the galley."

"Very good, sir," answered the subdued Billings, with a glance at the
long, blue revolver at Denman's waist. He departed, and with Daniels'
help arranged the breakfast as ordered.

Florrie was forced to remove her bandage; but as she faced aft at the
table her face was visible to Denman only. He faced forward, and while
he ate he watched the men, who squirmed as the appetizing odors of
broiled ham, corn bread, and coffee assailed their nostrils. On each
countenance, besides the puffed, bloated appearance coming of heavy and
unaccustomed drinking, was a look of anxiety and disquiet. But they were
far from being conquered--in spirit, at least.

Breakfast over, Denman sent Florrie below, ordered the dishes and table
below, and again put the irons on Billings and Daniels. Then he went
among them.

"What do you mean to do?" asked Forsythe, surlily, as Denman looked down
on him. "Keep us here and starve us?"

"I will keep you in irons while I have the power," answered Denman, "no
matter what I may do with the others. Sampson," he said to the big
machinist, "you played a man's part last night, and I feel strongly in
favor of releasing you on parole. You understand the nature of parole,
do you not?"

"I do, sir," answered the big fellow, thickly, "and if I give it, I
would stick to it. What are the conditions, sir?"

"That you stand watch and watch with me while we take this boat back to
Boston; that you aid me in keeping this crowd in subjection; that you do
your part in protecting the lady aft from annoyance. In return, I
promise you my influence at Washington. I have some, and can arouse
more. You will, in all probability, be pardoned."

"No, sir," answered Sampson, promptly. "I am one of this crowd--you are
not one of us. I wouldn't deserve a pardon if I went back on my
mates--even this dog alongside of me. He's one of us, too; and, while I
have smashed him, and will smash him again, I will not accept my liberty
while he, or any of the others, is in irons."

Denman bowed low to him, and went on. He questioned only a few--those
who seemed trustworthy--but met with the same response, and he left
them, troubled in mind.

CHAPTER XIV

He sat down in a deck chair and lighted a cigar as an aid to his mental
processes. Three projects presented themselves to his mind, each of
which included, of course, the throwing overboard of the liquor and the
secure hiding of the arms, except a pistol for himself,