The crew, who had watched this series of events in surprise and horror, now ran aft.
"Boys," cried Boston Charley, "I call you all to witness that I did this in self-defense."
The men showed the feeling they had in the matter by seizing the body of the captain and casting it overboard with as little concern as he had shown in disposing of the boy Bobsey.
Boston Charley now took command of the ship, and was obeyed by the men as if he was entitled to the position.
Tommy's life was now made much easier, for he only had to wait on the new captain.
"A penny for your thoughts, my boy," exclaimed the captain one day, as he noticed Tommy in a melancholy mood.
"You shall have them for nothing, sir," replied Tommy. "I was wondering how I could find out my folks."
"Tell you what, Tommy," said the captain, "when we reach 'Frisco I'll take all the money that's coming to me, and we'll start for Nevada together."
"You and I, sir?" asked Tommy, with great joy at the prospect of having such a good traveling companion.
"Yes; I guess there is more money in mining than seafaring, and I'll try my luck."