"We were fools to follow Semmel," said Wilbur; and Conroy and some others fully agreed with him.
But though it now looked as if the men could be trusted, Captain Ponsberry determined to keep his eyes on them. Vincent was placed at the head of one watch and Luke at the head of the other, so that, with one or the other of the mates, the deck was always guarded by at least two persons that could be depended upon.
The captain had hoped for favorable breezes following the heavy storm, but these did not come, and day after day passed with the old Columbia making slow progress toward Nagasaki. Formosa was passed during a bit of thick weather, so that nothing was seen of that island. Then the sun came out again, hotter than ever, so that Larry was glad to keep in the shade as much as possible.
"It's not so exciting as it was a few days ago," remarked Luke to Larry one day, when both were seated in the shade of the forecastle.
"I am glad that mutiny is at an end," answered Larry. "It's a great wonder that somebody wasn't killed or seriously wounded."
"The men didn't have their hearts in the rumpus, thet's why, Larry. If they had really meant business—well, I reckon some of us wouldn't be here now to tell the tale."
"I think Semmel meant business."
"Yes, he's a heap sight worse nor any o' the others."
"It was a mistake to take him on board. I tell you, a captain can't be too careful who he puts in his forecastle."
"Well, you know the reason—those other hands gettin' sick at Manila. But I can tell you, I'd rather have a crew of Americans any day."