"If Leayord or Olson could be se
cretly released, or even If you could
be assured that I was free to attain
the deck at the proper moment and
thus able to release these others, we
might best play a bold game. By urg
ing some excuse' you could delay leav
ing the ship until after all the muti
neers were over the side, and In the
boats. McCann might remain on board
with you, but he would be only one
man to handle. Once we had control
of the ship, we could defend the decks,
and prevent those ruffians from return
ing on board, at least -until they sur
rendered all arms, and agreed to such
terms as we offered."
"That that would be a most despe
rate expedient" she said dejectedly,
"its success doubtful. You would be
terribly outnumbered, and without
weapons."
"I do not see It so. Outnumbered,
yes; but with every advantage of po
sition. Those fellows could not clam
ber up the side, unless it be one at a
time. Besides, the major part of the
crew are doubtless mutineers against
their will, and would be glad enough
to return to duty If promised protec
tion. I doubt If there be three revolv
ers on board. I have one of these, and
McCann carries another. Really the
plan looks feasible to me."
She arose end crossed over to the
open port gazing out In silence across
the waste of waters, the jvlnd lifting
strands of her ruffled hair. She re
mained there motionless so long I be
came Impatient.
