The captain stepped across the deck, and took a look at the first mate’s face.
“Come here, McCarthy!” he cried to the surgeon. “He has been drugged, hasn’t he?”
The surgeon put his hand to Wyndham’s pulse, and, bending down, inhaled his breath.
“Yes, sir; he has been drugged with opium. This has been a preconcerted thing!”
Chapter Four.
There was an uneasy silence for a minute or two, and then the captain spoke again.
“There cannot be a doubt of it,” he said. “My lads,” he continued, advancing towards a number of men who were gathered in a confused huddle on the forecastle, “I have a few words to say to you. We have traitors on board. The ship has been run intentionally on the reef. By and by a searching inquiry will have to be made respecting it; meanwhile I shall take the necessary steps for preserving discipline, and I call upon all here to help me in doing so. Let those who are willing to support me come forward and say so.”
The men looked doubtfully at one another; and presently the greater part of them slunk off and went below. About a dozen of the best hands remained, and, going up to the captain, declared their resolution of standing by him whatever might happen.