The Bridgeport times and evening farmer., 1919-03-27
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 ''That's one attended to-" I said shortly. "Now is there any more of you who would like to fight this out ?'
 There was no answer although the ring widened under the threat of my eyes, and I met sullen faces here and there. I was in no mood to take chances.
 Carlson" I said, "you know all these men. Pick out those you can trust, and have them stand over there to the right Call them out by name i; be lively now"
 They stepped forth eagerly enough, and ranged themselves before the hunks, the faces mostly those of north ern Europe, although a negro or two was among them. As the Swede ceased calling, six or seven yet re mained clustered in front of me, a motley lot, one of them an Indian, the others mostly half-breeds. I glanced from face to face inquiriugly.
 "How about it, you?" I asked. Are there any more of you fellows who take a chance with us? This is my last offer"
 "What's the gamer" asked a sullen voice in English, and a bearded fellow, burned black, pushed his way to the front. q used ter be Scotch; now l don't know what I am. One flag is as rood as another ter me-only I want to know what sorter game I'm playin' in. Who are yer? An whar'd yer cum frum?"
 q am an English seaman" I aD- swered shortly, land how I came aboard makes no difference. Right now I am the only navigator or the Namur. Estada is dead-knifed last night by one of the buccaneers. Man uel Estevan had q hand in the busi- ness, and he's safely locked in a state room aft. Captain Sanchez is wound ed and helpless, and those cut-throats amidships are battened down below matches. LeVere and are the officers left, and we control the deck
 ''Yer mean those fellers were aimin' ter take the ship?''
 Exactly that; now where are you lads? With Manuel and his bunch of pirates? Or with us?"
 'What CT yer going ter do with us, an this ship? That's the fu'st ques- tion.''
 I had not decided that even in my own mind, but the answer came promptly enough.
 q am going to leave that to the crew. AS soon as we have all secure, I'll have every man on deck, and then we'll talk 1t over. That's fair enough isn't it7"
 'It looks fair. Come on, mates; I'm fer the Englishman."
 Orly one followed him, however, a sheep-faced boy; the others remained sullen and defiant. I had nc further time to waste in explanations. 1 glanced up at Carter's face framed in the scuttle holc.
 "Carter, pass these men up and take them forward with the others. Turn them over to Watkins. Then come back here, and report to me-"
 They went up the ladder one by one, and disappeared onto the deck above. Carlson and I watched the others until Carter stuck his head once again through the opening.
 "All safe, sir-they was like lambs"
 ''very well stand by to help. Now you lads. lift this black and shove him up to where they can get hold aboye.'
 They hoisted the unconscious form up the ladder and forced it through the. hole onto the deck. At my stern command they crawled forth into the sunlight There they picked up Co., chose and carried him aft.
 I went to the main hatch, and had the cover slipped to one side, the armed sailors gathering close about the edge, as I peered down. It was q scene of pandemonium, revealed in the yellow flame of sluSh lanterns, a group of white faces showing clearly, as the prisoners below struggled forward, gesticulating and shouting. Ignoring their mad roaring, and the threat of leveled guns, stared down at the in furiated faces, until the clamOr ceased sufficiently to let my voice be heard.
 "What are you men trying to do, frighten me? You might as well stop that This opening is lined with guns, and If one of you fire a shot we'll pour lead into you. More than that; if you attempt to climb out there is brass carronade trained on the hatch. So listen! We are in control of the ship and mean to keep it. The old officers are either dead or prisoners. What we do with you will depend on your ac- nons, but we're ready to kill if neces- sary. If you keep quiet down there, and obey orders, you'll be fed, and treated decently enough. Pass up your arms"
 There was no movement, only a glare of hostile eyes, an indistinguish- able gFoWl of voices.
 "Kneel down, lads and cover those fellows" ordered sternly drawing my own pistol. "Now you below there, this is my last word. I'll count ten, and you'll either pass up those weapons or we'll pour our fire into you. Take aim. boys..
 There was a moment of deathly Si- lence, except for my counting. One man uttered a curse, and the jana of figures at the foot of the ladder en- deavored to work back out of range