that reigned disguised the scene of the struggle, so that each
man saw but little beyond his own part in the affair; yet I was
conscious that the mutineers were being pushed back towards the deck
door. They had been caught between the two parties as it appeared, and
Legrand's unexpected onset from the music-saloon entrance had thrown
them into confusion. It was obvious that Legrand and his men were
armed, for I heard a shot or two issuing from the _melee_, and above
the noise of the oaths and thuds and thumpings was the clash of steel.
Presently my man, who had engaged me over-long, dropped, and before me
was a little vacancy of space, at the end of which, hard by the door, I
discerned the bulky form of Holgate. He was leaning against the wall,
as if faint, and a revolver dropped from his fingers.

"By God, doctor, if I'd had any idea of this I'd have crucified 'em
all," he said to me savagely; "but I'll get square yet. First you, and
now Legrand! I'll be square yet."

As he spoke, panting, he heaved himself higher against the wall and
levelled his revolver. In a flash my arm descended and knocked the
weapon to the floor. I could see his grin even in the dim light.

"Well, it was empty, anyway, man," he said, "but I'll give you best for
the present. I've my ship to look after."

I could have struck him down then and there, and I raised my point to
do so; but he seized my arm. "Don't be a fool, my lad. She'll be gone
in this wind, if I don't take charge. Have your fling if you want it,"
he screamed in my face above the clamour. For the noise of the wind was
now increased and grown into a roar. It sounded as a menace in the
ears, and I involuntarily paused and looked out of the doorway. The
heavens were black, the waters ran white to the gunwale, and the _Sea
Queen_ staggered like a drunkard on her course. Holgate's practised
eye had taken in the situation, and he had seen that he was necessary
to the navigation of the yacht. And yet I marvelled at his coolness, at
the strength of will and heroic resolution which could turn him of a
sudden from one filled with the lust of blood and greed and battle into
the patient sailor with his ship to save. These thoughts ran through my
head as I paused. It was only a brief pause, so brief that it was no
time ere I rejoined my companions in their attack on the failing
mutineers; but in it I had a glimpse deep into the chief mutineer's
nature.

I let him go. His argument came home