t in due time;
at present I wish to hear what Mr Carter has to say," turning
inquiringly once more toward that individual.

Thus pressed, Carter related his version of the story, which was to the
effect that the men had refused to obey orders, and had come aft in so
menacing a manner that in self-defence he had been compelled to arm
himself; and further, that hoping to check the mutiny in the bud, he had
shot down the "ringleader."

"So that is the explanation of the shots which awoke me," exclaimed
Captain Staunton. "And where is the wounded man?"

"In his bunk, sir; bleeding like a stuck pig," replied one of the men,
resorting to simile to aid his description, as is the wont of seafaring
men generally.

"_Phew_!" whistled the skipper. "This is serious. Run, Bowles, and
rouse out the doctor at once, if you please."

Mr Bowles sped to the doctor's cabin, and found that individual already
"roused out," with an open case of surgical instruments on the table,
and a drawer open, from which he was hastily selecting lint, bandages,
etcetera; the medico having been awakened by the first pistol-shot, and,
like a sensible man, bestirring himself at once in preparation for the
repair of damages, without waiting to learn first whether there _were_
any damages to repair or not.

"Well, Bowles," he exclaimed, as the worthy "chief" made his appearance,
"you want me, eh? What's the nature of the case?"

"A man shot," briefly replied Mr Bowles.

"Just so; heard the shots. Where is the seat of the injury? Don't
know? Well, never mind, we'll soon find out. Let me see--tourniquet--
probe--splints--lint--bandage--um--um--yes; just carry these for me,
Bowles, there's a good fellow, and lead the way."

So saying the worthy man put a quantity of splints, etcetera, into Mr
Bowles' hands, and, gathering up the rest of his chattels, followed the
mate to the forecastle, where he at once busied himself in ascertaining
the extent of and finally dressing poor Boyd's injury.

In the meantime Captain Staunton, assisted by Mr Bowles, who had
speedily rejoined him, had been holding a sort of court of inquiry into
the case; and after much skilful interrogation, and the giving of a most
patient hearing to the statement of each member of the watch, he had
succeeded in arriving at a very near approach to the actual truth of the
matter.

"This," he said, "is clearly a case wherein both parties have been
gravely in fault. I am compelled