sky-light. As soon as morning broke I determined to
reconnoitre. Cautiously removing the barricade, I opened the cabin
door and stole up the companion ladder. Arrived at the top I peered
cautiously over and saw the mutineers sitting by the forward hatch,
drinking. They were altogether four in number--Colliver, Railton, a
seaman called Rogerson, who had lately been punished by Captain
Holding for sleeping when on watch, and the cook, a Chinaman.
Rogerson was not with the rest, but had hold of the wheel and was
steering. The vessel at the time was sailing under crowded canvas
before a stiff sou'-westerly breeze. I kept low lest Rogerson should
see me, but he was obviously more than half drunk, and was chiefly
occupied in regarding his comrades with anything but a pleasant air.
Just as I was drawing a beautiful bead however, and had well covered
Colliver, he saw me and gave the alarm; and immediately the three
sprang to their feet and made for me, the Chinaman first. Altering
my aim I waited until he came close and then fired. I must have hit
him, I think in the ankle, for he staggered and fell with a loud cry
about ten paces from me. Seeing this, I made all speed again down
the ladder, turning at the cabin door for a hasty shot with the
second barrel, which, I think, missed. The other two pursued me
until I gained the cabin, and then went back to their comrade.
The rest of the day has been quite quiet. Luckily we have a large
tin of biscuits in the cabin, so as far as food goes we can hold out
for some time. Mrs. Concanen and I are going to take turns at
watching to-night.

"Oct. 6th, 4 p.m.--At about 1.30 a.m. I was sleeping when Mrs.
Concanen woke me on hearing a noise by the skylight. The mutineers,
finding this to be the only point from which they could attack us
with any safety, had hit upon the plan of lashing knives to the end
of long sticks and were attempting to stab us with these clumsy
weapons. It was so dark that I could hardly see to aim, but a couple
of shots fired in rapid succession drove them quickly away. The rest
of the night was passed quietly enough, except for the cries of the
infant, which are very pitiable. The day, too, has been without
event, except that I have heard occasional sounds in the
neighbourhood of the forecastle, which I think must come from the
sick men imprisoned there, and attempting to cut their way out.

"Oct. 7th.--We are still let alone. Doubtless the mutinee