THE BATTLE. 217

where we are going, an’ as things stand now, nobody can
tell how soon we’ll fetch up.”

Bob had taken his station directly in the rear of Ben
while he was speaking, and, satisfying himself that the
man was where he could see everything which might
happen, the young captain arose to his feet.

«“ There are two other fellows forward there,” the latter
said, as he went toward the door of the room, “but they
are so badly used up, I don’t reckon you’ll have any
trouble with them. Do your best when the scrimmage
begins aft, for then will be the most likely time for that
scoundrel to shoot.”

Miss Dunham followed her lover into the saloon, and,
suddenly remembering that there was another man on
board who had not been utilised, Ben asked:

“Ts it of any use to attempt to arouse old Eliphalet?
It’s too bad we shouldn’t use him at this time, when
every one counts for so much.”

“T don’t think it would be of any avail to get him out
of Mr. Bean’s room. He is so thoroughly frightened as
to be worse than helpless.”

“But he fought at Nampang Island, and did good service.”

“Yes, but you must remember that there the enemy
were not on board the brig, and what he did was done in
a frenzy, so he was hardly a free agent.”

«Well, I wish that same kind of frenzy would overtake
him now; he could do us a power of good.”

“There is little chance of that while he has an oppor-
tunity of remaining where he is.”