and murder.

The prospect is appalling; and as he reflects upon it, Harry Blew feels
his heart sink within him--strong though that heart be. For a dread
fate is impending over himself, as well as those he has promised to
protect.

How it is to be averted! How he is to save Carmen Montijo and Inez
Alvarez! How save himself?

These questions come crowding together, and repeat themselves over and
over; but without suggesting answer. He cannot think of one that is
satisfactory; he sees no chance of escape. The crew are all in the
plot--every man of them--either as principals, or engaged assistants.
The conversation of the two convicts has told this. The second mate
same as the rest; which to him, Harry Blew, causes no surprise. He had
already made up his mind about Padilla; observing his sympathy with
those who were showing insubordination. He had also noticed that
whatever was up among them, Gil Gomez was the directing spirit;
dominating Padilla, notwithstanding the latter's claim to superior
authority as one of the ship's officers; while Velarde and Hernandez
seemed also to be controlled by him. The last, Harry Blew has
discovered to be a landsman, with no sea-experience whatever; when found
out, excusing himself on the plea that he wished to work his passage to
Panama. The position of the other seven is understood by what Striker
said. All are equal in the scheme of pillage and murder--though not to
have equal reward.

Bringing them one after another before his mind; recalling his
experience of them--which, though short, has given him some knowledge of
their character--the _Condor's_ first officer cannot think of one likely
to take sides with him. They are all men of iniquity; and in defending
the innocent he will have to stand alone. For it will amount to almost
that, with no other help than Captain Lantanas, Don Gregorio, and the
cook; the first, a slight slender man, with just strength enough to
handle a telescope; the second, aged, and something of an invalid; the
third, for fighting purposes, scarce worth thinking of. His fidelity
might be depended upon; but he is also an oldish man, and would count
for little in a conflict, with such desperadoes as those who design
making themselves masters of the ship.

All these points present themselves to the mind of the first mate
clearly, impressively.

A thought of telling Captain Lantanas what he has discovered, and which
at first naturally occurred t