e you up with your friend, but you are not one of
my crew, and I'll trouble you to keep still at my table. Mr. Andrews," he
went on, "you'll have no further authority aboard here, and the sooner
you get into the boat with the rest, the better it will be for you."

"That's where you make a mistake," said Andrews, coolly. "I'm second in
command here now, and I'll stay until the ship sinks or goes to port, in
spite of you or any one else, unless you care to give me credit for my
share of salvage as a volunteer to bring her in."

"You will go to your room and not take any further part in the management
of the vessel, I say," Captain Sackett ordered, "If you don't go freely,
I'll order my men to assist you."

"If there's any one who cares to take the responsibility, let him step
out and make known his name," said Andrews, in an even tone.

Sackett left the table and went on deck at once. I heard him calling for
Jenks, England, and the rest, and I started up the companion, thinking to
take a hand with Chips and Jim and our men. As I did so, Andrews cursed
me foully, and the third mate made a remark I failed to hear.

Meeting Chips and Johnson, I sent the latter for Jim and Hans. Phillippi
stood near the wheel, and I beckoned to him. When the six of us were
together, I told them in a few words that Sackett was going to tie
Andrews up for mutiny. They would stand by me and give him help if
necessary.

We waited near the edge of the poop while Sackett told his men what he
wanted done with Andrews.

"Men," said he, "there's only one captain aboard here, and that is
myself. If you disobey me, it is mutiny, and you know the penalty."

"It ain't that we're scared of him," said England, "but he's a tough one
to take without no weapons."

"I don't ask you to run any risk," said Sackett. "I'll take him and give
him to you to tie up and keep until we're safe in port. You must do this
or you will be insubordinate."

"Sure," said Dog Daniels, "if you'll take the fellow, we'll guarantee to
keep him fast enough. Hey, Jenks, ain't that so?"

I thought I saw a suspicion of a smile play over the old sailor's
wrinkled face, and the seams of his leather-like jaws seemed to
grow deeper.

"That's it," said Dalton. "You take him, and we'll take care of him until
you say let him loose."

Journegan was at the wheel with one of the men who had left with the old
sailor, Jenks. Sackett did not question him in regard to the matter of
Andr