7O THE BOY CAPTAIN.

Old Eliphalet obeyed, so far as dropping the lantern
was concerned; but, before he could procure the neces-
ary material for binding the prisoners, Miss Dunham
was bending over the hatchway.

«“ How many ghosts did you find?” she asked, trying in
vain to peer into the gloom.

« Three, and I’ll send the lot on deck as soon as I can
trice them up a bit.”

“Why not pass them up to me? You can fetter them
better where it is light, and I’ll answer for it they don’t
escape me while you are clambering out.”

Ben hesitated an instant, as if fearing to expose her to
possible danger, and then, realising that he would be at a
decided disadvantage in case they should make an attempt
at overpowering him while in that dark place, cried
cheerily :

«Keep your eye on them sharp, and don’t hesitate to
shoot if they make a motion toward going over the
rail.”

Then, using his weapon as a means of emphasizing, and
at the same time explaining his command, he ordered
them to ascend the rude ladder.

Probably thinking they were to be allowed to escape,
the men hurriedly obeyed, only to be confronted by a
small, but decidedly resolute looking girl, who appeared
able to do as much execution with her revolver as the
captain could do with his.

By the time the three were on the deck and Ben had
followed them, Eliphalet had returned with the ratline