242 THE BOY CAPTAIN.

alet replied, approaching a few paces nearer the bunk.
“De cabin dinner mus’ be cooked afore eight bells am
struck.”

«Was you ever afraid of me before?” Bart asked, as he
held out his hand for the basin.

“ Dere nebber was any reason fur it.”

« And I wish the captain had put a bullet through my
fool head before I ever gave any one a reason, Bart said,
with asigh. “I’ve allers held myself honest as sailors go,
till now, an’ I’ve got so far the other side by follerin’ in
the wake of them yellow devils that evena nigger is
afraid of me. I suppose it won’t do any harm if I thank
you?”

“Des drink it down, honey, an’ don’t tork "bout de
res’,” old Eliphalet replied, gaining confidence as the
mutineer showed such evident signs of repentance. “I’se
gwine to fix you a mess fur dinner, an’ it’s time I was
toddlin’ inter de galley.”

Bart raised the basin to his lips, and before it was
removed the old darkey had disappeared.

Mr. Bean and Ben decided, while the latter was in the
invalid’s room, that since there were but four men to be
divided into two watches, Bob should take one of the
mutineers with him, and Sam the other.

This would give them little or no opportunity for hatch-
ing any evil plans, although it was questionable whether
either of the watches would be off duty very long at a
time.

It would be necessary Ben should stay on deck during