CHAPTER X.
Tommy stared for some minutes at the antics of the Ibexes, and then turned to the ex-Pirate.
"How very odd!" he remarked.
"Very," assented the other. "Aren't you beginning to feel sort of queer?"
"I don't notice any motion at all," replied Tommy.
"I don't mean that," said the ex-Pirate, looking reproachfully at the little boy. "But, personally, I am beginning to become affected by all these animals. I almost feel as though I could become a second Abou-Ben-Din."
"A second Abou-Ben-Din?"
"Yes," continued the ex-Pirate, scarcely noticing the interruption. "But I hardly think it would pay. I doubt if there are any other craft hereabouts."
"What are you mumbling about, anyway?" asked Tommy.
"I was not mumbling at all. I was thinking of Abou-Ben-Din. There was a pirate for you!"