CHAPTER XIV.
THE BATTLE FOR FREEDOM.
"Take the helm, Cyd, and mind how you steer!" said Dan, with earnestness, as he rose from his seat, and seized one of the guns.
"Hossifus!" exclaimed Cyd, aghast at the thought. "Wha—wha—wha——"
"Take the helm!" repeated the resolute skipper, with a decision which left no alternative for the boy.
"Possifus! Dis chile don't want to set dar, and be shooted."
"There is no more danger there than there is any where else. Take your place, and don't be a coward. If you want to be free, you must fight for it now."
"Golly! Dis nigger ain't afeered, but Cyd don't want to be shooted, kase you can't do widout Cyd."
But the trembling foremast hand took his place at the tiller. He continued to mutter to himself, as though he was repelling the charge of cowardice which had been fastened upon him.
"Come, Lily, you must go into your cabin now," added Dan, tenderly, as he turned to Lily. "This is no place for you."