CHAPTER XXIII
HELP AT LAST
Jack Jepson was a brave man. He proved it then by standing unflinchingly in front of the angry captain, when shrinking back might have meant a blow that would have brought about a general fight. Seeing him standing there fearlessly, made Captain Brisco pause. And that gave the others time for action.
"What does this mean?" cried Mr. Pertell.
"He is trying to start a mutiny as he did once before!" fairly yelled Captain Brisco.
"I never started a mutiny before, and I'm not trying to do so now!" retorted Jack, and he seemed to have lost much of his timid simplicity. "I tell you the ship is sinking, and we had best take to the boats while there is time."
"And I tell you that you are wrong!" snarled Captain Brisco. "I order you below!"
"And I won't go, until I have told these people what is going on here!" retorted Jack Jepson.
"If that isn't mutiny, I'd like to know what is," cried the captain.