THE BATTLE. 215

can’t count them as being totally disabled, but if I can
get another shot at either, I’ll run the risk of the second
villain’s peppering me.”

«Then he is the only one who has a revolver?”

«Evidently so, or there would have been a concerted
attack made before this. I wonder if Sam has heard
anything from the after companionway? I'd give a good
bit to know how many there are at the wheel.”

“He heard two talking immediately after you fired, and
if you have seen three, that must make up the list of
mutineers, according to the way you figured it last night.”

“Then I'll station Bob here, and let him keep the
coolie in check while with Sam I make a rush aft. We
shall then virtually have possession of the brig, and it can’t
be a great while before that fellow has to surrender.”

“But do you think Bob is as gooda marksman as you?”

“J fancy he isn’t; sailors are not generally given to
such things; but it can’t be helped, for I’m not disposed
to spend all day watching that scoundrel, and allow him
to give me the slip when it comes dark.”

“Why not let me take your place here? I can cer-
tainly use a revolver better than Bob?”

“TI am quite well aware of that fact, but at the same
time don’t intend to countenance anything of the kind.
I promised that you should join in the battle in case we
were close pressed, but sha’ n’t allow you to run any risk
when there’s no absolute necessity of doing so, therefore
you must remain under cover as has been agreed upon.
Will you call Bob?”