propelled by a single sail and many oars, and that it
carried quite a company.

Thinking it but a native trading boat, so many of which
ply the southern seas, Virginia viewed its approach
with but idle curiosity. When it had come to within
half a mile of the anchorage of the Ithaca, and was
about to enter the mouth of the harbor Sing Lee's eyes
chanced to fall upon it. On the instant the old
Chinaman was electrified into sudden and astounding
action.

"Klick! Klick!" he cried, running toward Virginia.
"Go b'low, klick."

"Why should I go below, Sing?" queried the girl, amazed
by the demeanor of the cook.

"Klick! Klick!" he urged grasping her by the arm--half
leading, half dragging her toward the companion-way.
"Plilates! Mlalay plilates--Dyak plilates."

"Pirates!" gasped Virginia. "Oh Sing, what can we do?"

"You go b'low. Mebbyso Sing flighten 'em. Shoot
cannon. Bling help. Maxon come klick. Bling men.
Chase'm 'way," explained the Chinaman. "But plilates
see 'em pletty white girl," he shrugged his shoulders
and shook his head dubiously, "then old Sing no can
flighten 'em 'way."