a second or
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