RECAPTURE. 231

makin’ of good sailors in us, even if we did let ourselves
be towed by the nose.”

“We don’t ask you to let us wipe the whole thing out
by workin’; but only want to help get the brig into port,
an’ then you shall do with us as you see fit,” the second
mutineer added.

“T'll talk with you when I come back,” Ben replied, and
then he hurried away, thinking to himself that it would be
advisable to accept this proffered assistance under the cir-
cumstances, for he believed he would have nothing to fear
from these fellows, after their mutinous plans had so sig-
nally failed.

He intended to keep them in suspense a certain time,
however, instead of allowing them to see how willing he
was to avail himself of their services.

During Ben’s life at sea he had had considerable expe-
rience in the way of treating wounds, since on every occa-
sion he took advantage of the opportunity to act as amateur
surgeon, knowing the practice would one day be valuable
to him if he expected ever to become the master of a
vessel, and Bart’s knee was not in such a serious condition
but that he could dress it fairly well.

The sailor remained silent during all the while Ben was
working over him, and not a word was spoken until the
young captain had concluded his task, when the latter said :

“ There, my man, I have fixed you up the best I know
how, and it can’t be long before we can leave you at
Ascension, so I reckon, barring the pain, you won’t be
much worse off than if we had a surgeon on board.”