AN UNWILLING CREW. 89

« Am de heathens all gone outer dis yere ship?” and
Eliphalet crawled from behind the stove, rising slowly to
his feet as he asked the question.

«We've got three stowed away for further use, and I
reckon you ll have to fill them up with something eatable,
for I am counting on carrying them into port.”

“Ts I to cook fur sich cattle?”

«You are, my venerable darkey, and you will be mighty
lucky if you don’t have to do so for more than three, be-
fore we reach the United States.”

The old man looked as if he had received a severe blow,
and then, realising that it would not do to make any oppo-
sition to the captain’s orders, began hunting in a dazed
sort of way for the knives he had thrown overboard.

Ben’s crew came out of the forepeak very: willingly,
after being given an opportunity, and when he told them
what he wished done there was no question but that his
words were understood, even though he employed no
gestures.

The terrible punishment which they had seen inflicted
upon their countrymen caused them to stand in awe of
this young captain, and Ben felt quite positive he could
count on their being submissive until the term of enforced
service should come to an end.

When the anchor had been catted he ordered them to
the galley, as he said:

“T don’t know how long you’ve been hiding on this
craft ; but reckon by this time you’re in reasonably good
shape for grub. I'll have the steward fill you up, and I