“I don't doubt the latter part of your assertion; but their satisfaction will be nothing to equal mine,” he said with cutting irony. “But you'll not 'dump' me ashore anywhere. I am going to land at Ponapé, and nowhere else.”
Again Chard took a step nearer, his face purpling with rage; and then, as Hendry came to his side with scowling eyes, Tessa quickly slipped past them, and stood near her lover.
“You'll land at Ponapé, will you?” sneered the supercargo, “It's lucky for you we are not in port now, for I'd kick you ashore right-away.”
The insult had the desired effect, for, weak as he was, Harvey sprang forward and struck Chard full upon the mouth, but almost at the same moment the captain, who had quietly possessed himself of a brass belaying-pin, dealt him a blow on the back of the neck which felled him to the deck, and then bending on one knee, he would have repeated the blow on Harvey's upturned face, when Tessa sprang at him like a tigress, and struck him again and again on the temple with her revolver. He fell back, bleeding and half stunned.
“You cowards—you pair of miserable curs!” she cried to Chard, who was standing with his handkerchief to his lips, glaring savagely at the prostrate figure of Harvey. “Stand back,” and she covered him with her weapon, as he made a step towards her, “stand back, or I will shoot you dead.” Then as the second mate, Huka, and another native appeared on the poop, she sank on her knees beside Harvey, and called for water.
Hendry, whose face was streaming with blood, though he was but little hurt, rose to his feet and addressed the second mate.
“Mr. Atkins, put that man in irons,” and he pointed to Harvey, who was now sitting up, with Tessa holding a glass of water to his lips.
The second mate eyed his captain sullenly. “He is scarcely conscious yet, sir.”
“Do you refuse to obey me? Quick, answer me. Where is the mate? Mr. Chard, I call on you to support my authority.”
Harvey looked at the second mate, whose features were working curiously. He rose and pressed Tessa's hand.