RECAPTURE. 229

could. It’s a good job for all hands that those coolies
went over the rail, for it will save a lot of trouble. Now,
if I was able to do my share of the work —”’

“Don’t talk about that. We shall get along all right.
It will be a little tough, of course, but while the weather
holds good there are three of us to go aloft, even if I
don’t try to turn the unwounded mutineers to any
account.”

«“ Three, sir?”

«Yes, I know from past experience that Miss Dunham
is as good as a man at the wheel, which leaves Bob, Sam,
and myself, as crew. Now, then, Eliphalet,’’ he added, to
the old darkey, who was still crouching in one corner, but
had raised himself somewhat on hearing the cheerful tid-
ings which the captain brought, “get up, and go to work!
There’s plenty to be done, and we can’t have any loafing
around when there’s no danger. Cook something in the
way of breakfast for Mr. Bean, and then get up a hearty
meal for the rest of us.”

“Yes, sah, yes, sah, I’se gwine.” _

“Get along lively; this is no time for skulking. The
danger is over, and you’ve had a soft snap of it, so turn
to with a will.”

The old darkey raised himself to his feet as a person
does who is cramped by remaining long in one position,
and ambled out of the room just as Miss Dunham brought
the bandages which had been asked for.

Taking them, and seizing the small medicine -chest
which belonged to the brig, Ben left the saloon, ascend-