"We have got along very well so far, for it is not time yet for the music to begin, if it is to begin at all.

What are you about, Flint ?" The master's mate had lain down on the sand at the water's edge, and his companion was very much puzzled by his attitude.

He wondered if his companion had the stomach-ache, and was not able to stand up.
"I beg your pardon, Lieutenant Passford, but if you will kindly be quiet for a moment, I hope to be able to answer your question," replied Flint, in a low tone.
Christy complied with the request, and as he did so, he thought he heard a noise in the distance, though he was not sure of it.

He listened with all his ears, and some confused sounds came to him; but he could make nothing of them.
"I heard some sort of a noise," said Flint, rising from his recumbent position.

"But I can make nothing of what I hear.