THE HOME PORT. 281

“but at the same time, if we had been in condition, I
should have made a mighty big try for the prize.”

The conversation was well started on the subject which
Miss Dunham wished to banish, and, in order to turn it
before Ben could become very deeply interested, she asked
old Eliphalet, in an unusually loud tone, how the wounded
sailor was getting along.

“Hes perkin’ up right smart, missy, an’ I ‘lows at de
rate he’s feedin’ now, he’s jest ‘bout gettin’ ready for
duty. Hedone tole me for to arsk de cap’n ef he could
talk wid Mr. Bean.”

«What answer shall Eliphalet make?” and Miss Dun-
ham turned toward Ben.

“J think that is a matter which Mr. Bean had best
settle. Bart probably wants to repeat that he joined the
mutineers only with the understanding that no murder
should be done. ”’

“Ts he able to get out of the forecastle?” Mr. Bean
asked.

“He ‘lowed dat two ob de men would bring him on
deck this yere forenoon, sah,” Eliphalet replied.

«Then you may tell him that I will come forward if
I feel able.”

Ben and his first mate thus reminded so forcibly of the
mutiny, discussed the incidents of that fatal night until
the meal was finished, and it was time for Miss Dunham
to take her trick at the wheel.

Two hours later, while the young captain was asleep in
his room and the brig sailing steadily on toward her desti-