e anchor of the brig being a-trip. In a
quarter of an hour the sail was on her, and she followed the course
steered by the men-of-war, who were about to run through the other
islands, and pick up several vessels, who were for their protection.

"If you expect an easy berth, as first-mate, you are mistaken, my
joker," said Jackson to Newton, as he steered the vessel; "you've
skulked long enough, and shall now work double tides, or take the
consequence. If you don't, I'll be damned!"

"I shall do my duty, Mr Jackson," replied Newton, "and fear no
consequences."

"Indeed! you saw how I settled a skulk just now;--beware of his fate!"

"I neither anticipate it nor fear it, Mr Jackson. If it comes to hand
spikes, two can play at that game. I rather think that before many
hours are over you will be sorry for your violence, for I believe that
man to be in considerable danger. Even now, I should recommend you to
demand surgical assistance from the frigate."

"Demand it, if you dare--I am captain of this ship, sir. The rascal may
die and be damned!"

To this disgusting speech Newton made no reply. He had made up his mind
to put up with every thing short of downright aggression, and for three
days more, he obeyed all orders, however arbitrary and however annoying.
During this period the man who had been injured became gradually worse;
his illness increased rapidly, and on the fifth day he became delirious
and in a state of high fever, when Newton again pointed out the
propriety of asking surgical aid from one of the men-of-war. This
suggestion was answered by Jackson, who was now really alarmed, with a
volley of oaths and execrations, ending with a fiat refusal. The crew
of the brig murmured, and collected together forward, looking
occasionally at the men-of-war as they spoke in whispers to each other;
but they were afraid of Jackson's violence, and none ventured to speak
out. Jackson paced the deck in a state of irritation and excitement as
he listened to the ravings of his victim, which were loud enough to be
heard all over the vessel. As the evening closed, the men, taking the
opportunity of Jackson's going below, went up to Newton, who was walking
aft, and stated their determination that the next morning, whether the
master consented to it or not, they would hail the frigate, and demand
surgical assistance for their shipmate. In the midst of the colloquy
Jackson, who hearing the noise overhead of the people c