CHAPTER XV.
THE BATTLE.

EN passed the hours which elapsed before the time

he had set for the opening of the battle in alter-
nately visiting the sailors at their posts and the sick man
in his room.

His head was clear, so far as his reasoning faculties were
concerned, but it buzzed and whirled, owing to the heavy
blow given him by the mutineers, in a manner which, at
any other time, would have forced him to retire to his
room in the hope of gaining some relief from the terrible
pain.

He could not afford to “nurse himself” just now, and
kept on with his work as if he was in the best possible
mental and bodily condition.

When he had completed his rounds the second time,
Bob, who was stationed at the after companionway,
whispered :

“The Manilamen have been here talking with the man
at the wheel. I couldn’t make out rightly what they
said, but, as near as I heard, the idea was to set fire to
the brig, an’ then abandon her, leavin’ us to be first
smoked an’ then drowned, like rats in a trap.”

“Did it appear to be decided on that such a thing
should be done, or were they only discussing the plan?”

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