ews, as he evidently thought he had already showed signs of mutiny.

"I'm sorry to have this trouble aboard, sir," said Sackett to me, as he
turned to go down the companion to the cabin. "You and your men can stand
aside while this matter is arranged satisfactorily. Afterward you will
have to take your man away with you when you can go."

"I'm very sorry the thing has occurred as it has, captain," I said.
"We'll stand by you, if you wish, and help you to carry out any orders."

"I don't think it will be necessary," answered Sackett. "However, if
anything disagreeable happens, I trust you will do what you may for the
welfare of my daughter, sir. You understand how much she is at the mercy
of these ruffians, should anything happen to me."

"I will pass my word, sir," I answered. "Your daughter shall come to no
harm while there are a few American sailors afloat to do anything. I do
warn you, though, to keep a lookout on that ruffian. He has tried to take
my life twice, and is under sentence for a murder. Don't let him get his
gun out at you, or there might be an accident."

"A nice fellow for your captain to send me," said Sackett. "It was no
fault of yours, my friend, so don't think I blame you," he added hastily.

He started toward the companionway, and had just reached it alone when
the grizzled head of Andrews appeared above the combings. The fellow
stood forth on deck and was followed by our third mate.

"Lay aft, here, England and Daniels," cried Sackett.

The men came slowly along the poop. Jenks and Dalton, followed by six
others of the _Sovereign's_ crew who had chosen to desert the ship,
walked aft to the quarter to see if there was anything for them to do.
Some of these men were true to their captain without doubt; but Jenks
placed himself in their front, and by the strange smile the old sailor
had, I knew he was looking for trouble.

Sackett went straight up to Andrews and stood before him, and for one
brief moment the tableau presented was dramatic enough to be impressed
forcibly upon my memory. It was sturdy, honest manhood against
lawlessness and mutiny. A brave, kind-hearted, religious man, alone,
against the worst human devil I have ever seen or heard of. He was,
indeed, a desperate ruffian, whose life was already forfeited, but
Sackett never flinched for a moment.

XV

The dull night of the southern ocean was closing around the scene on the
_Sovereign's_ deck, making the faces of the me