ut won't the other men prevent them?" asked Kate anxiously.

"Dey can't, missy! Dey is down in main-hold; an' Moody shut um under
hatchway so dat dey can't get up."

Just then the report of Mr Lathrope's revolver sounded above, and Kate
almost screamed; but she controlled herself by a strong effort.

"And what can you or I do to help the captain and the others?" she said
as calmly as she could, longing all the while to go above, although her
presence there would be useless.

"Dat jus why I come here," replied Snowball eagerly. "We can get down
steerage, whar I'se stow away dat time--I knows de place well--clear way
traps in de way, and knock down bulkhead; starboard watch come troo de
openin' and up on poop; den Moody's gang knock all of a heap, catch it
hot, missy! But, really, poah Snowball not able do it all alone down
dere!"

Such were the darkey's spasmodic utterances, as they came out in gasps,
amidst the sound of the struggle going on on the main-deck and the
hoarse cries of those engaged, which could be plainly heard in the
cuddy. Kate at once comprehended the situation.

"I see," said she, as eagerly now as Snowball. "There's Mr Adams in
his cabin asleep. He was so worn out, I suppose, that he couldn't hear
Frank--I mean," she corrected herself blushing unconsciously--"Mr
Harness call! Rouse him up at once, and I'll get a light for you to go
below."

The darkey did as she told him, although he found it a difficult task to
awaken the second mate, who was so fast asleep that he had to be pulled
out of his cot before he opened his eyes.

He was already dressed, however, and would have rushed up on deck the
moment Kate told him what had occurred had she not laid her hand on his
arm and prevented him, pointing out how much better Snowball's plan
would result in bringing material assistance to the little party who
were still struggling with the mutineers, and fighting desperately, as
they could hear.

"Do be quick and go down at once," she pleaded. "A moment's delay may
sacrifice a valuable life; and then, it will be all your fault!"

So urged, Mr Adams consented against his will almost; and, following
Snowball down into the after hold with the lantern Kate had procured
from the steward's pantry, which she found tenantless, Llewellyn having
mysteriously vanished out of the saloon, the two proceeded as rapidly as
they could to work their way through the packing-cases and casks that
were stowed righ