"You would, would you?" he observed. "If I asked you to kill a certain man fora'd while he was asleep, would you do it?"
"Yes, sir, if you'll spare my life. I'll do anything, sir!" cried the man, with grovelling eagerness.
"You'd swear to do it?"
"I'll take my oath on the Bible, sir."
"I thought you would," answered the Captain grimly. "Steward, lock the man up in your room and don't hesitate to kill him if he tries to escape. Savee?"
"Savee plenty muchee," answered the huge Chinaman with a grin, whereupon he caught hold of the ex-boatswain's collar, swung him round, and hustled him out of the cabin. When they had gone, Calamity arose and made his way to the bridge, where Mr. Dykes was on watch.
"Anything to report?" asked the Captain.
"No, sir."
"How are you managing with the crew?"
"Well, sir, they ain't quite as peaceful as they might be; not since we met the Ann."