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Rh fade below the far horizon, but not before he learned that which confirmed his greatest fears, and caused him to curse the false pride which had restrained him from seeking safety for his young wife a few short hours before, when safety was within reach—a safety which was now gone forever.

It was mid-afternoon that brought the little old sailor, who had been felled by the captain a few days before, to where Clayton and his wife stood by the ship's side watching the ever diminishing outlines of the great battle-ship. The old fellow was polishing brasses, and as he came edging along until close to Clayton he said, in an undertone:

&quot;'Ell's to pay, sir, on this 'ere craft, an' mark my word for it, sir. 'Ell's to pay.&quot;

&quot;What do you mean, my good fellow?&quot; asked Clayton.

&quot;Wy, hasn't ye seen wats goin' on? Hasn't ye 'eard that devil's spawn of a capting an' 'is mates knockin the bloomin' lights outen 'arf the crew?

&quot;Two busted 'eads yeste'day, an' three today. Black Michael's as good as new agin an' 'e's not the bully to stand fer it, not 'e; an' mark my word for it, sir.&quot;

&quot;You mean, my man, that the crew contemplates mutiny?&quot; asked Clayton.

&quot;Mutiny!&quot; exclaimed the old fellow. [10]