The captain stood almost petrified with amazement as he saw Bulger's red face rising like the morning sun. He stepped back apace.
"What the--"
The exclamation was never completed. Desmond stepped up to him and in a low voice said:
"In the name of his Majesty, King George, I call upon you, Captain Barker, to surrender this ship."
He had a leveled pistol in his hand. Bulger with a cutlass sprang to one side, and Toley ranged himself on the other. Hossain had joined the two boatmen at the companionway; all had brought out pistols from the folds of their clothing, and the companionway commanded access to the ship's armory.
Barker, who had grown purple at the sight of Bulger, now turned a sickly white. The mate dashed forward, calling to the crew, who, seeing that something was amiss, came along with a rush, arming themselves with belaying pins and any other weapons that came handy. Toley, however, leaving the cowed and speechless captain to Desmond, stepped toward the men. They recognized him at once and paused doubtfully.
"You know me," he said. "I'm a man of few words. You won't go further this voyage. Captain Barker has surrendered the ship. You'll drop those desperate things in your hands and go for'ard. Show a leg, now!"
The men looked from one to another, then at the captain, who was at that moment handing over his sword to Desmond. If Captain Barker was too badly beaten to swear he was in poor case indeed. The crew's hesitation was but momentary; under Toley's sad gaze they sullenly flung down their weapons and went forward.
Only then did the captain find speech. But it was to utter a fearful curse, ending with the name:
"Diggle."