into a furious passion, and,
hurrying into his cabin, appeared again with a brace of pistols in his
hand. Placing them in his belt, he walked the deck, muttering
incoherently to himself. No one interfered. I felt unwilling to go
below, though the steward called me to supper. The sun had long
disappeared--the moon rose, and shed a bright silvery light upon the
ocean. It was perfectly calm; and as, on looking round, I could see no
breakers, nor hear their sound, I at length turned in. I was too
anxious, however, to sleep long. On going on deck and again looking
out, there I saw, not a quarter of a mile off a black ledge of rocks
rising some feet out of the water. The brig was drifting by them at a
rate which showed how strong a current was running. What was my
surprise to see a boat coming off from the rock. "What is that?" I
asked.

"Why, I have treated one mutinous rascal as I intend to treat you if you
follow his example," answered Kydd, who heard my question.

I was too much astonished to speak. After pacing the deck for a few
minutes I went below to consult with Stanley.

"We must put him under arrest," he said at length. "But go on deck and
learn how the men take the proceeding."

On my return I found the boat alongside. The crew climbed on board.
Could they really have executed so barbarous an order! Great was my
relief to find the boatswain among them.

"You rascals, I ordered you to land him on these rocks!" exclaimed Kydd,
when he caught sight of the old man.

"So we did; and he ordered us to take him off again," answered one of
the crew. "We have as good a right to obey him as you, Mr Kydd. If
you was to die, like the captain and first mate, he's the only officer
left to take charge of the brig."

Kydd was a coward. This answer silenced him, and without uttering a
word he went below.

The passengers assembled at breakfast the next morning with anxious
faces. They knew that something was very wrong, but could not exactly
tell what. The calm continued. A thick mist hung over the ocean as on
the previous day, the rocks were no longer in sight, the vessel floated
tranquilly on the treacherous waters. Kydd had completely recovered
himself. He had the awning spread, and with a smiling countenance
invited the passengers to come on deck, and tried to make himself
agreeable to Miss Rowley. Some time thus passed. At last I saw the
boatswain and several of the men coming up.

"Mr Kydd