“I ’low it seems kinder rough for us to turn you out, but that’s what we’ve decided to do, an’ there’s no use in kickin’ up rusty about it.”
“Do you mean that we’re to be set adrift after doing all we could to relieve your distress?” the captain asked, huskily, for the gag had been in his mouth so long that it was difficult to speak with sufficient distinctness to make himself understood.
“That’s about the size of it,” the man replied, with a drunken leer. “There’s jest a chance we might get into trouble at Nassau, because the _Mary and Jane_ was lost----”
“Then you are responsible for the destruction of that craft, eh?”
“Hold your tongue, or you may be askin’ questions that’ll get you into trouble, for my mates won’t stand any nonsense.”
“Then cut your own talk short. You have committed a deed which will eventually bring you to the gallows, and there is no reason why there should be any delay in finishing the job like the pirates that you are,” Captain Mansfield said, impatiently.
“That’s exactly what we’re goin’ to do. Search the crowd for fear they may have revolvers with them,” the man said, with an assumption of authority, which would have been comical under less desperate circumstances.
But few moments were required in order to execute this command, and when the work was concluded the helpless men had been robbed of everything valuable upon their persons.
Captain Mansfield no longer attempted to speak; it was as if his anger was too great to admit of words, but he watched jealously every movement made by his enemies.
The sun was flooding the sea with a golden radiance when the mutineers lowered one of the boats, put into her a small cask of water and some provisions, and then stood as if waiting for the rightful crew of the _Day Dream_ to take their departure.
At such a time resistance would have been worse than useless, and, when his bonds had been removed, the captain said, as he walked toward the rail:
“I warn you that the time will come when this high-handed proceeding must be atoned for, and, if you have any regard for your own necks, you will give us more of a show for life.”
“What do you want now?” the leader asked, with an oath.
“Two boats, and something to serve as sails. With eight people on board one of these little tenders the first strong puff of wind will send her to the bottom. Give us as good a show as you would want for yourselves.”