"We'll obey all other orders, same as we have allus done, but we don't propose to pick up that there whaleboat."
"Who spoke?" roared the captain.
There was a movement in the groups of men in the darkness. Templin's voice, well disguised, came first from one side of the deck to the other, as he moved about while he spoke.
"You might as well make up your mind to it, Cap'n Fish. We're determined that no harm is to come to Smith. He's gone. For the rest, we'll work the ship to Vladisvostok, which we signed on for. You'll find us obeyin' orders same as ever in the mornin'."
Captain Fish was black with rage.
"Mr. Gersey," he roared, "do you know anything about this?"
"Not a thing, sir."
"We done it ourselves," came up from the waist.
"Keep fast the braces," said the captain at last; "keep her on her course."
Inasmuch as she had never been off her course and the braces had not been touched, the commands were useless. They were simply given to save the captain's face a little.