command of the yacht, and
expressly directed me to do everything I have done, so far; and
especially to keep one watch on deck all the time, while we are under
sail. Now, those of you who are willing to return to your duty and obey
orders, as you promised Captain Littleton, go on deck again."

Not one of the four boys accepted this polite invitation.

"Then I am to settle this question with these four," added the captain.

"There's no settling about it; we are going to have our dinner; that's
all," said Tom, pushing forward towards the table; but Captain Gordon
placed himself before him, and prevented his farther progress.

"I have asked you to return to your duty; now I order you to do so; and
I am going to be obeyed, even if there are some broken heads to bind up
afterwards," replied the captain. "Briskett, let Paul take the helm and
come below."

"Stand back, and let me pass" cried Tom, his face flushed with anger.

But instead of standing back, Captain Gordon seized him by the collar
and threw him down. This was the signal for Frank to step in, and do
battle for his friend. He was a stout fellow, and there was, for a
moment, a prospect of a smart little battle but the brawny pilot
suddenly destroyed this prospect by laying both hands on the second
mutineer, and dragging him on deck. Captain Gordon followed him with
Tom, the two other refractory spirits not deeming it prudent to keep the
promises they had made on deck only a few moments before.

Captain Gordon tied Tom's hands behind him, and Frank was presently
reduced to the same ignominious condition. The other two were ordered to
take their places by the side of the prisoners, and they deemed it
prudent to obey.

"All hands on deck!" shouted the captain, as he took the helm from Paul.
"Ready to go about!"

All the boys wondered what was to be done next; but the orders were
promptly obeyed, and they took their stations as they had been
instructed to do when the yacht was to go about. In a few moments the
Flyaway, which had by this time passed the reef, and was standing up the
harbor, was put about, and headed towards the open sea. No one ventured
to ask any questions; but as soon as the mate had been restored to the
helm, he fastened the prisoners to the rail, and gave the starboard
watch orders to finish their dinners, and led the way to the cabin.

"He will have to pay dearly for this," growled Tom, when the captain had
gone below. "My father is half