hat is true, captain; there was a beginning of indiscipline on
board, and perhaps it might have ended in a revolt."

"A revolt we should have speedily put down," said West, coolly,
"were it only by knocking Hearne, who is always exciting the
mutinous men, on the head."

"And you would have done well, Jem," said the captain. "Only,
justice being satisfied, what would have become of the agreement
together, which we must have in order to do anything?"

"Of course, captain, it is better that things passed off without
violence! But for the future Hearne will have to look out for
himself."

"His companions," observed the captain, "are now greedy for
the prizes that have been promised them. The greed of gain will make
them more willing and persevering. The generosity of Mr. Jeorling
has succeeded where our entreaties would undoubtedly have failed. I
thank him for it."

Captain Len Guy held out a hand to me, which I grasped cordially.

After some general conversation relating to our purpose, the
ship's course, and the proposed verification of the bearings of
the group of islands on the west of Tsalal which is described by
Arthur Pym, the captain said,--

"As it is possible that the ravages of the earthquake did not
extend to this group, and that it may still be inhabited, we must be
on our guard in approaching the bearings."

"Which cannot bevery far off," I added. "And then, captain,
who knows but that your brother and his sailors might have taken
refu ge on one of these islands!"

This was admissible, but not a consoling eventuality, for in that
case the poor fellows would have fallen into the hands of those
savages of whom they were rid while they remained at Tsalal.

"Jem," resumed Captain Len Guy, "we are making good way, and
no doubt land will be signalled in a few hours. Give orders for the
watch to be careful."

"It's done, captain."

"There is a man in the crow's-nest?"

"Dirk Peters himself, at his own request." "All right, Jem; we
may trust his vigilance."

"And also his eyes," I added, "for he is gifted with amazing
sight."

For two hours of very quick sailing not the smallest indication of
the group of eight islands was visible.

"It is incomprehensible that we have not come in sight of them,"
said the captain. "I reckon that the _Halbrane_ has made sixty miles
since this morning, and the islands in question are tolerably close
together."

"Then, captain, we must conclude--and it is not unl