had no apprehension of being drifted on any unseen coral reef; I
thought, however, that it was time to tell Harry of my apprehensions.
"The same thing occurred to me," he answered. "However, I do not really
suppose that the fellow Myers, ruffian as he is, will make the attempt
after having found us before so wide-awake. Had we been unarmed the case
would have been different, as he would have been glad enough to possess
himself of our cargo, if he could have done so without the certainty of
getting some hard blows. However, we will be on the watch as before, and
ready to give his boats a warm reception if they attempt to molest us."
We enjoyed our usual pleasant evening meal, and afterwards had music,
reading, and lively conversation till bed-time. The mate, meanwhile,
kept watch, while I occasionally slipped up on deck to see if there was
any prospect of a breeze springing up. "Not an air in all the heavens,"
answered old Tom. "It is better than having a westerly gale to drive us
back towards the islands. Maybe we shall get a breeze before the
morning, and slip along merrily on our course." "I hope so," I said.
"The captain wishes you to keep a bright look-out to the eastward, in
case our buccaneering friends may be coming to pay us a visit." "Trust
me for that," said Tom. "I have not forgotten them, and the last words
the captain spoke to that fellow Myers will make him more than ever
eager to prevent our getting to Sydney. I don't mean to say that he will
take us, or that he has a chance of taking us, but he is very likely to
try it." After the ladies had retired to their cabins, Harry came on
deck. "I have told them not to be alarmed if they hear us firing, for I
am determined should the pirates make their appearance to stand on no
terms with them, but, if I
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