CHAPTER X
IN A PIRATE'S STRONGHOLD
On reaching the barque the Malay promptly sprang up the rope ladder which Mr. Sennit had ordered to be lowered, but on reaching the gangway he drew back quickly, as if fearing treachery.
'What's the matter?' the captain inquired.
'You men no shoot?' the other nervously exclaimed.
'Shoot? certainly not. Go ahead, man; there is nothing to fear.'
The Malay thus assured stepped on deck, and peered inquiringly at the mate.
On reaching them Captain Thorne immediately perceived the cause of alarm, and with difficulty repressed his satisfaction of Mr. Sennit's measures to prevent attack, and impress his dusky-hued visitor.
The whole crew, with the Germans working their passage to Singapore, were ranged across the deck. All the men were armed with muskets, old cutlasses, and several long spears, captured on the island in Torres Strait. In close order they stood at the 'ready,' each man awaiting the order to fire on the canoes approaching, and keenly watching their movements.
Such a spectacle visibly affected the Malay, especially as he also perceived that a formidable-looking brass-mounted eight-pounder gun stood at each side of the cabin, which could sweep the deck of every opponent. They were, however, only put there for show, since being very old they dared not be discharged. 'Ho, ho!' the visitor exclaimed, and grinned till his red-stained teeth appeared. 'You plenty men an' gun, cappee. Me likee go Singapore 'long of you.'
'All right,' the skipper laughingly returned; but he had no idea that his guest meant what was said.