aster
Bartholomew Sawkins, and, brave man as that sailor was, he fairly
quailed before the terrific incarnation of passionate fury his captain
presented. The rest of the crew gave back before the furious onset of
Sir Henry.

"You dog!" he screamed, and before the other realized his intention he
struck him a fearful blow in the face with his naked fist. Always a man
of unusual strength, his rage had bestowed upon him a Herculean force.
He seized the dazed man by the throat and waist belt ere he fell to the
deck from the force of the blow, and lifting him up literally pitched
him overboard. Before the crew had recovered from their astonishment and
terror at this bold action, the buccaneer officers closed behind their
captain, each covering the front ranks of the men with a pistol. At the
same instant the other men, Ringrose's crew, came shoving through the
crowd, snatching such arms as they could in the passage, although most
of them had to be satisfied with belaying pins.

"We're with you, Captain Morgan," cried one of their number. "We've had
no treasure, and it seems we're not to have a share in this either.
We've been in the South Seas," continued the speaker, a man named
L'Ollonois, noted for his cruelty, rapacity, and success, "and the
captain speaks truly. There are all that can delight brave men and a
race of cowards to defend them. What's this treasure? It is great, but
there are other things we want--wine and women!"

The man who had been thrown overboard had shrieked for help as he fell.
The splash he had made as he struck the water had been followed by
another. A Spanish priest standing by the rail had seized a grating and
thrown it to the man. Morgan took in the situation in a glance.

"Who threw that grating?" he cried.

"I, senor," composedly answered the priest, who understood English.

Morgan instantly snatched a pistol from de Lussan's hand and shot the
man dead.

"I allow no one," he shouted, "to interfere between me and the
discipline of my men! You speak well, L'Ollonois. And for you, hounds!"
he roared, clubbing the smoking pistol and stepping toward the huddled,
frightened men, "get back to your duties unless you wish instant death!
Scuttle me, if I don't blow up the galleon unless you immediately obey!
Bear a hand there! If you hesitate--Fire on them!" he cried to his
officers, but the men in the front did not linger. They broke away from
his presence so vehemently that they fell over one a