y
orders like a man had oughter do. Let's hear from you."

"I won't do duty," replied Atkins, sullenly.

Jack Spaniard hesitated a moment before he answered. He knew that those
who had dared to oppose the governor, had thus far been brought to
grief, and he was almost inclined to take him at his word, and leave
Atkins to fight his own battles. But he had been highly incensed by the
new rules Tom had introduced into the society, and, believing that he
was as good as any body, he did not like to be obliged to act the part
of a servant. More than that, the events of the night had dampened his
ardor. He began to see that there were a multitude of risks to be run,
and a good many obstacles to be overcome, before they could begin their
intended cruise, and he thought it policy to abandon the enterprise
before he found himself in serious trouble.

"Me an' Atkins will stick together," said he.

"Very good," replied the chief; "an' you an' Atkins may make up your
minds to sup sorrow with the same spoon. I am governor of this band, an'
I'll come out at the top of the heap yet; now you mark what I say. What
are you goin' to do?"

"We're goin' into the cove after our share of the outfit," replied Will
Atkins. "When we get it, we're goin back to the village. Come on, Jack;
we've wasted time enough in talkin'."

The two mutineers began to descend the cliff, keeping their eyes
fastened on the governor, and holding themselves in readiness to resist
any attack; but, to Friday's surprise, Sam made no attempt to detain
them.

CHAPTER VI.

THE GOVERNOR'S STRATEGY.

When Atkins and his companion had disappeared down the path that led to
the cove, Sam placed his hands behind his back, and began pacing
thoughtfully to and fro, while Friday, dismayed and perplexed by this
unlooked-for event, and utterly unable to discover any way out of the
difficulty, stretched himself on the ground and waited for the chief to
speak.

The affairs of the band were certainly beginning to look desperate. With
two of his best men in the hands of the enemy, two more setting his
authority at defiance, and with only one companion upon whom to depend,
what could the governor do? A less determined and persevering boy would
have given up in despair; but Sam, who, since the idea of leading Crusoe
life had been suggested to him, had thought and dreamed about nothing
else, was not easily discouraged. He was resolved that he would not
abandon the cour