“The last men in off the yards shall get four dozen for their pains. Remember that, ye scoundrels! Away aloft!”
Again the men ascended the rigging. The sails were furled. Two active young topmen on the mizen-yard made an attempt to spring over the backs of the rest. They missed their hold. With a fearful crash they fell together on the deck.
“Throw the lubbers overboard!” exclaimed the captain, kicking contemptuously their mangled remains.
These words were the signal of his own destruction. The men, regardless of his threats, sprang below.
“Vengeance! vengeance!” was the cry.
The first-lieutenant who ventured among them was cut down, and while yet breathing, hove overboard. Others who appeared met with the same fate. The mutineers then rushed to the captain’s cabin. He stood fiercely at bay, but in vain. Bleeding from countless wounds, he was forced through the stern port. His last words were, “Vengeance! vengeance! vengeance!” Fearfully it was paid.
Chapter Four.
The deed of blood was not yet completed, although we would fain avoid entering more minutely than is necessary into the horrible details of the massacre which followed the death of the captain. It is a proof of the evil passions which dwell within the bosoms of men, and shows how those passions may be worked up by tyranny and injustice to make men commit deeds at which, in their calmer moments, their minds would revolt. Many of the victims struggled manfully for their lives. Among the officers was a young midshipman. He was fighting bravely by the side of one of the lieutenants, who was at length cut down.