RECAPTURE. 223

Sam muttered. “He ain’t any earthly use where he
‘is now, an’ it seems as if we oughter turn him to some
account.”

“Tt would only be a waste of time to try it, my man.
He’s too thoroughly frightened to be of any assistance,
even if we should drag him on the deck. The job isn't
such a difficult one that we can’t manage it among our-
selves, and, if necessary, you could make the wheel fast
and join us. With this breeze, and under the canvas she
has spread, the little craft would steer herself without
a rudder.”

Then Ben went below to inform his sweetheart of the
good tidings.

«Wasn't there any one at the wheel?”’ she asked, as
she came from Mr. Bean’s room, for Ben and Sam had
done their work in such a quiet manner that she could
not believe they had as yet been successful.

“Just peep out of the companionway once. Be careful
not to show your head above the house, and you'll see
how we got along,” Ben replied, in a tone of triumph, and,
as Miss Dunham acted upon this suggestion, he stood by
the side of the mate.

«We ’ve got two of them triced up in proper fashion,”

“he said, in reply to Mr. Bean’s inquiring look. “Caught
them napping, and didn’t have any trouble. There are two
more wounded, and one of the Manilamen with a revolver
is all we’ve got on our hands, so I reckon it won’t be
a great while before things will be shipshape once more.
How are you feeling by this time?”