Paul ordered some of his watch to carry the mate, who was groaning, aft,
then advancing to the forecastle door said:
"Boys, this is not right. This must not be. Put up those knives. If you
have any grievances come out like men and give them to the captain."
"Oh, we have nothing to say against you or the captain," responded the
leader, "but we have determined to die before we turn to under that man
again."
Paul requested the men to keep calm and cool and he would speak to the
captain who, during this interval, had slipped back to the cabin to arm
himself. Paul advised the captain, as he met him coming out of the cabin
with a revolver in each hand, not to go to the men in that shape.
"I am sure those men are determined. Their bloodshot eyes and frenzied
manner convince me that they have not slept a wink during the watch
below and have deliberately planned this outbreak and mean mischief. I
cannot guarantee that my watch will not join them as they are all
heartily sick of the second mate's inhumanity."
The captain thought it over for a few minutes and said, "You go forward
and find out what they want."
When Paul returned to the forecastle he informed the men that the
captain was anxious to hear their complaint and see that they were
righted, and advised them to walk aft in a body and speak for
themselves, assuring them at the same time that they would receive
justice.
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