if so, I shall require the
help of someone upon whose nerve I can depend."

Captain Staunton, upon this, hurried back for his coat, and rejoined
Lance just as the party was on the point of embarking in the boat. As
the men propelled the craft swiftly across the bay Lance related in a
loud tone to the skipper Ralli's behaviour during the morning, and his
threat. They were still discussing the matter anxiously together when
Dickinson, who was pulling stroke-oar, and who doubtless guessed from
catching a stray word or two what was the subject of their conversation,
broke in upon their conference by inquiring of Lance whether he thought
the armourer would recover.

"It is impossible to say yet," answered Lance cautiously. "Of course we
shall do our best for him, poor fellow, but he will require more
attention than I fear Ralli will allow me to give him."

"If that's all," remarked Dickinson, "I think you needn't trouble
yourself, sir; the Greek knows too well what he's about to interfere
with you when it comes to doctoring a hinjured man--a man as was hurt
too all along of his own pride and obstinacy. And as to that other
matter--the flogging, you know, sir--axing your pardon for speaking
about it so plain, sir--don't you trouble yourself about that. He
sha'n't lay a hand upon you while me and my mates can pervent it--shall
he, mates?"

"No, that he sha'n't, bo'," was the eager answer.

"No, he _sha'n't_," coincided Dickinson. "We can't do much to help you,
you see, sir," he added, "'cause, worse luck, we don't all think alike
upon some things; but we've only got to say the word to the rest of the
hands, and I _knows_ as they won't hear of you bein' flogged. There
isn't one of us but what respects you, sir, but what respects you
gentlemen both, for that matter; you've always had a good word for
everybody, and that goes a long way with sailors sometimes--further than
a glass o' grog--and you may make your mind easy that the Greek won't be
let to--to--you know what, sir."

"Thank you, Dickinson," said Lance with outstretched hand, "thank you
with all my heart. You have relieved me of a heavy load of anxiety;
for, to tell you the truth, I had quite made up my mind not to submit to
the indignity; and if Ralli attempts to carry out his threat it will
probably lead to precipitate action on our part, which at the present
time would be simply disastrous."

"So 'twould, sir; so 'twould," agreed Dickinson. "You need