The sharp eyes of the Malay seemed to take in everything at a glance. He made no attempt to break through the 'guard of honour' ranged across the deck, and followed the captain to the saloon. He remained to tea, and became greatly interested in his host.
The latter laughed and chatted in the most friendly manner, as though nothing unusual was passing, and of the scores of natives already on the deck he took not the slightest notice.
'S'pose you come 'shore to-mollow morning,' the visitor said at parting; 'me show big chief. Him likee Engleeshman.'
The captain agreed to do so, and with all his men the Malay returned home.
'We must be obliging, Sennit,' the skipper observed. 'Should a breeze come, we'll clear out. If not, I'll show we are not afraid.'
'Better remain on board,' the mate advised. 'You may go just a step too far in trusting them, and the result might be fatal.'
'That fellow seemed friendly enough,' the old man replied. 'At anyrate, while this calm lasts we're more or less at their mercy, and that is what I do not wish them to know.'
A double watch was set, and the night passed quietly, save for the unceasing noise of bull-frogs and countless insects ashore.
Bright and early next morning the captain came on deck, and as the calm still hung over the island he made preparations for visiting it.
'Clewlin,' he exclaimed, 'after breakfast, put on all your best gear, and come ashore with me. Never before did I see the use of a brass-bound suit, but I now believe that with you in one, the rascals will think the barque a man-o'-war.'