augh. "My
eyes, lads, what a skipper he'd make for us if he could only be
persuaded to join! But we won't ask you to do that, Ned," he continued
in the same bantering tone. "You can follow your own inclinations in
that matter--join us or not, just as you please; but remain with us and
navigate us you _shall_ and _will_, whether you like it or not."

"Never!" declared Ned resolutely. "You may pitch me overboard if you
choose, but I will never do a single hand's turn to help you in any
way."

Williams did not appear to be in the least disconcerted at this
declaration; he simply sat down by Ned's side and whispered earnestly
for some minutes in the lad's ear.

As the communication progressed poor Ned first flushed deeply, then grew
as ashy pale as the sunburn on his cheeks would permit; his eyes dilated
with horror, and when Williams had finished the lad struggled to his
feet and gasped out:

"You villain! you infernal scoundrel! Cast off my lashings, and, lad as
I am, I will thrash you before all hands for daring to make such an
infamous proposal to me!"

For the first time that night Williams showed signs of anger, but,
quickly checking himself, he said:

"Well, if that card won't take the trick, I have another that will!"
And again he sat down and resumed his whispering.

It was evident by the expression of his countenance that this time Ned
was not only horrified but also thoroughly frightened; and when Williams
ceased the poor lad hung his head and murmured in a scarcely audible
voice:

"Enough! you have conquered! though I can scarcely believe you _could_
be so inhuman--to those poor children, too! But remember! if, after
what you have promised, the slightest insult or injury is offered to any
one of them, I'll--I'll--"

"There, that will do!" interrupted William. "I've pledged you my word,
boy; and I hope to have you with us long enough to convince you that I
_never_ break it. But mind! I must have you faithfully do whatever you
are told to do, in return. And now, as we thoroughly understand each
other, you may go back to your berth and turn in until morning; and then
I shall expect that when the passengers make their appearance you will
tell them what has happened aboard here, and also mention our intentions
about them. And be careful to make them clearly understand that, whilst
we are all against bloodshed, the slightest suspicious action on their
part will be looked upon as treachery, and t