"Well, mayhap you were one o' them, Martin. Here's the second time fire hath served ye well, you'll mind."
"How!" I cried, starting to my feet, "Will you be telling me 'twas you set this fire going?"
"As to the other purpose, shipmate, 'tis yonder—hark to it!" And smiling grimly, Adam held up a sinewy finger, as, from somewhere forward, rose a confused and dismal wailing.
"In heaven's name what's toward now, Adam?"
"The crew are singing, Martin, likewise they dance, presently they shall fall a-quarrelling, then grow pot-valiant, all in regular and accepted order. Already one poor rogue hath been aft to demand the women of us d'ye see, and—"
"To demand the women!" says I in gasping astonishment.
"Aye, the women, Martin—my Lady Joan and her maid, d'ye see."
"God's love, Adam!" I cried, gripping his arm, "And you—what said you to the vile dog?"
"Nought! I shot him!"
"Is the mutiny broke out then?"