orner where they didn't think a human being could have got."

"What is it, Tommy?" I asked, in a low voice.

I thought all the time he had been speaking that I had been dreaming,
and could not believe that the reality of what I had so long apprehended
had arrived.

"They intend just at eight bells, in the middle watch, to seize the
captain and all the officers, and those of the crew who won't join them,
and to turn them adrift in the long boat. Then they propose to run into
the coast, which they say is close aboard of us, land all the
passengers, and then make sail for America, or round Cape Horn for the
Pacific. At first there was a doubt about their having provisions
enough, from the pirates having taken so much from us; but then they
agreed that as they had been robbed, they might rob others in the same
way--they needn't be afraid about that matter."

I had so long expected an announcement of this sort in one form or
other, that I was not surprised at what little Tommy told me. His lucid
and brief statement showed me that he was a sharp, clever lad, and might
be relied on. I told him to go back quietly to his berth, and if he
could gain any further information, to try and let Mr Henley or me
know. I immediately dressed, and, followed by Solon, who jumped up as
soon as he saw me afoot, went on deck. I found Mr Henley standing near
the binnacle. It was a star-lit night. He was noting the bearing of
the stars by the compass.

"Ah, is that you, Marsden?" he said carelessly. "You cannot sleep with
this hot weather, nor can I--that is not surprising. What is strange,
however, is that our compasses are still in error--a wonderful
variation."

Taking another observation, he stepped forward with me to the break of
the poop, whence we had a clear view of the deck below us, and could be
certain that no one overheard what we said. I then informed him briefly
of what Tommy Bigg had told me, and asked what was to be done.

"I must consider," he answered. "We must take care, in the first place,
that the mutineers do not observe our movements. Do you wait a few
minutes, and then quietly slip below, and let the doctor and Mr Vernon
know, and tell them to be prepared." He mentioned also four or five of
the cabin passengers. "I will wait till just before the time to call
the first mate. He would only bluster now, and betray all our plans.
As to Waller, I doubt the fellow. If we could show him that he was
runni