“Are you and the others with me, or against me?” he asked.
“I'm ag'in' Simms,” replied the mucker non-committally.
Bony Sawyer, Red Sanders, Blanco, Wison, and two others drew in behind Billy Byrne.
“We all's wid Billy,” announced Blanco.
Divine and Barbara Harding stood a little apart. Both were alarmed at the sudden, hostile turn events had taken. Simms, Ward, and Theriere were the only members of the party armed. Each wore a revolver strapped about his hips. All were still dripping from their recent plunge in the ocean.
Five men stood behind Skipper Simms and Ward, but there were two revolvers upon that side of the argument. Suddenly Ward turned toward Divine.
“Are you armed, Mr. Divine?” he asked.
Divine nodded affirmatively.
“Then you'd better come over with us—it looks like we might need you to help put down this mutiny,” said Ward.
Divine hesitated. He did not know which side was more likely to be victorious, and he wanted to be sure to be on the winning side. Suddenly an inspiration came to him.