tening
gestures, they at once advanced towards the mate.

"If you interfere with Routh it will prove the worse for you," exclaimed
John Green, who acted as their spokesman.

The mate's first impulse was to seize the fellow, but his courage failed
him. "You will hear what the captain has to say to this," he answered,
and began to retreat, Dan and Pompey unwillingly following him.

Routh, on this, took the opportunity of slipping down on deck and
joining his companions.

Owen, who had seen what had been taking place, at once went into the
cabin and got his own pistols and cutlass, directing the second mate to
arm the rest of the men. Still, notwithstanding the mutiny on board, he
kept to his determination of fighting the ship till the last.
Fortunately, the mutineers had no arms, and before they were aware of it
all the true men had got their weapons.

"Now, my lads," cried Owen, "if you refuse to do your duty, you must
take the consequences. Go to your guns! The first man I see flinch
from them I will shoot through the head."

This threat seemed to produce its effect, and even Routh obeyed.

The stranger was now rapidly overhauling the _Ouzel Galley_, which,
hauled on a wind, was standing to the south-east. Owen had got his guns
ready for action; the crew were at quarters. Crippled as the _Ouzel
Galley_ was, he could only hope to succeed by speedily knocking away the
enemy's masts, or otherwise seriously damaging her; for, unable to
manoeuvre his ship except very slowly, he could not prevent his opponent
from taking up any position which might be chosen, either ahead or
astern, and raking him at leisure--or she might at once run him aboard
and overwhelm him with superior numbers. Still he bravely determined to
fight till the last.

He anxiously watched the stranger to judge what she would do. She had
at first set all the canvas she could carry, but as she came towards the
_Ouzel Galley_ she shortened sail, gradually also edging away to
leeward, apparently for the purpose of preventing Owen from making his
escape. The enemy had as yet not fired a shot. Directly, however, that
Owen could get his guns to bear he fired them at her; not without some
effect, but that did not make her alter her course.

"She intends to board us, sir," cried the mate, who had been watching
the stranger.

"You are right, but we will give her a broadside or two first, and maybe
make her alter her purpose," answered Owen. "Fi