work off the land--for how
are a few men going to tow a heavy ship like this against a two-knot
current? We could not move her." Then he called out, with a sneering
inflection in his tones, "Come aft, comrades, and we shall drink to our
_brave_ captain's speedy recovery."

The rest of the mutineers but one obeyed with alacrity, just as the man
who remained, and who was standing on the topgallant foc'sle, gave a
loud cry--

"A boat is coming from the shore!"

In an instant confusion ensued; but Ryan, picking up Marston's glass,
angrily bade them be silent. The boat had approached to within a mile of
the ship, and Ryan saw that she was pulling four oars.

"It is not the captain's boat, _amigos_," he said, "and there seem to be
only a few people in her. But be ready."

The _Esmeralda_, in addition to the six guns she carried, was
plentifully provided with small-arms--enough for a crew of thirty men;
and all of these, as well as the big guns, were kept loaded, for
after the escape of the captain's boat the mutineers had worked most
energetically to put the ship in a state of defence--both Almanza and
Ryan recognising the possibility of the survivors of Marston's party
reaching Apia, and there obtaining assistance to enable them to
recapture the ship.

The boat came on steadily, the blades of her four oars flashing in the
bright sunlight. Ryan continued to look at her, and felt quite satisfied
when he saw she contained but seven persons, three of whom were
Europeans, and four natives.

"It is a whale-boat," he cried; "and there are three white men in her
and four natives. She is very deep in the water, and I can see a lot of
green stuff in the bows." (These were the bunches of bananas, purposely
stowed in a pile for'ard, so as to indicate the boat's peaceful
mission.)

The mutineers--with the exception of the two Greeks--who remained on the
quarter-deck, dressed in Mars-ton's and Villari's clothes--stood in the
waist. All were armed with pistols, and a number of loaded muskets were
lying along the waterways close to their hands, if needed.

When within easy speaking distance of the ship Ryan went to the rail and
hailed the boat.

"Boat ahoy!"

The four oars ceased pulling, and Frewen, who was steering, stood up and
answered the hail.

"Good morning, captain. I've seen you since daylight. You are drifting
too close in, so I've come off to warn you to tow off."

"Come on board, please," replied the Greek, who