“Eh? What is it, Dellow?” said the captain sharply, for the first mate appeared at the door of the cabin.
“We want to know what’s to be done,” said the mate.
“What about?” asked the captain. “What’s the matter?”
“Three arrows have come aboard since you came down.”
“Were you able to see who shot them?” said the captain.
“No.”
“Is there any wind?”
“Not enough to fill a sail,” was the mate’s response.
“Humph! and it’s no use to drop down lower, because I expect the Indians have canoes. Keep the men all under cover of the bulwarks, and you and Lynton can take a couple of rifles and amuse yourselves shooting any wild beasts you see on the starboard bow. But mind you all keep well under cover. You understand?”
“Oh, yes, I understand,” said the mate, smiling in a peculiar way; and he went to the arms rack and took down two rifles and ammunition-belts for the second mate and himself.