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14 until I'm aroused, and then" Another hiccough ended the sentence.

I must say that I was both alarmed and disgusted, but my disgust was greater than my alarm, for I knew I had right on my side and was willing to wager that in his present condition Captain Kenny could not hit the broadside of a barn, excepting by accident.

The two sailors advanced, but they came on slowly, evidently having no relish for the job at hand. When the Swede attempted to take hold of me I flung him off.

"Stand back!" I said, and at the same time Dan motioned Garden to keep his distance.

"Are you going to do as I ordered?" fumed the captain.

"I vos reatty to opey orders, captain," said Yarson.

"So am I, cap'n, if you say it's all right," added Carden.

"It is all—hic—right. Arrest 'em—arrest 'em on the spot!" vociferated the skipper of the Dart.

"You keep your distance," I ordered. "If you don't it will be the worse for you."

"The first man who touches me will get knocked down," said Dan, and caught up a marline spike which hung by the mast.

"Captain, I think we really ought to look to