now issued his orders in his
old peremptory style, and, upon one of the crew not moving smartly, he
threatened him with a dozen at the ship's gratings. The man turned
insolently, and demanded to know to whom Hartog was speaking, while, at
the same moment Van Luck, who was standing near, remonstrated with the
captain on the man's behalf. I had never seen Hartog really roused
before. In two quick strides he was beside Van Luck, and picking him up
as easily as if he had been a child, he flung him from the poop on to
the deck below. At the same moment the mutineers made a rush aft, but
those who were loyal to us were before them, and we presented such a
formidable front that the rebels fell back, taking Van Luck with them.
Hartog now turned the brass cannon, which had already been loaded upon
the mutineers where they crowded together in the fore part of the
vessel, swearing he would fire upon them if they did not instantly
surrender. A hurried consultation followed, after which Van Luck
stepped forward as spokesman. He complained that the crew had not been
fairly dealt by. They had suffered much hardship, he said, and it was
understood that all treasure obtained on the voyage was to be shared
among them, whereas it appeared that the captain was concealing a
parcel of pearls of sufficient value to make them all rich men. To this
Hartog replied as follows:

"I am captain of this vessel, and I claim the right to do as I please.
The pearls you speak of none of you helped to obtain, and they will be
used to pay the expenses of the voyage, including what may be found to
be due to each man as wages when the when the ship is paid off. As for
you, Van Luck, who have acted the spy and played traitor, you may
expect nothing from me but the fate you intended for those who have
stood by me. The others may now return to duty."

It was then seen that Van Luck had no followers, for rebels are ever
prone to abandon their leader when their cause is lost.

I would have pleaded with Hartog, even then, to spare Van Luck from
being cast adrift upon the sea, but I knew no word of mine would change
his purpose. Besides, an example must be made, and in the rough life we
led the administration of justice was the prerogative of the captain
alone. A boat was therefore prepared, three days' provisions were
placed on board of her, and Van Luck was sent upon what promised to be
his last voyage.

For as long as the boat remained in sight we could see