ASCENSION. 255

Hurriedly Ben ran over the situation in his own mind,
the chances for and the chances against his doing as he
proposed, and before five minutes had elapsed he was
decided.

“Lads,” he said, addressing the men who were stand-
ing amidships wondering why the brig was not put about,
“there’s no chance of our getting sailors at Ascension,
and every reason to believe we-shall have water in plenty
before two days more have passed, for in these latitudes
we sha’ n’t be long without rain, and I ask if you are will-
ing to help me work the brig, few in numbers as we
are?”

“We’re bound to do as you think best, sir,’ Bob
replied, after waiting a few seconds to learn whether Sam
had any remark to make. “If you think it’s a venture
with any show of safety, why, say the word an’ we’re
standin’ by.”

“Then we’ll put about on our course. There would be
too much labour required to make Ascension, with not
enough at the end to warrant the expenditure of time and
strength. If there was a show of adding to the crew, I
would hold on for running in, however much time we
might spend; but so long as there isn’t, I believe it best
for the safety of all that we point the old hooker’s nose
toward a home port once more.”

“We can trust you, captain,’ Sam said, emphatically,
and while the two mutineers made no remark, their actions
showed that they were perfectly willing to do anything
which lay in their power, at however great a risk.