AN UNWILLING CREW. 87

“Tf you try to work the brig with no other assistance,
it will be necessary for you .to remain on deck night and
day.”

«So it would in any event, no matter how many men I
had taken from the shore. I wouldn't have trusted them
for a single moment. We must run a good many chances
in a case like this, and no matter what happens in the
way of weather, we cannot suffer more than to be blown
out of our course, for with such canvas as is spread a
gale might rage from now until next January, and not
start a bolt-rope. Did you notice how Uncle Eliphalet
flashed up in the last act?”

“Yes, but I don’t think he can be credited with dis-
playing courage, for, in my opinion, he was like one in a
dream ; his terror had so far gotten the best of him that
he was really delirious.”

«Well, it’s mighty lucky for us his delirium took the
form it did, for he cleaned out no less than four sampans,
to my positive knowledge. I wonder where he is now?”

“Probably hiding in the galley, as much afraid of
himself as of the enemy he helped to disperse.”

“Can you stay here at the wheel a while longer?”

“T shall be on deck exactly as many hours as you are
forced to remain, and there’s no question but that I can
steer while the wind is as light as it is now.”

“You will go below as soon as I get things into shape,
if the captain has any authority on board this brig.”

“He doesn’t have much over his mate,” the young
lady replied, laughingly. «I will admit that you are the