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