The Argosy, Vol. XXIV, No. 3 — page 179: what you’re looking at

Machine-transcribed from the original scan — historical spelling and the odd misread are preserved.

THE MUTINY ON ‘THE FLYING CLOUD. 563 At length the ship once more glided into the secure haven of Island Har- bor, and about five o’clock in the evening let go her anchor. ‘The sails were furled anyhow—discipline having by this time grown very lax on board the Flying Cloud notwithstanding all William’ efforts to maintain it—and then the men, without going through the formality of asking leave, lowered ‘the boats and went ashore in a body; Sibyl, Ned, and Williams were left to fol- low, if they chose, in the dingey, which they did, the steward being ordered ’ to remain on board for the night as anchor watch. When the dingey reached the shore its occupants discovered that the ship’s crew—among whom were several new hands who had joined from the prizes—had already seized a cask of spirits, and were evidently bent upon a carouse in celebration of the successful completion of their first cruise. They were then only rough and noisy, the liquor not having had time to operate; but an hour later the entire band, with a very few exceptions, had -become converted into a howling mob of drunken desperadoes, ripe and eager for any species of ruffanism which might suggest itself. Sibyl was at this time busy putting matters to rights inthe hut which Ned had caused to be erected on their previous visit to the island, and Ned was busy in the same way in his tent when Williams, happening to pass by, looked in at the latter. ‘Hark ye, youngster,’’ he gruffly remarked, ‘‘ you and the young woman -had better keep well out of sight tonight, for if either of you are seen, mis- chief may come of it; and whilst those beasts up there are in their present condition, neither I nor anybody else could help you. ‘The rascals are mad drunk, and hungry for mischief. They positively laughed.at me just now when I tried to bring them to something like order. But if I don’t make them smart for it tomorrow when we start to overhaul the rigging, call mea Dutchman.’’ Coupled with what he had already seen and heard, this warning of Wil- liams’ so seriously impressed Ned that he went to Sibyl’s door and called to her to put on her hat and join him outside. As soomas she appeared Ned said : ‘“ Look here, Miss Stanley, Williams has just been here to tell me that the men up there are mad with drink and—as he phrased it—hungry for mis- chief. Judging from tHe frightful noise and commotion among them I should say he is right, and I have called you out to tell you that I think it will be best for you and me to return on board the ship ; the steward is there, you know, and he and I can keep the anchor watch between us whilst you take your rest as usual in your cabin.”’ Sibyl had long ago come to the conclusion that she could do no better than follow poor Captain Blake’s advice, and unreservedly follow Ned’s instruc- tions, so she at once announced her readiness to do whatever he thought best. Upon this, Ned, believing that no time was to be lost, at once extin- guished the lights, and, locking the door, placed the key in his pocket; after which, taking a somewhat circuitous route in order to avoid attracting atten- tion, he and Sibyl made their way down to the spot where they had left the dingey. GOMMGIOOKSEEO