.

"Mr. Denman," he said, "you've saved my life for me, and whatever I can
do for you, except"--his face took on a look of embarrassment--"except
going back on my mates, as I said, I will do, at any time of my life."

"That was what I might have suggested," answered Denman, calmly, "that
you aid me in controlling this crew until we reach Boston."

"I cannot, sir. There is prison for life for all of us if we are taken;
and this crowd will break out, sir--mark my words. You won't have charge
very long. But--in that case--I mean--I might be of service. I can
control them all, even Forsythe, when I am awake."

"Forsythe!" grinned Denman. "You can thank Forsythe for your round-up.
If he hadn't remained sober enough to attempt to break into Miss
Fleming's room while you were all dead drunk, I might not have knocked
him out, and might not have roused myself to tie you all hand and foot."

"Did he do that, sir?" asked Sampson, his rugged features darkening.

"He did; but I got there in time to knock him out."

"Well, sir," said Sampson, "I can promise you this much. I must be
locked up, of course--I realize that. But, if we again get charge, I
must be asleep part of the time, and so I will see to it that you
retain possession of your gun--and the lady, too, as I see she carries
one; also, sir, that you will have the run of the deck--on parole, of
course."

"That is kind of you," smiled Denman; "but I don't mean to let you take
charge. It is bread and water for you all until something comes along to
furnish me a crew. Come on, Sampson--to the forecastle."

Sampson preceded him down the steps, down the hatch, and to the
forecastle door, through which Denman admitted him; then relocked the
door and bunched the key with his others. Then he joined Florrie, where
she had waited amidships.

"Now, then, Florrie girl," he said, jubilantly, "you can have the use of
the deck, and go and come as you like. I'm going to turn in. You see, I
was awake all night."

"Are they secured safely, Billie?" she asked, tremulously.

"Got them all in the forecastle, in double irons, with plenty of
hard-tack and water. We needn't bother about them any more. Just keep
your eyes open for a sail, or smoke on the horizon; and if you see
anything, call me."

"I will," she answered; "and I'll have dinner ready at noon."

"That's good. A few hours' sleep will be enough, and then I'll try and
polish up what I once learned about wireless. And say,