, we are protected," replied Weber, thinking only
of the weather.

"I meant from the natives, not from the elements," remarked Hughes.

"I know no more of Madagascar than you do," replied the captain. "It is
the first time my anchor ever had hold of the island."

"Then let me tell you, I do," ejaculated Wyzinski. "The same
circumstance which brought this bay to my knowledge, taught me that the
natives here are treacherous and wily. You will have them round you
before sunset."

"Let them come," replied the sailor; "we have small arms, besides two
guns."

"Do you think we can land with prudence, Wyzinski?"

"I should strongly advise putting the brig in a state to resist if
attacked, and the arms handy if wanted. As for landing, we might pitch
our tent under the trees yonder; but I should deprecate any straggling
away."

"Very well, gentlemen. I hear the boats being lowered; I am going to
carry out an anchor astern, so as to moor the ship safely. The
arm-chest shall be hoisted out, and placed at the foot of the mainmast.
The two guns, and the small arms I will place in your charge, if you
will honour me by serving as a marine, Captain Hughes."

"In which capacity the Light Infantry drill will be useless," remarked
Wyzinski, laughing.

"The boats are alongside, and the men on deck, Captain Weber," said Mr
Lowe, who at that moment appeared at the cabin-door.

"Very well. Get the stream-anchor into the pinnace, and rouse out a few
fathoms of cable," replied the captain.

"Ay, ay, sir," was the mate's reply.

"And, Mr Lowe," called out the captain, "send the arm-chest on deck.
Is there any one who understands an armourer's business?"

"Well, sir, there's Jackson, who was a blacksmith's apprentice before he
ran away and joined the brig at Liverpool."

"He'll do; place him at the disposal of Captain Hughes."

"Ay, ay, sir," again replied the mate as he went up the hatchway.

"And now, gentlemen, I must look after the brig. So soon as I have
moored her head and stern, you can have one of the boats, only I can't
spare you any other hand except Jackson."

There were plenty of muskets to arm the whole crew, but they had need of
much overhauling. The two guns were of respectable size, carrying a
nine-pound ball; and what with the necessary cleaning, the making
cartridge, and swinging the guns with their carnages, one on to the
quarter-deck the other on to the forecastle, the day wore on. The man
Jackso