urning to the supposed sick man.

I said nothing; but I had a shrewd suspicion that he had remained on
board for the purpose of carrying out the plan which had been so
completely successful. I felt, however, very much downcast, and very
foolish at being outwitted, and indignant at the treacherous conduct of
my own men. Yet what more could I have expected from Hoolan and his
associates?

"Monsieur, I promise not to interfere with the discipline of the brig,
provided I am allowed to retain my liberty," I at length said,
addressing the lieutenant.

"That is well," he replied. "I would advise you to lie down again and
finish your sleep. You will be in better heart to-morrow to bear your
misfortune, and we wish to return the courtesy which we have received at
your hands. It is the fortune of war, and we have acted fairly."

I was not so clear about that, but there was no use in complaining, so I
at once threw myself into the berth, and in a minute was in happy
forgetfulness of all that had occurred.

Next morning, when I went on deck, I found the brig was steering to the
north-west. How different I felt to the day before; then I was in
command, now I was a prisoner. As I cast my eye along the deck, I
caught sight of Hoolan and the other mutineers. He scowled at me
maliciously, but did not approach, and the others continued the work on
which they were engaged. La Touche had charge of the deck. I had my
misgivings as to how it had fared with Larry and Nash.

I turned to the French midshipman, and said--

"I should like to see my people who did not mutiny. Where are they?"

"Two are in the hold, and the one who was at the wheel was struck down
and killed with an axe, and is overboard. It was a case of necessity,
and the fortune of war."

I made no answer, for I was too indignant to speak. At last I said--

"Will you give me permission to go down and see my poor men? It will be
a consolation to them to know that I am safe, for one who is my
foster-brother is much attached to me, and the other is a faithful
fellow."

The midshipman seemed struck at hearing this, and at once said that he
would obtain permission from his lieutenant. He went into the cabin,
and quickly returned, saying that I might go and see the men. Taking a
lantern which he ordered one of the crew to bring me, I went down into
the hold, and there, in a small space on some planks placed on the
cargo, and surrounded by casks, I found La