ged herself to me,--yes, sir, to
me. I care nothing for your childish love-affairs. She is mine, if I
may believe her words, as is the letter which you have basely read.
You will return it to me at once, or I shall have it taken from you by
force."

"I give you the lie, sir, here and now," shrieked Talbot, laying his
hand upon his sword. "It is not true, she is mine; as for the note--I
keep it!"

Seymour controlled himself by a violent effort, and looked around for
some of his men. Wilton and Bentley had come aft in great anxiety, and
the whole crew were looking eagerly at them, attracted by the aroused
voices and the passionate attitude of the two men. For a moment the
chase was forgotten.

"Oh, Hilary," said Philip, addressing his friend.

"Hush, Philip, this man insults your sister. I am defending her honor."

The lad hesitated a moment; discipline was strong in his young soul.
"That is my duty--Mr. Seymour," he said.

Seymour turned swiftly upon him. "What are you doing here, Mr. Wilton?
All hands are called, are they not? Your station is on the forecastle,
then, I believe," he said with deadly calm. "Oblige me by going
forward at once, sir."

"Go, Philip," cried Talbot; "I can take care of this man."

"Aft here, two or three of you," continued Seymour, his usually even
voice trembling a little. "Seize Lieutenant Talbot. Arrest him. Take
his sword from him, and hand me the letter he has in his hand, and then
confine him in his cabin."

Two or three of the seamen came running aft. Talbot whipped out his
sword.

"The first man that touches me shall have this through his heart," he
said fiercely. But the seamen would have made short work of him, if it
had not been for the restraining hand of Bentley.

"Gentlemen, gentlemen!" he said.

"Out of the way, Bentley. You have changed my plans once. I will not
be balked again. I am the captain of this ship, and I intend to be
obeyed."

"'T is well that Mr. Seymour is on his ship and surrounded by his
bullies. He dare not meet me man to man, sword to sword. Would we
were on shore! You coward!" screamed Talbot, advancing toward him,
"shall I strike you?"

"You will have it then, sir," said Seymour, at last giving way. "No
man so speaks to me and lives. Back, men!" and white with passion and
rage he drew his own sword and sprang forward. No less resolutely did
Talbot meet him. Their blades crossed and rang against each other.
Bentley wr