BESTIEGED. 201

“Now you must be guided by me, so far as your own
precious self is concerned.”

«What do you want me to do?”

“Stay in your room, or Bean’s, out of the way of a
possible shot from above. If it so happens that we are
in danger of being overpowered, you shall join in the fight.
Of that you have my word. Now tell me why you did
not think it best to make an immediate attack upon the
murderers ?”

“Because, in the first flush of their victory they will be
unusually watchful. It is more than probable both exits
are guarded carefully in anticipation of exactly what you
propose doing. I suggest that you wait until possession
has made them careless. There are many things which
may happen in our favour between now and morning. The
first thought of some of the men will be the spirit room,
and when that has been broken into and its contents at
their disposal, your work will be simplified.”

“T begin to believe you are always right, and it is the
position of captain which belongs to you.”

“T would prefer to continue as chief mate,’’ she said,
shyly, and then, as if remembering what he had asked
her to do, went into Mr. Bean’s room.

She had hardly left the saloon when a crash of glass
was heard, mingled with the fall of missiles upon the
table, and there was barely time for Ben to leap backward
into his own apartment before the shower fell.

Had the young girl remained in the position she
occupied while talking with the captain, her death would