is fingers on the top of the bulwark, Jack managed
to edge his way aft until he reached the line of the quarterdeck. Here
the line of the bulwark ceased, the cabins of the officers rising, as
was usual in those days, in a double tier high about the waist.

The nearest porthole, which was open, was but three feet long, and Jack,
reaching forward, put one hand in it and continued his way. The porthole
was but just large enough for him to squeeze through. Looking in before
he attempted it he saw an officer asleep immediately below him. It was
the ensign of his own company. Leaning in he touched him gently. After
one or two attempts, the young officer opened his eyes, saying, "What is
it? It's not morning yet."

"Hush, sir," Jack said earnestly; "I am Jack Stilwell of your company.
There is a mutiny, sir, forward. Please help me in, I want to warn the
captain of the ship, and he will know what to do."

The young officer leaped from his bunk and assisted Jack to enter.

"I will come with you," he said, hastily dragging on his trousers and
coat. "Are you sure of what you say?"

"Quite sure, sir; the noncommissioned officers are bound; it may begin
at any moment."

The ensign led the way to the captain's cabin, which he opened and
entered without ceremony.

"What is it?" the captain exclaimed. The ensign said who he was, and
Jack repeated his story.

"The dogs!" the captain said, "we will teach them a lesson. Let me see,
the second lieutenant is on duty; rouse all the other officers;" and he
himself assisted them to do so. In a minute or two they were gathered
hastily attired, with sword and pistol, in the captain's cabin.

"Do you, Mr. Hartwell," the captain said, addressing the first
lieutenant, "go below and rouse the boatswain and petty officers,
and bid them get together all the men they can depend upon, arm them
quietly, and be ready to rush on deck the instant a stir is heard
forward among the soldiers. Any man who disobeys orders, shoot him
instantly. Do you, sir," he said to the second officer, "go to the
magazine with four of the midshipmen, open it and bring up charges of
grape for the guns on the quarterdeck. Be as quick as you can. Now,
gentlemen, the rest of us will make our way up quietly, one by one,
to the quarterdeck. Go well aft, so that the men in the waist will not
notice you. Directly the cartridges come up we will load the guns, and
be in readiness to slew them across the deck; and in the mean