His ship's company was but a dozen men, it is true, but she was used for the purposes of trade only; he would have required a more numerous crew, and all the implements, for taking seals and other amphibia.

The _Halbrane_ was not defenceless, however; on the contrary, she was heavily armed, and this was well, for those southern seas were not too safe; they were frequented at that period by pirates, and on approaching the isles the _Halbrane_ was put into a condition to resist attack.

Besides, the men always slept with one eye open.
One morning--it was the 27th of August--I was roused out of my bed by the rough voice of the innkeeper and the tremendous thumps he gave my door.

"Mr.Jeorling, are you awake ?" "Of course I am, Atkins.

How should I be otherwise, with all that noise going on?
What's up ?" "A ship six miles out in the offing, to the nor'east, steering for Christmas!" "Will it be the _Halbrane_ ?" "We shall know that in a short time, Mr.Jeorling.At any rate it is the first boat of the year, and we must give it a welcome." I dressed hurriedly and joined Atkins on the quay, where I found him in the midst of a group engaged in eager discussion.