Below, all marks of the late gale had disappeared. The steward and his mate had been busy since daylight, and the more than ordinarily comfortable though small cabin was in perfect order, when the passengers sat down at the breakfast table at nine o'clock. Of course the brig had not the slightest motion; in fact, she was as though in dock. "Rather a difference this from yesterday, Dom Maxara," said Wyzinski, as that nobleman appeared coming from his cabin. "A difference for the better. Will you oblige me by explaining to our captain," continued the old gentleman, "that my daughter, Donna Isabel, begs to be excused from joining the party? She is still suffering from the shock of late emotions." A ceremonious bow followed the interpretation, on the part of the Portuguese, the Englishman replying with his mouth full. "Ay, ay, signor, and small blame to her. It is not every day the fishes get the picking of so tight a lad and thorough-bred a sailor as poor Blount." "How long do you propose lying here, Captain Weber?" "A couple of days will set us all a-tanto again, and give us time to overhaul the standing and running gear." "I suppose there is not any danger here?" asked Hughes. "Danger!--how can there be? Let it blow as hard as it likes, and from what quarter it chooses, we are protected," replied Weber, thinking only of the weather. "I meant from the natives, not from the elements," remarked Hughes. "I know no more of Madagascar than you do," replied the captain. "It is the first time my anchor ever had hold of the island." "Then let me tell you, I do," ejaculated Wyzinski. "The same circumstance which brought this bay to my knowledge, taught me that the natives here are treacherous and wily. You will have them round you before sunset." "Let them come," replied the sailor; "we have small arms, besides two guns." "Do you think we can land with prudence, Wyzinski?" "I should strongly advise putting the brig in a state to resist if attacked, and the arms handy if wanted. As for landing, we might pitch our tent under the trees yonder; but I should deprecate any straggling away." "Very well, gentlemen. I hear the boats being lowered; I am going to carry out an anchor astern, so as to moor the ship safely. The arm-chest shall be hoisted out, and placed at the foot of the mainmast. The two guns, and the small arms I will place in your charge, if you will honour me by serving as a marine, Captain Hughes." "In which capacity the Light Infantry drill will be useless," remarked Wyzinski, laughing. "The boats are alongside, and the men on deck, Captain Weber," said Mr Lowe, who at that moment appeared at the cabin-door. "Very well. Get the stream-anchor into the pinnace, and rouse out a few fathoms of cable," replied the captain. "Ay, ay, sir," was the mate's reply. "And, Mr Lowe," called out the captain, "send the arm-chest on deck. Is there any one who understands an armourer's business?"