This affair was only a momentary interruption of the more serious business in progress in the standing-room. Gray was out of breath, and out of strength, and after a vain attempt to release himself from the grip of Scott, he gave up the battle, for he had become absolutely powerless. He was actually suffering, and his gasps and struggles for breath were painful to witness. "Loosen the line at his throat, Scott! The man is choking to death!" called Louis in a very decided tone, as he and Felix rolled the victim over on his back. "Stay where you are, Morris!" shouted Scott, as he complied with the humane request of Louis, who could see that the prisoner--as he was by this time--had not the strength to make any further resistance. "Shoot any one that shows a knife!" Francisco had gone to the wheel, and there was no one to shoot. Louis and Felix were each in full possession of one of the arms of Gray, and he could do nothing more to help himself. His hands were securely bound behind him, and then he was left to himself. He presently recovered a portion of his strength, and tried to rise. He was assisted in doing so, and then conducted to the cabin. He was invited to recline on the divan, and, weak as he was still, he was willing to comply with the request. But Louis, satisfied that he would soon be as strong as ever, was not content to leave him until he had been more effectually secured. Scott took off his belt, and after winding it around the prisoner's wrists several times, he buckled it so tight that it seemed to be impossible for him to get loose. Not yet satisfied, they bound his legs together at the ankles, and then tied him down to the supports of the divan. Gray said not a word, and appeared to be too weak to do so, or to be inclined to do so. "Francisco has a knife, and he may give us more trouble than the Scotchman did," said Scott, when they had all retired from the cabin to the standing-room. "If you will take my advice, all three of you will stick your pistols in his face while he stands at the wheel. Louis will tell him he shall not be harmed if he submits, and then we will tie his arms behind him, and make him fast to something in the pilot-house." "All right," replied Louis; "but remember that no fellow is to fire." "I don't think you will find any occasion to fire," added Scott, as he picked up the saw which he had used in his first encounter with the Scotchman. "Francisco has already shown that he does not like the looks of revolvers." Scott led the way. The Spaniard was standing by the wheel, intently observing the compass, when the pilot, varying his programme a little to suit the situation, threw his arms around him, and brought him to the floor. Louis and Felix seized his arms, without even threatening him with the arsenal of weapons in their pockets. Francisco was made a prisoner. He was thrown upon the settee abaft the wheel, and secured to the back and legs of it.