Rush did so, omitting the name of the stoker who had been the real cause of the uprising. Mr. Macrae listened with grave face until the story of the trouble had been told.
"Who started it?"
"I would rather not say. I do not think he will start anything else very soon. He got about all that was coming to him."
"I should say he did. However, this is a matter that will have to be laid before Captain Simms. Go back to the fire room. I will accompany you and see that matters are straightened out."
This the chief did.
"The next man who starts any disturbance here will be put in irons!" said Mr. Macrae sternly. "This applies to every one of you. I shall lay the matter before the captain, as it is. He will act as he thinks best, but it is my opinion that the whole gang of you ought to be thrown off the ship at the first stop. You may be, at that."
As soon as the captain rose, the chief told him the story of the battle in the stoke hole.
"What, those two boys did up the whole crew of ten men down there?" exclaimed the master.
"That's about what it amounted to."
"Most remarkable thing I ever heard of! But I will guarantee they never started the row."