After some hesitation they agreed to go aft. Paul preceded
and told the captain that they were coming and he could hear their
complaints for himself. At first the captain seemed inclined to bully
the men and assert his authority; but the determined look caused him to
change his mind, and he was very diplomatic in his treatment of them.
"Boys," he said, "I have sailed the seas for many a year and always like
to treat my men well. One thing I object to and that is murdering
mates. Now you are all in open mutiny and I am authorized by law to
shoot you."
Here the men laughed derisively.
"Now," he continued, "I am against bloodshed and I want to know just
what you men want and what I can do for you."
They looked at each other and to the one whom they regarded as leader.
He was a sturdy, powerful Scotchman who stepped forward and said:
"If you were against bloodshed, why didn't you come out last night when
the second mate tried to kill some of us. We are willing to turn to
again; but not under that hound. We meant to kill him, he deserved it
and if he is not dead it is not our fault. We are well aware that there
is no law for a sailor before the mast, so at times the sailor has to
take the law in his own hands. Now me and my mates are willing to work
ship under you and the first mate but you must keep that brute out of
sight providing he recovers.
Pages:
176
177
178
179
180
181
182
183
184
185
186
187
188
189
190
191
192
193
194
195
196
197
198
199
200