said
quietly, as if to himself, "I'm ready for them!"

"Williams," he continued, "go and request the first lieutenant to come
here. Poplar, do you go among the people, and say I directed you to
call some of them to see me."

I quickly performed my part of the duty; but Poplar was longer in
collecting any of the people. He, however, at last returned with about
twenty of them.

The first lieutenant seemed very much astonished at the summons, and
could not make out what it meant. I fancy, indeed, when he got down
there, and saw the captain quietly sitting in the powder-magazine, as if
he was going to take up his berth there for the future, for an instant
he thought him out of his senses. He did not long continue in that idea
when the captain began to address him and the people who were assembled
outside the grating.

"Turn the hands up, and get the ship under way!" he sung out in a loud
voice. "The pilot will carry her through the passage, and then steer an
easterly course till you receive further orders."

"Now, men, you've heard the orders I have given to the first lieutenant.
I intend to have them obeyed. Other ships' companies have refused to
obey orders, and have joined the mutineers at the Nore. This example
shall not be followed on board this ship. I'd sooner die than see such
disgrace brought on the ship I command. You all know me. The instant I
find the course I have given altered--you see the magazine and this
pistol--we all go up together!"

Some of the mutineers--for Peter had taken care to summon those he most
suspected--lingered below; but the boatswain's whistle sounded shrilly
along the decks, and one more glance at the determined eye of the
captain sent them flying up to obey its summons. I shall never forget
the appearance of that dauntless man as he sat still and alone in that
dark place, prepared by a dire necessity to hurl himself and all with
him to a terrible destruction. It was a subject truly worthy of the
painter's highest art. We all, indeed, did know him, and knew that,
whatever the cost, he was a man to do what he had threatened. The ship
was quickly got under way, and while the larger number of the ships of
the squadron ran for the Nore against the wishes of their officers, we,
to the surprise of all, who little knew what extraordinary influence
guided our course, stood out to sea in search of the enemies of our
country.

CHAPTER FIFTEEN.

JACK A PRISONER--A PRIVAT