“If you expect an easy berth as first mate, you are mistaken, my joker,” said Jackson to Newton, as he steered the vessel; “you’ve skulked long enough, and shall now work double tides, or take the consequence.  If you don’t, I’ll be d——­d!”

“I shall do my duty, Mr Jackson,” replied Newton, “and fear no consequences.”

“Indeed!  You saw how I settled a skulk just now;—­beware of his fate!”

“I neither anticipate it, nor fear it, Mr Jackson.  If it comes to handspikes, two can play at that game.  I rather think that before many hours are over you will be sorry for your violence, for I believe that man to be in considerable danger.  Even now, I should recommend you to demand surgical assistance from the frigate.”

“Demand it, if you dare—­I am captain of this ship, sir.  The rascal may die—­and be d——­d!”

To this disgusting speech Newton made no reply.  He had made up his mind to put up with everything short of downright aggression, and for three days more he obeyed all orders, however arbitrary and however annoying.  During this period the man who had been injured became gradually worse:  his illness increased rapidly; and on the fifth day he became delirious, and in a state of high fever, when Newton again pointed out the propriety of asking surgical aid from one of the men-of-war.  This suggestion was answered by Jackson, who was now really alarmed, with a volley of oaths and execrations, ending with a flat refusal.  The crew of the brig murmured, and collected together forward, looking occasionally at the men-of-war as they spoke in whispers to each other; but they were afraid of Jackson’s violence, and none ventured to speak out.  Jackson paced the deck in a state of irritation and excitement as he listened to the ravings of his victim, which were loud enough to be heard all over the vessel.  As the evening closed, the men, taking the opportunity of Jackson’s going below, went up to Newton, who was walking aft, and stated their determination that the next morning, whether the master consented to it or not, they would hail the frigate, and demand surgical assistance for their shipmate.  In the midst of the colloquy, Jackson, who hearing the noise of the people overhead coming aft, had a suspicion of the cause, and had been listening at the bottom of the ladder to what was said, came up the hatchway, and accusing Newton of attempting to raise a mutiny, ordered him immediately to his cabin, stating his intention of sending him on board of the frigate the next morning to be placed in confinement.

“I shall obey your order,” replied Newton, “as you are in command of this vessel.  I only hope that you will adhere to your resolution of communicating with the frigate.”  So saying, he descended the companion hatch.