Only let me get hold on him again; and if I don't make him warm, my name aren't Widgeon." "You've got about the worst on it this time, my lad, and no mistake," said Small, laughing, while Mark stamped about and held his sides.
"Yes, I've got the worst on it," said Billy; "but I'll sarve him out--a warmint.

My neck a-bleeding, Mr Small ?" "No, m'lad, only a bit red.

He's give it a bit of a pinch; that's all." "Yes, and I'll give him a bit of a pinch when I ketches him.

I calls him a warmint--that's what I calls him." Billy kept on repeating this as he followed Mark and the boatswain to where the two wounded men were lying, and just then one of the sailors came out of the grove to join them, his services being enlisted to help stretch the sail over the mast and peg it tightly down, for it was now pretty well dry, the result being that a fairly good shelter was provided for the ladies, who soon after came out to join the captain and major just as the sun was going down, and the short tropical twilight set in.
There was no desire for another meal, the weariness consequent upon the exertions and anxieties of the past still inviting rest; and after all had sat upon the sands for a while gazing at the phosphorescent sea, and the great stars which glowed out of the purple sky, a fresh watch was set, Mr Gregory being roused now from his heavy sleep.
"Shall I tell him about the noise we heard ?" said the major.
"It would only be fair," the captain said; and the result was told.
"Well," he said, "Small's going to share my watch, and we'll have the guns.

If whatever it is comes, I daresay we shall have a shot at it before it does us any mischief, and I suppose if you hear firing, gentlemen, you'll rouse up." Half an hour later those two were keeping their lonely vigil, while the rest followed the example of the men who had not yet been awake, and sought in sleep and in simple trustfulness for the rest which was to give them strength for the labours of another day..