was directly appealed to,
when he modestly said that, with a smart hand at the wheel, a keen look-
out aloft to warn him of the presence of any sunken rocks which might
perchance have escaped their search, and a lively crew at the sheets and
braces, he believed he would be able to work the ship into open water.

"Then," exclaimed Williams with an oath, "you shall try your hand at the
job. But remember," he added, "if the ship touches anywhere, though it
be only lightly enough to just graze the paint off her bottom, you may
look out for squalls!"

"Now, look here, Williams," answered Ned hotly, "if you want me to do my
best for you, you had better be somewhat more sparing with your threats;
and unless you withdraw what you have just said I shall decline to have
anything to do with this matter. The task you have asked me to
undertake is a most difficult and delicate one. I am quite willing to
do my best, if you see fit to intrust me with the care of the ship, but
it is a case in which even so slight a matter as a temporary flaw in the
wind may bring about a very serious accident. If, therefore, I am to
make the attempt, it must be with the distinct understanding that I am
not to be held responsible for anything which may happen."

"What d'ye think, mates? dare we trust him?" asked Williams, appealing
to Rogers and the other men in the boat.

They said they thought that Ned's objection was quite fair and
reasonable; and Rogers, unceremoniously changing places with Ned,
whispered something in Williams' ear, whereupon the latter said:

"Very well. Will you swear, Ned, to honestly do your best to get the
ship out of the fix she is now in, and to navigate her safely into open
water?"

"Certainly I will, if you wish it," answered Ned, "but a little
reflection would convince you, I think, that I must be as little anxious
as any of you to be cast away in such an unpromising spot as this."

"All right, then," said Williams; "we'll chance it. Give way, men, for
the ship."

A quarter of an hour later all hands were once more on board, the boat
was hoisted up to the davits, and the word was passed to man the
windlass and heave short.

CHAPTER NINE.

THE CAPTAIN'S DENUNCIATION.

"Now, Ned," said Williams as the windlass-pawls began to clank, "you are
in charge of the ship, mind, until she is in the blue water once more;
and all hands, myself included, are ready to obey your orders, whatever
they may be. You wa