was through treachery, and against that possibility I must guard.  I knew little of the men who had responded to my call, and chosen me as leader.  Some among them I could trust, but others were merely with me while I retained power—­would desert at the first doubt.  I must rely on the judgment of Watkins as to whom among them I could safely depend upon, and suspicion and watch the rest.  It was no pleasant position, yet success thus far had come so easily the knowledge was no discouragement.

“When we goin’ ter be fed?” yelled a voice from below.

“Presently,” I answered.  “As soon as the cook has it ready.  Shove the hatch cover back into place, lads—­yes it will be safer fastened down; they’ll get air enough through treachery, and against that possibility I must caged.”

Satisfied that every precaution had been taken, and ignoring the indignant roar of voices which greeted this order, I watched the men shift the heavy hatch cover into place, and then permitted my eyes to survey the deck, as I hastily considered our next action.

CHAPTER XXII

THE CREW DECIDES

Except that many of the men remained armed there was no suggestion of violence visible, no reminder of the fact that we were mutineers.  But for the gleaming carronade trained on the main hatch, and the small group of gunners clustered about it, the scene was peaceable enough, resembling the deck of some merchant ship.  The bark held steadily to her course, with practically every inch of canvas set, the wind steady, and only a single hand at the wheel.  LeVere stood motionless at the poop rail, staring down, as though scarcely realizing what had transpired on board, and some way his very attitude and expression of face aroused within me a doubt of the man, a determination to put him to the test.  Evidently he had held aloof and cautiously refrained from taking even the slightest part in our activities.  The men themselves were mostly forward, grouped together and still excitedly discussing the situation.  That all among them were not satisfied was indicated by their gestures, and the fact that Watkins, and others of the more loyal, were passing from group to group combating their arguments.  Plainly enough I must have a heart-to-heart talk with the fellows, outlining a plan of escape, and leaving them to imagine their choice in the matter would be followed.  But, in the meanwhile action of some sort would be most apt to overcome their dissatisfaction and prevent discussion.

The sky overhead was a pale blue, the sun shining, but as through a slight haze, while a heavy cloud of vapor obscured the western horizon.  Although this promised fog rather than storm, yet the sea had a heavy swell and I accepted this threat of a change in weather to employ the men in reducing sail.  It pleased me to note how swiftly they responded to the sound of my voice.

“Stand by to reef topsails,” I shouted.  “We’re all one watch now.  Go at it lively, lads, and when the job is over we’ll eat, and decide together what’s our next move.  Two of you will be enough to guard the hatch and you Carter, go into the cabin and relieve the girl there.  Keep your eyes open.  I’ll be down presently.  Aloft with you and see how quick a job you can make of it.”