g, the ship will inevitably
be cast away."

This painful fact was too evident; still, I could not be surprised that
the mates should hesitate, even in this extremity, to trust a man who
was more than suspected of being one of the chief movers in the late
mutiny.

"You must decide quickly, gentlemen," he continued. "For my own sake, I
hope that you will accept my offer. I cannot compel you to trust me;
but I do tell you, that if the ship once strikes yonder headland, not a
plank of her will hold together, and not one human being on board will
ever reach the shore alive."

"I'll shoot him through the head if he plays us false," I heard Mr
Grimes say to the second mate.

"You'll do as you please," observed the stranger, with a low laugh. "I
don't fear your threats, but I must make a bargain with you. If I take
the ship into a safe anchorage, you must promise to grant me any request
I may make, provided it is not extravagant or injurious to you."

After a short consultation with Mr Vernon and other gentlemen, the
mates agreed to the stranger's terms, and the ship was put under his
charge.

"Starboard the helm! Square away the yards! Be smart, my lads!" he
shouted, and the ship was headed in towards the land.

The tone of voice and mode of speaking showed that the pretended Mr
Barwell was not only a seaman, but well accustomed to command. No
longer slouching about as he had been accustomed to do, he was quick and
active in all his movements. He took his post in the main rigging to
con the ship, and his full and clear voice was heard ever and anon
issuing his orders. As we stood on, high cliffs appeared right ahead of
us, and I fancied that I could distinguish one long, unbroken line of
surf directly across our course. It required great faith in the
stranger's assurances to believe that we were not rushing to
destruction. Every moment the breeze freshened, and shortened the
interval which must elapse before the point was settled. I heard Mr
Grimes cock his pistol. The dark outline of the land seemed to rise
above our mast-heads. Still on we went. I held my breath; so, I doubt
not, did every one on deck. I could not help expecting every moment to
hear the terrific crash of the ship striking on the rocks. Suddenly, as
I looked, I fancied that I could distinguish an opening in the surf. It
grew wider and wider. The ship entered it, while on either side the
white foam danced up frantically, as if tryin