of with none to
hinder him."

It was the first time I had seen Hartog so deeply angered, aroused as
he was by the rumoured treachery that was being hatched against his
command, and when he spoke of the punishment most dreaded by seamen, of
being cast adrift in an open boat with three days' provisions, I knew
full well he would not hesitate to inflict this penalty upon whomsoever
might be found attempting to undermine his authority.

At these consultations held by the officers in the cabin, I noticed Van
Luck was never present. He made an excuse for his absence that, as
first officer, his place was on deck when the captain was below.
Although this could not be disputed, yet I bethought me he might have
found an opportunity to add his voice to our councils had he the
inclination to do it. But as yet I had no proof of treachery against
Van Luck, and although I suspected him, I was loath to voice my
suspicions lest my action might be attributed to malice for his scurvy
treatment of me.

As luck would have it, an incident now occurred which, for the time,
diverted the men's minds from the dangerous brooding in which they had
indulged. A dark line appeared on the horizon, which at first we took
for a breeze, but which, as it swept down upon us, proved to be a
prodigious number of flying fish. These delicate creatures rose out of
the water like silver clouds, and as they passed over our Vessel
numbers fell upon our decks. These fish are excellent eating, and of
those that fell aboard of us we soon had an ample supply. Hartog, as
much to give the crew some novel occupation as from any other motive,
set the men to work salting and drying the fish, so that we secured
three barrels full, as an addition to our ordinary fare, which was very
acceptable. The flying fish were pursued by a shoal of dolphins, which
continued to play round our ship for several days, and some of these we
captured with the line and converted into food.

In the excitement of the sport the sailors soon forgot their mutinous
conduct, and resumed something of their former cheerfulness. Like
children, seamen are easily led and readily influenced.

"I thank Providence," declared Hartog, "for the draught of fishes sent
to us at so opportune a time; but for their coming I doubt we would
have been at each other's throats ere this."

And indeed there is more in chance and circumstance than most believe.

I observed that Van Luck took no part in the fishing. T