“There ain’t none,” said Journegan, snickering and rubbing his whiskers in appreciation of his friend’s wit.

“Mr. Journegan,” said Sackett, “you go on deck, sir.”

“What am I doing?” asked the fellow, with a smirk.

“You go on deck, sir, or I’ll be forced to take some action in the matter of discipline.  Do you understand?” continued Sackett, now red in the face with anger.

Journegan rose leisurely from the table and went up the companion, whistling.

“And now, my young man,” continued Sackett, addressing the third mate, “I don’t want to have to tie you up with your friend, but you are not one of my crew, and I’ll trouble you to keep still at my table.  Mr. Andrews,” he went on, “you’ll have no further authority aboard here, and the sooner you get into the boat with the rest, the better it will be for you.”

“That’s where you make a mistake,” said Andrews, coolly.  “I’m second in command here now, and I’ll stay until the ship sinks or goes to port, in spite of you or any one else, unless you care to give me credit for my share of salvage as a volunteer to bring her in.”

“You will go to your room and not take any further part in the management of the vessel, I say,” Captain Sackett ordered, “If you don’t go freely, I’ll order my men to assist you.”

“If there’s any one who cares to take the responsibility, let him step out and make known his name,” said Andrews, in an even tone.

Sackett left the table and went on deck at once.  I heard him calling for Jenks, England, and the rest, and I started up the companion, thinking to take a hand with Chips and Jim and our men.  As I did so, Andrews cursed me foully, and the third mate made a remark I failed to hear.

Meeting Chips and Johnson, I sent the latter for Jim and Hans.  Phillippi stood near the wheel, and I beckoned to him.  When the six of us were together, I told them in a few words that Sackett was going to tie Andrews up for mutiny.  They would stand by me and give him help if necessary.

We waited near the edge of the poop while Sackett told his men what he wanted done with Andrews.

“Men,” said he, “there’s only one captain aboard here, and that is myself.  If you disobey me, it is mutiny, and you know the penalty.”

“It ain’t that we’re scared of him,” said England, “but he’s a tough one to take without no weapons.”

“I don’t ask you to run any risk,” said Sackett.  “I’ll take him and give him to you to tie up and keep until we’re safe in port.  You must do this or you will be insubordinate.”

“Sure,” said Dog Daniels, “if you’ll take the fellow, we’ll guarantee to keep him fast enough.  Hey, Jenks, ain’t that so?”

I thought I saw a suspicion of a smile play over the old sailor’s wrinkled face, and the seams of his leather-like jaws seemed to grow deeper.

“That’s it,” said Dalton.  “You take him, and we’ll take care of him until you say let him loose.”