d their
wounds attended to, and then Jeff was set to work to prepare a good meal
for all the loyal party. The galley was in a state of disorder, but this
counted for nothing, and Jeff soon had matters straightened out.

After so much excitement nobody thought of retiring. Luke was stationed
over the fore hatch, to give warning of any attempt on the part of the
mutineers to regain their liberty. He was armed and he threatened to
"blow the hull head off" of anybody who dared to show himself or make a
noise. As a consequence the mutineers did nothing. Two made their way to
the nailed-up door, but finding they could not open it, gave up the
attempt as a bad job.

As a punishment for his misdeeds Conroy was kept at the wheel during the
whole of the night. He was willing enough to do the extra work if only
the captain would forgive him for his actions. The master of the ship
questioned him closely, and in the end reached the conclusion that only
Semmel, Peterson, and Shamhaven were the leaders in the attempt to seize
the ship and that the others had followed after them like so many sheep.

"I am glad to hear this," he said to Grandon and Larry. "I think after I
read them a strong lecture they'll behave themselves."

"But we shall have to watch 'em closely," said the first mate.

"What will you do with Semmel, Peterson, and Shamhaven?" asked Larry.

"Put them in irons and keep them there until the end of the trip. When
we reach Nagasaki they can take their choice of leaving or of being
kicked off the ship. If they raise a row I'll hand them over to the
authorities."

"You ought to have them locked up."

"True, lad; but with this war on hand the courts won't want to bother
with such a case."

It was not until nine o'clock in the morning that Captain Ponsberry had
the forward hatch raised once more. Those below were almost dying for
fresh air and water.

"I want Wilbur to come up," he said.

"Can't we have some water?" demanded Shamhaven.

"Yes, if you'll behave yourselves," was the short answer.

There was a babble of voices, but the master of the ship paid no
attention. Each man who had been thrown below was unarmed, so there was
no danger of any shooting. Presently Wilbur came up the rope ladder
thrown to him, looking sheepish enough.

"What have you to say for yourself?" demanded the captain, when Wilbur
threw himself on his knees.

"Don't count it against me, cap'!" he groaned. "I didn't want to go into
i