ooking
ruffian. "In spite of you, he shall take the oath, Captain Toplift."

"Captain Toplift," said I, calmly, "do you allow one of your crew to
use such language as this. Had I been captain of this ship, I would
have blown his brains out as he stood. You don't know to deal with
these rascals. I do."

Captain Toplift, who appeared much pleased at being supported in this
way by me--(strange that a single individual, whom they might have
thrown overboard in a minute, should have gained such an ascendency,
but so it was)--and who perceived that the men fell back, as if taken
by surprise, then said, "Captain, you have taught me a good lesson,
which I will take advantage of. Seize that fellow and put him in
irons."

"Hah!" cried the man, seeing that no one touched him: "who is to bell
the cat! hah!" and he drew his cutlass.

"I will, then," said I to Captain Toplift, "if you desire it;" and,
stepping forward, I went up to the man, saying, "Come, come, my good
fellow, this won't do here; I'm used to deal with such chaps as you,
and I can manage worse than you, a good deal."

I advanced till I was within the stroke of his cutlass before he was
aware of it, and, seizing him by the waist, I threw him flat on his
back and put my foot on his neck.

"Now," cried I, in an authoritative voice, "put this man in irons
immediately--refuse who dares. Here, you Sirs, lay hold of this
fellow," continued I, looking to the Portuguese; who accordingly came
forward and led him away, assisted by others, who now joined them.

"Are there any more mutineers here?" inquired I; "if so, let them step
forward."

No one stirred.

"My lads," said I, "it is very true that I have refused to take the
oath, for the oath is not given to those who command, but to those who
obey; but at the same time I am not one to betray you. You know who I
am; and is it likely?"

"No, no," replied the men.

"Sir," asked one of them, who had been most forward and insolent,
"will you be our captain?--say but the word,--you are the sort of man
we want."

"You have a captain already," replied I, "and in a few weeks I shall
command a vessel of my own; I cannot, therefore, accept your offer;
but while I am on board I will do all in my power to assist Captain
Toplift in any way, and you can desire no more. And now, my men, as an
old hand, I have but this advice to give you, which is--to return to
your duty; for every thing in a vessel of this description depends