young
boy, but his courage did not quail, as he felt sure that his father and
Mr Shobbrok, aided by the other officers and the better-disposed part
of the crew, would be able to counteract the designs of the mutineers.

CHAPTER TWO.

PRECAUTIONS--A MUTINY--MUTINEERS DEFEATED--ATTEMPT TO ROUND CAPE HORN--
DRIVEN BACK--A FEARFUL GALE--AMIDST ICEBERGS--A MAGNIFICENT SIGHT--MAN
OVERBOARD--MUTINEER KILLED BY AN ALBATROSS.

Walter was thankful to hear eight bells strike, when Mr Shobbrok coming
on deck, sent the second mate below.

"Why don't you turn in, Walter?" asked the first mate, on seeing him
still lingering on deck.

"I should like to speak a word to you," said Walter.

"If it's a short one, my lad, say it, but I don't wish to keep you out
of your berth."

As several of the mutineers were on deck, Walter thought he might be
observed, and therefore merely whispered to the mate, "Be on your guard.
I have information that the boatswain is at the head of a conspiracy to
take possession of the ship. I will go below and tell my father how
matters stand. Be careful not to be taken at a disadvantage, and let
none of the men come near you."

"I am not surprised. I will be on my guard," answered the mate in a low
tone; adding in a higher one--

"Now go below, youngster, and turn in."

Walter, hurrying to the cabin, found his father asleep. A touch on the
arm awoke him.

"I want to speak to you about something important," he said; and then
told him all he had heard from Dan Tidy.

"It does not surprise me," he observed, repeating almost the words of
the mate. "We of course must take precautions to counteract the designs
of the misguided men without letting them suspect that we are aware of
their intentions. Call Mr Lawrie, that I may tell him what to do; and
then I will go on deck and speak to the first mate."

"I have told him already. I thought it better to put him on his guard,"
said Walter.

"You did right," said the captain. "We must let the other officers
know. Bring me two brace of pistols from the rack." The captain
quickly loaded the firearms. "Now, Walter, do you go and wake up Nub;
then bring all the muskets into my cabin while I am on deck."

The captain's appearance would not excite suspicion, as it is customary
for a commander to go on deck at all hours of the night, especially when
there is a change of weather; and the mate was heard at that moment
ordering the watch on deck to