210 _ THE BOY CAPTAIN.

saloon, that the wounded mate might not be disturbed by
the conversation, Ben repeated the little which he had
learned, and concluded by saying:

“Tam confident the scheme which Bean suggested will
prove successful, and the time is very near at hand when

.it must be begun. Remember what I have said, and so
long as we have the upper hands of these fellows, remain
in your room, from the time the firing begins until you
hear from me.”

“Tf I could do any good, I should insist on standing by
your side during the fight.”

«But you cannot, and are sensible enough to under-
stand you might seriously hamper my movements. Only
one person can be of any service until the plan has shown
itself either a success or a failure, and you shall know
when that time arrives.”

“There is no reason why I should not stay with Mr.
Bean instead of in my own room?”

“Certainly not, and, in fact, that would be the best
place, for he might get excited and insist on coming out,
which must be prevented at all hazards. The sailors, are
to remain where they are, to prevent a rush from the
mutineers in case of my failure, and you can judge from
the frequency of the reports whether I am able to do any
execution or not.”

“You will not expose yourself unnecessarily, cap —
Benj, dear?”

The young captain clasped his very lovable little “ chief

”

mate” in his arms for an instant; then led her to Bean’s