a good lesson, which I
will take advantage of. Seize that fellow and put him in irons."

"Hah!" cried the man, seeing that no man touched him; "who is to bell
the cat! Hah!" and 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 am 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 everything in a vessel of this description depends upon
obedience; and to you, Captain Toplift, I have also advice to give,
which is--to shoot the first man who behaves as that scoundrel did who
is now in irons. Boatswain! Pipe down."

I hardly knew whether this latter order would be obeyed by the
boatswain, or, if obeyed by the boatswain, whether it would be obeyed by
the men; but, to my great satisfaction, it was; and the men retired
peaceably.

"Well, Captain Toplift," said I, "I have done you no harm, and myself
some good."

"You have indeed," replied he; "come down into the cabin." When we were
in the cabin he said, "You have unarmed and subdued the most mutinous
ra