I felt embarrassed, and a little resentful.  I did not like to be reminded so bluntly of my youth and inexperience.

“You saved my life, and I don’t forget a debt like that,” I growled, ungraciously.

Newman gave a little chuckle.  He knew very well it was liking, not debt, that made me his man.

“I want you to know, Jack, that your friendship is a strength to me,” he said, with sudden earnestness.  “It is a strength and a comfort to her, too.  Your unquestioning faith in me has given both of us courage.  You have helped me regain my own faith in men and in right.  Heaven knows, a man needs faith in this ship!”

Oh, but I was exalted by these words!  I was in the hero-worship stage of life, and this mysterious giant by my side was my chosen idol.  The lady aft had quickened into activity whatever chivalry my nature contained, and it was pure, romantic delight to be told I had served her by loyalty to the man.  Aye, I felt lifted up; I felt important.

“You can count on me.  I’ll back you to the limit,” I said.  Then I rushed on, eagerly, and blurted out what was on my mind.  “You are in danger; I know it, I feel it.  That Old Man is planning something against you.  Remember that night on the yardarm!  Remember the lady’s warning!  Look at Nils!  I tell you, we’ll have to fight!  You can depend upon me, I’ll back you to the limit in anything.  So will the squareheads—­you know how desperate and bitter they are.  So will the stiffs—­they are just waiting for you to say the word.  Every man-jack for’ard will follow you!”

He checked me with stern words.  “Put that thought out of your mind!” he exclaimed.  “There will be no mutiny, if I can prevent it.  If one occurs, I shall help put it down.”

I was astonished and crestfallen.  But after a moment he went on, more kindly.

“I know you are thinking of my safety, lad, and I thank you.  But you do not know what you are proposing.  Mutiny on the high seas is madness, and these jail-birds for’ard would be worse masters than those we now have.  Besides, you do not understand my situation—­an uprising of the crew whether or not led by me, is the very thing the captain expects and wishes.  You are quite right in thinking he intends to kill me—­and not me alone—­but at present he is checkmated.  I am an able seaman, I do my work and enjoy the favor of my watch officer, and both Lynch and the tradesmen revere the lady and hate, while they fear, their master.  But in case of a mutiny—­why, Jack, those fellows aft would unite, and back up Swope in anything he chose to do.  Their own safety would depend upon it.  He would have his excuse to kill.”

“But if we win—­” I commenced.

“We would be murderers, and our necks would be forfeit,” he interrupted.  “Put away the thought, lad, for only evil can come of it.  A mutiny would mean disaster to the crew, to you, to me, and above all, to her.  For her sake, Jack, we must prevent any outbreak.”