Ben Bowman and the two deck-hands were rushing to her
assistance, and before we could reach the scene of action they had
grappled with Leeds, and released Chloe.

The stewardess retreated to the farthest part of the deck, and appeared
to be in mortal terror of her husband. Griffin Leeds drew a knife,--not
the one he had used before, for that was in the possession of the city
marshal of Jacksonville,--and threatened to take the life of any one
that interfered with him. It was evident that he had seen the party
coming from the hotel, and had made a desperate effort to secure
possession of his wife before we could defeat his purpose. I was afraid
some of the ship's company would get hurt when I saw the knife.
Griffin's wrath seemed to be especially kindled against the assistant
engineer, on account of the affair on Saturday.

"You white-livered villain!" said he, gnashing his teeth, with a savage
oath, "I will teach you to meddle with me!"

He rushed at Ben, with the knife gleaming in the air; but Ben, who was
as cool as when on duty in the engine-room, grasped his uplifted arm
with the left hand, while he placed his right on the throat of the
assassin. Though the engineer was no taller or heavier than I was, he
was very athletic and very active. He did not move or make any
demonstration till the assailant was within reach of him, and then he
grappled with him. In vain Griffin Leeds struggled to release his hand
from the grasp of the engineer, who held it as firmly as though it had
been screwed up in the vise in the engine-room.

Buck Lingley was not an instant behind Ben in taking prompt action. He
seized the other hand of the furious octoroon, while Hop Tossford laid
both hands on his coat-collar behind. In another instant Griffin Leeds
was borne down upon the deck. The young ladies of our party began to
scream and run up the pier; and Mrs. Shepard was so agitated that her
husband feared for the consequences.

"Tie his hands behind him, and put him ashore!" I shouted.

My order was promptly obeyed, and Ben and Buck began to march the
desperate husband up the pier.

"There is no more danger of him, ladies," said Ben, as he approached
the young ladies.

Miss Margie and Miss Edith halted, and when the men with their prisoner
had passed them, they scampered to the steamer as fast as they could
run. Mrs. Shepard was assisted on board, and the danger seemed to be
passed. Chloe was herself again, and flew to the assis