THE BATTLE. 209

«Then you think we oughter hold on to the brig a
while longer ?”

“Of course, an’ we must take care of our necks, get
one of the boats into condition, provision her, an’ abandon
this craft. I’ve got an idee that them in the cabin will
lead us a pretty dance before they give up tryin’ to square
matters, so I go in for lookin’ after my own skin.”

The men moved further away by the time the second
speaker finished, and it was no longer possible for Ben to
hear the conversation; but he had learned sufficient to
give him renewed courage, for he knew now that at least
two of the mutineers regretted what they had done, and,
when the proper time came, it was quite possible both
would be more than willing to return to duty, if he
allowed it.

He remained at the window several moments longer,
but without learning anything more, for the majority of
the mutineers staid forward, where, as a matter of course,
it was impossible to overhear their conversation.

To his disappointment, he did not distinguish any
sounds of revelry, as would have been the case if they had
broken into the spirit room as Miss Dunham hoped they
might, and, remaining only long enough to assure him-
self the slats of the shutter could easily be shattered, he
returned to the cabin.

Bean had fallen into a light doze, and the young girl
was standing on the threshold of the invalid’s room await-
ing the captain’s return.

Beckoning for her to come to the opposite side of the