nished. I am equally bound as
yourselves by the laws which we have laid down for our guidance while we
sail together; and you may believe that in doing my duty in this
instance I am guided by a sense of justice, and wish to prove to you
that I am worthy to command. Francisco has been with me since he was a
child; he has lived with me, and it is painful to part with him: but I
am here to see that our laws are put in force. He has been guilty of
repeated mutiny and contempt, and--he must die."

"Death! death!" cried several of the pirates in advance: "death and
justice!"

"No more murder!" said several voices from behind.

"Who's that that speaks?"

"Too much murder yesterday--no more murder!" shouted several voices at
once.

"Let the men come forward who speak," cried Cain with a withering look.
No one obeyed this order. "Down, then, my men! and bring up Francisco."

The whole of the pirate-crew hastened below, but with different
intentions. Some were determined to seize Francisco, and hand him over
to death--others to protect him. A confused noise was heard--the shouts
of "_Down and seize him_!" opposed to those of "_No murder! No
murder_!"

Both parties had snatched up their arms; those who sided with Francisco
joined the Kroumen, whilst the others also hastened below to bring him
on deck. A slight scuffle ensued before they separated, and ascertained
by the separation the strength of the contending parties. Francisco,
perceiving that he was joined by a large body, desired his men to follow
him, went up the fore-ladder, and took possession of the forecastle.
The pirates on his side supplied him with arms, and Francisco stood
forward in advance. Hawkhurst, and those of the crew who sided with
him, had retreated to the quarter-deck, and rallied round the captain,
who leaned against the capstern. They were then able to estimate their
comparative strength. The number, on the whole, preponderated in favour
of Francisco; but on the captain's side were the older and more athletic
of the crew, and, we may add, the more determined. Still, the captain
and Hawkhurst perceived the danger of their situation, and it was
thought advisable to parley for the present, and wreak their vengeance
hereafter. For a few minutes there was a low consultation between both
parties; at last Cain advanced.

"My lads," said he, addressing those who had rallied round Francisco, "I
little thought that a fire-brand would have be