Having passed well ahead of us, the disloyal brig smartly starboarded her helm and stood out for the open sea, followed by a desultory cannonade from the stockade, which, however, did little or no harm, though it proved that the men were fairly alert, in spite of their overnight carouse.
"She's off, right enough," exclaimed one of the men.
"And the treasure with her!" shouted another, in a paroxysm of rage. "Where's my share now? All lost! All lost!"
"Peace, you fool!" said Captain Jeremy sternly.
"If you have lost your share, have I not lost far more? Wait and see."
CHAPTER XXVIII
The Fate of the Mutineers
Presently most of the men who had been left in the stockade, having taken to the boats and the little sloop, came on board. Fury, disappointment, and despair were written on their faces as they gathered in the waist awaiting the orders that were not forthcoming.
"Aren't you going to weigh and chase 'em, Cap'n?" shouted one, with more zeal than discretion.
"Send away the long-boat, and we'll soon overhaul them," suggested another.