ng from them shortly."

Luke had been told to report anything unusual, but it was not until
after dark that he sought out Captain Ponsberry.

"I ain't got much to say," said the old tar. "But to my mind Peterson,
Groot, and Shamhaven are doin' a powerful lot of confabbin'. More'n
that, I saw Peterson cleaning up a pistol he's got."

"Are any of the other hands armed?"

"I ain't seen no other shootin'-irons," answered Luke.

The captain had expected to interview Semmel once more, but found the
fellow so surly he gave up the attempt. As the brig was so hot and
uncomfortable, the master of the schooner had the door fixed so it could
be left open several inches, with a chain at the bolt to keep it from
going further.

At four o'clock Monday morning Peterson came on duty, followed by
Shamhaven and some others. All made their way to the bow and began to
talk in a low but earnest fashion. Then Peterson went below, to where
Semmel was still confined in the brig.

"We are ready to move now," said he, in Russian. "What do you think?"

"Let me out and I will show you what I think," growled Ostag Semmel.
"The captain is a dog--and Grandon and Russell are dogs, too!"

Peterson was prepared to unlock the chain which held the brig door and
did so. Then he handed a pistol to the Russian.

"The captain and Russell are in their staterooms," said Peterson. "Only
Grandon is on deck, with Vincent and with the men we can trust to help
us."

"We can't trust Vincent."

"I know that."

"Where is Striker?"

"Asleep in his berth."

But on this score Carl Peterson was mistaken. Luke had pretended to go
to sleep, but he was now in a corner on deck, watching with keen eyes
all that was occurring. Presently he saw Semmel in company with Peterson
hurry towards the bow, and he felt that the time for action had arrived.

"Hi, Mr. Grandon!" he called out, running up to the first mate.

"What is it, Striker?"

"They've released Semmel and they are arming themselves."

"You don't say!" Tom Grandon was stunned for the instant. "Tell the
captain and Russell of this at once!"

"Aye, aye, sir!"

Rushing down the companionway, Luke entered the cabin and knocked on the
door of Captain Ponsberry's stateroom.

"Wake up, captain!" he called, loudly. "Wake up! There is going to be
trouble putty quick, to my way o' thinkin'!"

"What has gone wrong now?" demanded the master of the _Columbia_, as he
hurried into his clothes and armed himse