rd my
name called, and looking under the booms, I discovered Tommy Bigg.

"Just step this way, sir, in case I should be seen," he whispered. "I
have heard more of their plans. They are going to shut up Spratt and
the rest who won't side with them in the fore-peak, and then hurry aft
and seize the arms, lock the cabin-doors, and lash the officers down in
their berths. They have divided themselves into three parties, and they
think that the whole work can be done in a couple of minutes or so. If
any resist on deck, they vow that they'll knock them overboard. They'll
not commit murder if they can help it, they say, but they'll not stand
on ceremony about the matter."

"Very well done, Tommy," I replied. "Get forward as quietly as you can,
and tell Spratt I want him and any true men he can bring; and, if
possible, not to let Cobb and the rest know that they have come aft. If
they slip out one by one, they can manage it. Do you then, Tommy, join
us, unless you find that you can stow yourself away safely forward."

"If you'll let me, sir, I'll do what seems best," answered Tommy.
"Maybe by stopping I may help you more than by being with you."

I told Tommy to do as he judged best, and returning to the poop, resumed
my usual walk. The night was very dark. The conspirators reckoned on
this to assist them, but it was of more use to us, as it enabled us to
move about and arrange our counter-plot without their discovering us.

Six bells struck. In the merchant service the bell is generally struck
only every hour. All our plans were arranged. As the time approached I
joined Mr Henley. We were all well armed. I found Spratt and some
other men had managed to come abaft, unperceived by the mutineers. Just
under the break of the poop there was an empty cabin. Some of our party
were concealed in it with lanterns. Others the doctor had stowed away
in his dispensary, close to which the mutineers must pass on their way
aft. I, with a third party, under Mr Henley's command, were concealed
in a cabin close to the arm-chest. We expected here to have the most
desperate resistance. All was ready.

Eight bells struck. I had a loop-hole to look out forward. I could
just distinguish the dark forms of the men, as, without their shoes,
they hurried aft. Their plans were well arranged. At the same moment
that one party rushed past the doctor's dispensary to secure the mates,
and another to overpower the cabin passengers,