"Why did the commander of the ship instruct Captain Scott to make a port at Valetta in the island of Malta?" demanded the first officer.
"Because, as I said, it is possible that the ship may fail to find the Maud. But this question is no more to me than to the rest of the party; and I am willing to do what the majority think best, Morris," replied Louis, when the mate began to be a little warm in the discussion.
"I think we had better call the captain, and have the matter decided at once," added Morris.
Louis was sent aft to attend to this duty, as the mate decided. Scott was sleeping very soundly, and he was entitled to another hour nearly in his bed. He woke with a start when Louis put his hand on the arm of the dreamer, as he appeared to be.
"Eight bells?" demanded Captain Scott, as he sat up in his bed.
"Not yet, Captain; it wants almost an hour of it; but the mate ordered me to call you, for we have got into a sort of difficulty," replied Louis.
"What kind of a difficulty? Is the Pacha chasing us?"
"Not that I am aware of; but the water has all leaked out of the casks in the run," said the messenger, telling the whole truth all in a heap.
"How can that be?" asked the captain blankly.
"I am sure I don't know. Pitts found the casks empty when he went to the run for water."