While we ate, listening for the sound of oars that would tell of the return of the boat, we could hear snatches of the sad talk of the two women in the after-cabin, through the bulkhead.  This did not tend to raise our spirits, and we hurried through to be on deck when Trunnell returned.

Scarcely had we gained the main deck when we heard the regular sound of the oars and oar-locks.  Soon the dim shadow of the boat was seen heading toward us, outlined against the light in the eastern sky where the moon was rising.

We took our places at the waist and awaited developments.  Jackwell stood directly above me, and I could see his face with its glinting eyes turned toward me.  His mustache was waxed into sharp points and curved upward, while his protruding chin and beak-like nose appeared to draw even nearer together.  He was evidently quite well satisfied that he would be able to take care of his passengers, for he said nothing to me to indicate that he was disturbed by my proximity to the gangway.

I had decided to shoot Andrews the moment he came over the side, without a word.  This much I had confided to Chips and Johnson.  They would stand by me if there was a general attack, and we would make the best terms possible afterward.

The boat drew close aboard, and I could see the backs of the rowers swing fore and aft to the stroke.  Then she shot alongside and was fast to the mizzen channels, and I stepped back ready for action.  Jackwell noticed my move and drew his pistol.  I drew mine, and glancing around I saw that the carpenter and Johnson were standing near, with their weapons at hand, and half a dozen sailors with them.  I would not be alone.

A form sprang over the side, and I raised my weapon almost before I knew it.  Then I recognized Trunnell.

“You can disarm that young fool, Trunnell,” said Jackwell, putting away his gun.  “It’s lucky for him you’ve come back without any one, or I’d have shot him in half a second more.”

The little mate came down the poop steps and went up to me.

“You better go below, Rolling,” said he.  “I didn’t tell him,” he added under his breath, “that you had said you’d mutiny afore I left, or he would probably have done for both you and Chips.  He doesn’t even know now that Chips was with you, so get into your room and pipe down.”

I was so dazed at Trunnell coming back alone I could hardly talk.  I looked again over the side to see if there was no mistake.  All the men were now aboard, and only the empty craft was there, dancing at the end of her painter.  Then I turned and followed the mate below, he stopping just long enough to give orders to hoist in the boat and swing the yards.  Jackwell went to the wheel, and away the ship went to the westward, leaving the shadowy thing there on the eastern horizon to mark the end of a fine ship.  I stopped a moment to look at the derelict, and the rising moon cast a long line of silver light across the sea.