"Shuffles!" called Captain Gordon, as the chief conspirator was going
forward.

The captain elect turned and walked towards the commander, and touched
his cap with becoming respect.

"What do you think of the weather?" demanded Captain Gordon, scratching
the tip of his nose.

Paul had instructed the "outsiders" to talk about the weather while they
went through with the mystic routine of the signs.

"I think we shall have good weather," replied Shuffles, who, though he
was confounded and amazed to be saluted from this quarter with the
language of the "Chain," dared not refuse to give the signs, after he
had done so with the second lieutenant.

"I wish to change my vote? for I don't think it was fairly given
before," said the captain, when he had gone through all the forms of the
recognition.

"Certainly, Captain Gordon, if you desire to do so."

Fortunately for Shuffles, the captain did not prolong the conversation;
for others were waiting an opportunity to make themselves known to the
conspirator. One after another, they saluted Shuffles in the waist,
inquiring about the weather, and making the requisite signs. The captain
elect was filled with indignation and rage against Pelham, who had
played off this trick upon him; but he was compelled to meet all who
came, and go through the signs with them, while the "outsiders,"
scattered about the deck, stood watching the motions with intense
delight. He would fain have fled, but he could not leave the deck; and
he was afraid that any impatience, or a refusal to answer the signs,
would involve him in a worse difficulty.

At last the nine illegal voters had "made themselves known," and having
requested that their votes might be changed, Shuffles was released from
torture. He was both alarmed and indignant. He had not been able to
ascertain what was meant by "the orator of the day;" and he began to
fear that Pelham had exposed the whole, or a part, of the real purposes
of the League. He was enraged that he had revealed anything. Even the
captain and the second lieutenant had made all the signs, and they could
not have done so without the assistance of a traitor.

"It's all up with us, Wilton," said Shuffles, as they met near the
foremast.

"What is?"

"Pelham has blowed the whole thing."

"No!" exclaimed Wilton, almost paralyzed by the information.

"He has. The captain and several of the officers made all the signs to
me just now. We shall spend our time in th