XXVI

MUTINY

Monty was on deck when the inspiration seized him, and he lost no time
in telling his guests, who were at breakfast. Although he had
misgivings about their opinion of the scheme, he was not prepared for
the ominous silence that followed his announcement.

"Are you in earnest, Mr. Brewster?" asked Captain Perry, who was the
first of the company to recover from the surprise.

"Of course I am. I chartered this boat for four months with the
privilege of another month I can see no reason to prevent us from
prolonging the trip." Monty's manner was full of self-assurance as he
continued: "You people are so in the habit of protesting against every
suggestion I make that you can't help doing it now."

"But, Monty," said Mrs. Dan, "what if your guests would rather go home."

"Nonsense; you were asked for a five months' cruise. Besides, think of
getting home in the middle of August, with every one away. It would be
like going to Philadelphia."

Brave as he was in the presence of his friends, in the privacy of his
stateroom Monty gave way to the depression that was bearing down upon
him. It was the hardest task of his life to go on with his scheme in
the face of opposition. He knew that every man and woman on board was
against the proposition, for his sake at least, and it was difficult to
be arbitrary under the circumstances. Purposely he avoided Peggy all
forenoon. His single glance at her face in the salon was enough to
disturb him immeasurably.

The spirits of the crowd were subdued. The North Cape had charms, but
the proclamation concerning it had been too sudden--had reversed too
quickly the general expectation and desire. Many of the guests had
plans at home for August, and even those who had none were satiated
with excitement. During the morning they gathered in little knots to
discuss the situation. They were all generous and each one was sure
that he could cruise indefinitely, if on Monty's account the new voyage
were not out of the question. They felt it their duty to take a
desperate stand.

The half-hearted little gatherings resolved themselves into ominous
groups and in the end there was a call for a general meeting in the
main cabin. Captain Perry, the first mate, and the chief engineer were
included in the call, but Montgomery Brewster was not to be admitted.
Joe Bragdon loyally agreed to keep him engaged elsewhere while the
meeting was in progress. The doors were locked and a cursory gla