“No—no!” yelled the prisoner in the run, “don’t yield to ’em, men. Pitch into ’em—they can’t fire but two shots at the most. You miserable imp of a Driko, where are you? Why don’t you attack ’em? They are only two and you are four! One good assault and you can cut ’em to pieces—perhaps without the loss of a man!”
“My eyes!” cried Stump, with a low whistle, “it’s marvelous to hear the way that animal is urgin’ on his pow-wows, while he himself is out of harm’s way. Them that does that ain’t always the most persuasive, seeing as it’s only examples that’s contagious.”
And the speaker was right, for the mutineers, becoming more irresolute as they marked the firm purpose that shone in the steady eyes of their two adversaries, were deaf to the commands of Lark.
“Come, down with your lances—or we’ll fire!” shouted Marline, “and we’ll do the same if you attempt to retreat. Remember that whether you fly from or attack us, two of you at least must fall!”
This was not to be disputed, and, dropping his weapon, Driko motioned to his three followers to imitate his example. They obeyed, and the harpooner then ordered the whole party to the deck. The command met with the same success as that which had attended the previous one. The four men, with cowed and sullen faces, ascended the companion-way, followed by their two conquerors, who still retained their arms; and as soon as they were on deck, Marline gave orders to “wear” (veer) ship.
As the vessel was under whole topsails, it seemed impossible that this duty could be executed by the few men now in the craft; but, the harpooner and his friend lent their assistance, and the yards were swung round at last. As the wind was now from the westward, Marline soon afterward squared topsails and stood due east—hoping that this course would soon enable him to fall in with some of the boats. The man at the wheel, who was none other than the Portuguese steward Joseph, was doubtless much surprised at the change of commanders; but, whatever may have been his thoughts, the coward was too prudent to express them. He was an excellent steersman, and he now did his best, evidently hoping by this means to find favor in the eyes of the man whom he had insulted while he was a helpless prisoner.
“That’s right, keep her steady!” cried Marline, approvingly, “and you there on the knightheads!” he added, glancing forward—“look sharp for the boats and the ice!”
“Ay, ay,” answered the dusky seaman, and his voice was far from cheerful.
Descending into the cabin—after having ordered Stump to keep close to the companion-way, and to maintain a vigilant watch—the young man now entered the apartment occupied by Alice.
She bounded forward to meet him, and did not offer any very decided objection to the embrace with which he received her.