“I suppose you really had some cause to lose your temper,” I answered, “the day I hailed you from the poop, because you were used to commanding there.  I’ve heard many unpleasant things about you, Captain Andrews, but if you will let matters pass, I’m willing.  I never turned down a man yet on hearsay when he was willing to see me half way.”

Here I took his hard, muscular hand and held it for a moment.  He smiled sourly again, but said no more about our fight.

“Ye see,” he went on, after a moment’s pause, “I’m second in command here now, and I’ll show you no such treatment like what I got aboard the Pirate.  This gun I has here is only to let a man see his limit afore it’s too late.  If I didn’t show it, he might go too far, and then—­well, I reckon ye know just what might happen, being as Trunnell has told you what a gentle, soft-hearted fellow I am.  He’s a rum little dog, that fuzzy-headed fellow, Trunnell.  Did ye ever see sech arms in anything but an ape?  ‘Ell an’ blazes, he could squeeze a man worse than a Coney Island maiden gal.  Speakin’ of maidens, jest let me hint a minute in regard to the one aboard here.  She’s a daisy.  An out an’ out daisy.  An’ if there’s a-goin’ to be any love-makin’ going on around, I’ll do it.  Yes, sir, don’t take any of my duties upon yourself.  I’ll do it.  I’ll do it.  Jest remind yourself of that, Mr. Rolling, an’ we’ll get along fust rate.  The old man don’t know me yet, but Mr. Bell here—­well, Mr. Bell knows a thing or two concernin’ captains which’ll be worth a heap of gold to some people.”

The third mate looked at me with his boyish eyes for an instant, and his ruddy cheeks seemed to blush.  Then he said softly:—­

“What he means is, that you and the rest are only passengers, now.  All the men from the Pirate, you know.  There’ll be some salvage for the four who elected to stay aboard this vessel, and if you understand it in this light, you, Chips, Jim, and the rest are welcome as passengers.  If you don’t, the boat is at your disposal any time.”

“I see,” I said.  “You are also of the party elected to stay with Captain Sackett and draw salvage?”

“That’s about the size of it.”

I went on deck, and Chips, Jim, and the men went below to get something to eat.  Sackett was standing at the break of the poop as I came up, and his daughter stood beside him.  They were evidently in earnest conversation over the scene below, for as I drew near, Miss Sackett turned to me and said with some show of contempt in her voice:—­

“Your captain was very kind to send us your volunteer, and we appreciate it, Mr. Rolling.  Perhaps the reason he had no more men offer their services for a dangerous mission was because he was short of irons.”

“If you mean that American sailors have to be ironed into danger, you are mistaken,” I answered, somewhat nettled.  “However, I quite agree with you in regard to this one as an awkward fellow.  Better wait and see how he acts in time of danger before condemning him.”