'Then you lose your passage, that's all,' replied the boatswain. 'Is it not so, my lads?' continued he, appealing to the crew.
'Yes; either take us safe in, or—overboard,' replied several.
'I do not mind that threat, my lads,' replied Hawkhurst; 'you have all known me as a good man and true, and it's not likely that I shall desert you now. Well, since your captain there cannot save you, I suppose I must; but,' exclaimed he, looking about him, 'how's this? We are out of the passage already. Yes—and whether we can get into it again I cannot tell.'
'We are not out of the passage,' said Cain; 'you know we are not.'
'Well then, if the captain knows better than I, he had better take you through,' rejoined Hawkhurst.
But the crew thought differently, and insisted that Hawkhurst, who well knew the channel, should take charge. Cain retired aft, as Hawkhurst went out on the bowsprit.
'I will do my best, my lads,' said Hawkhurst; 'but recollect, if we strike in trying to get into the right channel, do not blame me. Starboard a little—starboard yet—steady, so—there's the true passage, my lads!' cried he, pointing to some smoother water between the breakers; 'port a little—steady.'
But Hawkhurst, who knew that he was to be put on shore as soon as convenient, had resolved to lose the schooner, even if his own life were forfeited, and he was now running her out of the passage on the rocks. A minute after he had conned her, she struck heavily again and again. The third time she struck, she came broadside to the wind and heeled over; a sharp coral rock found its way through her slight timbers and planking, and the water poured in rapidly.
During this there was a dead silence on the part of the marauders.
'My lads,' said Hawkhurst, 'I have done my best, and now you may throw me overboard if you please. It was not my fault, but his,' continued he, pointing to the captain.