tra blow or two."

From that time Cressingham was his bitter enemy; but Challoner did
his duty as chief officer too faithfully to give the captain a chance
against him.

Day after day had passed. The sullen discontent of the crew had changed
into outspoken hatred and a thirst for revenge upon the captain and
Harman and Barton--the latter the third mate--and Challoner, who knew
what was brewing, dared not open his mouth to any one of the three upon
the subject. Between himself and Cressingham and the other two there had
now sprung up a silent yet fierce antagonism, which the crew were quick
to perceive, and from which they augured favourably for themselves.

One night, just as Challoner had relieved the second mate, some of the
hands from both watches marched boldly aft and asked him if he would
take command of the ship. He had only to say the word, they said. They
were tired of being "bashed" and starved to death by the skipper and two
mates, and if he would navigate the ship to Melbourne they would keep
him free from interference, and take the consequences, &c.

"Go for'ard, you fools," said Challoner, with assumed harshness, "don't
talk mutiny to me."

A step sounded on the deck behind him, and Cressingham's sneering tones
were heard.

"Discussing mutiny, are you, Mr. Challoner? By God, sir, I've suspected
you long enough. Go below, sir; or go for'ard with these fellows. You'll
do no more mate's duty aboard of this ship. Ah, Colliss, you're one of
the ringleaders, are you?" And in an instant he seized a seaman by the
throat, and called loudly for Barton and Harman to help him.

Before they could respond to his call the poop was black with struggling
men. Cressingham, mad with passion, had Colliss down trying to strangle
him, and Challoner, fearing murder would be done, had thrown himself
upon the captain and tried to make him release his grip of the man's
throat. At that moment a sailor called out--

"Stand by, chaps, for Barton and Harman, and drop 'em the moment they
shows up. Mr. Challoner's got the old man safe."

But Messrs. Harman and Barton were tough customers. The loud cries on
deck and heavy tramping of feet told them that a crisis had occurred,
and they dashed up, each with a revolver in hand--only to be felled from
behind ere they could fire a shot. Challoner, letting the captain free,
sprang to their aid. But he came too late, for before, with blows,
kicks, and curses, he could force his way thr