d both the
captain and mate entered it and rowed ashore, where all three awaited
them, as may be supposed, with some degree of astonishment.

Storms and Captain Bergen were not without some misgivings, and they
did not venture unprepared into the lion's den. Both carried a loaded
revolver at command, and in case of an attack the business would have
been lively. But it was unreasonable to suppose that our friends would
be assailed under the peculiar circumstances. Furthermore, as the
parties understood each other, there was no time wasted in reproaches
or recriminations, but Captain Bergen came directly to the point.

"This state of things can't last," said he; "we are deadly enemies,
and we would kill each other on the slightest pretext. The island is
too small to contain us all. Either you three or we two must leave
before the sun reaches meridian, or we shall go to fighting like caged
tigers. Neither can we go away together, for I would not trust any of
you again, nor would you trust either of us; therefore, one party must
go, and the other must stay--which shall it be? We were prepared to
leave, when we reflected that if we should be caught in some of the
storms which sweep over this region, the mate and I would hardly be
able to manage the schooner, and we are anxious to take care of the
little girl, to whom we are greatly attached. There are three of you,
all able-bodied seamen, and in case of a tempest you would be able to
navigate the _Coral_. It would be safer, therefore, for you to take
the vessel and go to some of the ports, secure assistance and send
them after us. We make, therefore, this proposition: We will turn over
the schooner to you, on condition that you leave with us such stores
as we may choose to take, and that you proceed at once to the nearest
of the inhabited Paumotu Islands and send assistance to us.
Furthermore, as you know all about the pearl-oysters, we will agree
to divide with you. You can take up half of what are on the bed out
yonder, and you may carry them away with you, leaving a moiety to us.
You are to sail just as soon as the oysters are placed on board.
That's our proposition--what do you say?"

There could be no doubt that the mutineers were astonished by the
generosity of the offer, coming, as it did, from those who were in
reality masters of the situation.

Had they been a little more cunning, they might have suspected there
was something behind it all, which was kept carefu