Matti shivered into the boat, and Stuart and Blair followed with four Torches carrying Winchesters, and pulled to the brig and climbed up among the truculent crew, every man of which had his knife at his back and hands that itched to get using it.
Blair called for the mate and told him curtly what he had already told the captain, and added some special instructions for his own benefit.
Blair called for the mate and told him curtly what he had already told the captain.
"First, make fast that hawser!"
They did it to the satisfaction of the Torches, and at a call from Blair the Torch started slowly ahead, the hawser tightened, and every solid thrust of the blades in the blue water cut an upward step in the life of the Dark Islands.
"Now, understand! There will be a hand on that rope night and day. If there is any tampering with it you will hear from us. This mess"—pointing to the dismantled masts—"you will not touch till we reach the islands. Now I am going to inspect your cargo. How often do you feed them?"
"Twice a day."
"Some of us will come across each time and see it done. I hold you responsible. If they suffer, you will suffer. Understand? Now lead the way! You"—to Stuart and the four Torches—"please keep your eyes about you while I go below. Matti, you come with me."