ly torturing me
by his silence.

But it could not have been a minute, though in my excitement it seemed
to be so long, and he had to make his plans. Then he spoke in a quiet,
firm way.

"Now, Dale," he said, "it is our duty, and we must fight. Forget that
you are a boy, and act like a man. Got your revolver?"

"Yes."

"Charged?"

"Yes."

I'm afraid my voice sounded very husky in my excitement, and my heart
went in leaps and bounds. Frightened? Yes, I was: horribly; and if
under similar circumstances any boy or man tells you he was not, don't
believe him. I wouldn't. I know I was all of a tremble, but I never
felt for a moment that I was going to shrink as I listened to Mr Frewen
giving Mr Preddle instructions about the revolver.

"No, no," I heard him say, "don't stop to re-charge. If it will not go
off, use it as a club." Then he gripped me by the hand.

"Ready?" he whispered.

"Yes."

"Then keep close to me, and come on."

We stepped out into the saloon, shut our door after us, and stood
listening, wondering whether there was a sentry, but all was still, and
concluding that all hands were on deck, Mr Frewen unfastened Mr
Preddle's door in the black darkness. He came out, and his door was
also closed again.

"Follow!"

We went after Mr Frewen, and he stopped at a cabin-door on the opposite
side, opened it, and I heard him say--

"Brymer."

"Yes, who is it? Doctor?"

"Yes, dress sharply. Trousers only."

"I am dressed. What's up? Striking?"

"A blow for liberty."

"Hah! A good time while they're fumbling with the old Castle. How many
are you?"

"Three, and three stout men on deck."

"Who are they?"

"Hampton, Blane, Dumlow."

"All traitors and scoundrels."

"All true men waiting for my signal."

"Good. And the captain?"

"Too badly wounded to stir."

"Mr Denning?"

"Too weak."

"Yes. Lead then; I'll do all you say."

"Are you stronger?"

"Strong enough for that; but give me something to hit with. All right,
I have my pocket-knife."

"Ready then? Come on, and let's see what had better be done."

"Get Jarette down at any cost," said the mate. "The rest will come
easy."

All this was in a whisper, and then we followed Mr Frewen to the
shattered entrance of the saloon, and stood there looking forward, but
seeing very little, though a white peculiar gleam came off the sea, and
a couple of lanterns swung forward, by the side of one of which we made
out