"However much we may differ, Bastin, I respect you for that
sentiment," commented Bickley.

"I don't know why you should," answered Bastin; "but if so, you
might follow my example."

That night we slept like logs, trusting to our teak door which
we barricaded, and to Tommy, who was a most excellent watch-dog,
to guard us against surprise. At any rate we took the risk. As a
matter of fact, nothing happened, though before dawn Tommy did
growl a good deal, for I heard him, but as he sank into slumber
again on my bed, I did not get up. In the morning I found from
fresh footprints that two or three men had been prowling about
the ship, though at a little distance.

We rose early, and taking the necessary precautions, bathed in
the pool. Then we breakfasted, and having filled every available
receptacle with water, which took us a long time as these
included a large tank that supplied the bath, so that we might
have at least a week's supply in case of siege, we went on deck
and debated what we should do. In the end we determined to stop
where we were and await events, because, as I pointed out, it was
necessary that we should discover whether these natives were
hostile or friendly. In the former event we could hold our own on
the ship, whereas away from it we must be overwhelmed; in the
latter there was always time to move inland.

About ten o'clock when we were seated on stools smoking, with
our guns by our side--for here, owing to the overhanging cliff in