I put a loaded pistol into Jimmy’s hand, keeping a brace in my pocket; and, finding that the brig made a straight wake to the set of the helm, as surrendered by me to Miss Aurora, with the request that she would hold the spokes steady, I went forward with the lad, lifted the hatch, and sung out.
Both men came under the hatch and looked up. I let them see that the boy and I were armed, and said:
“Call, I am here to give you a chance. If you’ll come on deck and help me to carry on the work of the brig, good and well.”
“I asked to turn to afore,” said he, putting his hand on the coaming as though to come up.
“I’m willing to turn to,” said Meehan.
“I’ll abide by Call’s behavior,” said I.
“It’s cussed hot and black down here,” exclaimed Meehan. “Aint ye going to let us have a light?”
“You shall have a light,” said I; “but mind your fire. We have the boats, and I shan’t lift the hatch.”
“What made ye clip me o’er the head?” he growled. “I’d ha’ stepped back had ye arsted me.”
“Come up, Call.”