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 Just then there was the sound of a heavy footstep on the deck, and a terror-stricken voice cried out:

"Oh, lan's sakes! Oh, Lawdy, Lawdy! One ob dem heathen men! Hyah, you! git out ob here! Did n' I allus says dis was a onnatchel lan'? Oh, Massa Fen! honey chile, doan' let dat air E-gypshun critter tech you!"

"It's all right, Mammy," said Fen. "This is a—a friend of mine. Please go away."

Siddereticus, who had been stooping over the spirit-lamp, the red glow of it on his lean, bronzed face and crimson fez, stood suddenly erect and pointed a terrifying finger at Mammy, who remained motionless at the companionway, a tray in her hands.

"Leave us in peace, woman!" he cried. "I mean the young effendi no harm. Take away your unnecessary tea-tray, and