, and I do not see that there is any use
to keep heaving the lead out here almost in mid-ocean."

"But are we in mid-ocean, Mr Kydd? The captain considers that we are
close in with the coast," remarked Stanley.

"Faith, there is going to be a row," I heard Terence O'Brien exclaim to
young Mr Rowley. "See! I would like to be after giving them a poke.
It would be rare fun."

"It would not be rare fun if the captain is right," was the answer.

"Am I to report to Captain Page that you decline heaving the lead, Mr
Kydd?" I said at length, seeing that he made no movement to obey the
order.

"Do as you like, Mr Crawford. I am not going to be dictated to by any
man on board," replied the mate in an obstinate tone.

"The captain is _very_ ill, as you know, and I fear your conduct will
greatly vex him and tend to aggravate his disease," I said, still
unwilling to return below. "I hope you will let me heave the lead if
you will not do it yourself."

"Are you hired to navigate this ship, or am I?" he said in an angry
tone, turning round to me. "I am chief officer, and unless the captain
comes on deck to give his commands, I intend to do as I think fit. If
you touch the lead, I shall consider it an act of mutiny, and order the
crew to put you in irons."

I did not wish to bring things to extremities, and yet I could not bring
myself to tell the captain how the mate was behaving. I waited, but
waited in vain, to see whether he would change his mind. He still stood
with his hands in his pockets, casting defiant looks around. I was in
hopes that Stanley and the other gentlemen would interfere; but they
remained silent, though somewhat astonished at the mate's behaviour. At
last, finding there was no help for it, I went back to the cabin.

"I am sorry to say, Captain Page, that Mr Kydd seems to consider that
there is no necessity for heaving the lead, and refuses to do so at
present," I said on entering. "I will do anything you wish, and again
carry your orders if you desire me."

"I must go on deck myself then," said the captain, attempting to rise.
"Help me on with my clothes, Andrew. I feel very weak, but if he forces
me to it, I must go." I assisted the captain to dress, with the help of
Natty. "Here, give me your arm, Andrew; it is a stronger one than poor
Natty's. I must do it, though it kills me."

I felt the poor captain tremble all over as I helped him along to the
companion-ladder. He climbed up