Armed sentinels were placed over each of the hatchways. Then the remaining hands set to work clearing up the forecastle, where everything movable had been knocked about and the sea-chests ransacked, and it even appeared that some attempt had been made to set the place on fire.
All that while no sound of voice or footstep could be heard in the 'tween deck, and it was surmised that all the men there had gone to sleep. The silence, when subsequently recalled, proved beyond doubt that the mutinous Chinamen were quite differently engaged.
The forecastle having been set straight, Mr. Sennit turned his attention to setting up another galley; and when that had been arranged, one of the hands helped the steward to get the fire lit and some coffee served out.
At last Jack Clewlin's long spell at the wheel ended, and in the cabin he found Captain Thorne who commended his conduct, and ordered a substantial supper.
For some time nothing of importance was noted, but just after four o'clock that morning a strong smell of smoke became noticeable fore and aft, and instantly aroused much alarm among the crew.
'They are firing the barque!' Captain Thorne exclaimed, in great anxiety. 'Arm yourselves, all hands, and follow me!'
As he and Mr. Sennit stepped on the main 'tween-deck ladder it gave way under the strain, and both men were precipitated into the midst of a howling mob below.
By the use of their revolvers, however, both men succeeded in keeping the enemy at bay, while without hesitation the crew leaped after their leaders, and with cutlass and rifle speedily cleared a space round the endangered officers.
By that time the smoke in the hold had become so dense that it was impossible to follow the mutineers, but by repeated volleys the latter became so cowed that no further annoyance came from that quarter. The crew promptly endeavoured to discover the seat of the fire. That it had originated somewhere in the bow there was no doubt; yet to reach that place became almost impossible, so thick were the volumes of smoke filling the 'tween deck, and all hands were consequently compelled to return to the open.
The main hatch ladder, which had been cut from its fastenings by the mutineers, was speedily reshipped in its place, and such of the emigrants as could be found were dragged on deck, while the fore hatch grating was removed. The head pump was rigged and its hose attached, and then lowered into the 'tween deck.